BY ERIC FREYFOGLE, BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Since its beginning in 1967, Prairie Rivers Network has been sustained by conservation-minded people who believe in its work enough to have invested in it. With private donations in hand, staff members have reached out to foundations for further support, multiplying the individual gifts. The resulting record speaks for itself: Over the past decade, Prairie Rivers has enjoyed a growth rate of a full ten percent each year–and this in times of economic turmoil and cutbacks in foundation giving.
This spring, Prairie Rivers Network has begun two efforts to recognize the vital contributions of its donors and to encourage continued engagement. The move is part of a larger effort by staff and the Board to expand programs and effectiveness. Donors giving annually are invited to become charter members in the Friends of Illinois Rivers, a group of supporters who commit to give at least $1,000 per year. The Board hopes to enroll, as an interim goal, 45 charter members by October 2012, just in time for the organization’s 45th anniversary. Goals thereafter are 60 Friends by 2016 and 100 Friends by 2021. As this newsletter goes to press, 40 members have enrolled as charter Friends, so the interim goal is very much in sight.
For donors who have given at this level, joining the Friends group will be easy. For others–a growing number, we hope–donations at this level will represent an important increase in their involvement in the organization. Increased donations are vital if Prairie Rivers Network is to reach out to foundations beyond the state and region–to national-level foundations with household names that are beginning to take interest in the rivers, streams, and lakes of Illinois.
If you are able to become a Friend, please say so! The easiest way to do this is through recurring giving, where you automatically make a contribution to Prairie Rivers Network each month.
For many donors, a better way to support Prairie Rivers Network is through a bequest or other delayed gift. Deferred giving can take many forms, from a simple bequest in a will, to the designation of Prairie Rivers Network to receive life insurance proceeds, to a variety of more complex arrangements. Deferred gifts go directly to Prairie Rivers Network operations, for immediate use, and to help sustain our programs over time. To encourage deferred giving, the Board has created the River Legacy Society. Its ranks will include supporters who have made plans in their wills or otherwise to make gifts in the future. Friends and Legacy Society members will be recognized (if willing) and invited to occasional special gatherings.
Please contact Glynnis at 217.344.2371 or gcollins @ prairierivers.org for more information.