brent's executive director report to the board - annual retreat 8sep2013

Every year, Austin Youth River Watch transforms the lives of 120 high-school students through

holistic, youth-development activities that focus on academic success and environmental

stewardship, making a positive impact on Austin’s environment and community.

Executive Director’s Report to Greg Meszaros7 October 2013

River Watch home page, April 2010


River Watch home page, September 2013


Then• 3 Board members• 2.5 full-time staff• FY09-10 revenues: $209,000• Damaged roof & pump house• Fines from IRS: More than $30,000• No e-mail list management

Now• 9 Board members• 3.5 full-time staff• FY12-13 revenues: $322,000• Fixed roof & pump house• Fines from IRS: $0• Nearly 1,000 subscribers to e-mails


Financial Management• Improved financial tracking• Annual financial audit• Active Treasurer & Finance Committee • Financial training for Board members• Improved checks & balances

Board of Directors• Better diversity of skills & experience• Board Agreements, terms, term limits• Created Strategic Plan for growth• Strong culture of engagement

Marketing & Communications• Relentless networking• Rebranding: new logo, brochures, signs• New website with dynamic content• Active online presence• Exposure politically & in news media

Human Resources• Full-time Executive Director • Part-time Programs & Ops Assistant• Stronger professional development• Zero turnover

Programs• Maintained/strengthened quality

through major transitions• Annual canoe-camping adventure• Improved program evaluation a bit• Celebrated 20th Anniversary• Received KAB award for excellence

Fundraising• Success in attracting donations• “Best practices” donor engagement• Active Fundraising Committee• Launching Benevon model


Fiscal Year

Revenue($1,000’s)

09-10 10-11 11-12 12-13 13-140

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

500

Corporations

Individuals

Grants

City contract


Strategic Plan, 2012-2015

Goal #1: Double the number of students in River Watch's core program.We will double the size of our core programs, growing from the current service level of 120 students per year to 250 students per year. These new students will come from both our current schools and other high schools in the Austin area.

Goal #2: Engage our River Watchers in new, high-impact community projects.We will work with partners to identify and execute new, high-impact community projects. These service projects will be mission-oriented, substantive, and results-driven. Examples include stream-bank restoration, vegetation management, and creekside trail building.

Goal #3: Expand River Watch's operational and fundraising capacity.We will expand our Board to 15 members, add 3 additional program staff, and create at least 1 new position for administrative and fundraising support. We will also explore strategic partnerships with similar organizations to aid in our growth.


Strategies Tactics Goals by 2015

Grow Board to 15 members to support expansion

Network & advertise to find potential candidates

11 Board members addedInterview & cultivate candidates per formalized procedures

Offer training & professional development to all Board members

Increase operational capacity

Develop & post job description, conduct interviews

1 administrative staff addedHire 1 part-time administrative staff then grow

to 1 full-time administrative staff

Increase community visibility

Maintain dynamic web & social-media content

Increases in website hits, news appearances, social-media

network growth, attendance at events

Engage diverse volunteers in programs, operations, & fundraising

Work with partners that can help us increase visibility

Network in environmental and education communities

Create periodic engagement & cultivation events

Apply for awards that generate visibility in community

Goal #3: Expand River Watch's operational and fundraising capacity.


Strategies Tactics Goals by 2015

Develop & execute new Special Projects

Develop criteria for new projects, including volunteer & partner engagement Number of projects

implemented, plus project-specific metrics

Plan, execute, & evaluate new projects

Add new, project-specific program staff

Develop & post job description, conduct interviews

1 program staff addedHire 1 full-time program staff

Offer ongoing professional development & training to all staff

Raise funds to support growth

Develop fundraising strategy, reflecting amounts needed to initiate & sustain projects

$80,000 additional annual revenues

Establish annual giving program for individuals from diverse networks

Secure foundation & corporate grant support

Work with fundraising partners to access additional resources

Goal #2: Engage our River Watchers in new, high-impact community projects.


This year’s goals:

Maintain excellence in: Financial management, Board development, human resources, marketing & communications, overall organizational administration.

Fundraising: Raise $114,000 to cover expenses (we raised $104,000 in 2013), and raise another $106,000 to launch the Service-Project Program in September 2014.• Conduct 20 Point of Entry events, leading up to an Ask Event in April.• Use Benevon model to achieve excellence in donor cultivation & engagement.• Continue to expand revenues from grants & corporate donations.

Programs: Continue to focus on quality in the core program, and get ready to launch Service-Project Program in September 2014.• Improve process for program evaluation.• Conduct at least 3 pilot service projects during the 2013-2014 school year.• Build relationships with program partners and volunteer groups.


Applause!

Photo by John Ingram


brent's executive director report to the board - annual retreat 8sep2013

Education