While there are still some large donations made to the MEC, particularly through the Redwood Justice Fund/MEC Environmental Education Fund, which provides a tax deduction to donors, our reserves have been depleted. At times we have less than a month's operating budget in the bank. This "fly by the seat of our pants" fundraising causes significant personal and organizational stress, and makes it difficult to develop solid action plans that require money to be carried out.
We are aware that the need for money is seductive, and that our principles cannot be compromised. Decisions on who we solicit and accept money from and who we refuse to solicit, are topics of on-going discussion at the MEC.
While many other non-profits are talking about weaning themselves from grant money, we are putting considerable effort into obtaining foundation funding for specific projects. Through a fundraising planning grant we received early this year, we are developing several proposals for programs, equipment and capital improvements.
As a result of the response from our membership regarding advertising in our newsletter, we are proceeding with a business sponsorship program to underwrite its cost. Initially we will have business listings rather than actual ads.
When memberships expire, we are asking people to consider changing their membership to a monthly pledge, thus providing a more stable monthly income base. Small monthly donations can be easier to make, and add up to an annual donation that could be difficult to meet in one lump sum.
We are cautiously exploring getting set up to accept credit cards for donations and memberships. The initial outlay is considerable, and there is a percent taken by the bank, but other non-profits we've talked with say it's worthwhile in their experience, especially for monthly donations and for canvassing, which is another idea we're considering for Ukiah.
Developing an environmentally friendly line of merchandise is in the works, including selling tree-free paper (which is not available in small quantities even in the San Francisco area), and hemp and organic cotton products. We're also developing a line of greeting cards, designed by local artists and printed on tree-free paper.
The MEC has always been in the forefront of environmental and social justice activities, initiating and supporting actions of others, such as the Campaign to Save Headwaters Forest, Ocean Sanctuary hearings and legislation, Forests Forever Initiative, Masonite air quality hearings, stopping CalTrans from roadside herbicide spraying, Stop Gap Campaign (Mendocino Redwood Company/Fisher family).
The MEC is used heavily by activists of every bent, seasoned and newly involved. There is so much enthusiastic and hard work done out of this office. In addition, we receive phone calls from people all over the United States asking for information and material, particularly about Headwaters Forest. Students in grade school through college make use of our resource library.
Grassroots groups receive the support they need to sprout: front money for an initial mailing to get their message out and fundraise, office space and equipment to develop their data base, an address and message phone number, and space to meet.
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 1999
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