My Nonprofit Reviews
John Munn
Review for Rensselaer Land Trust Inc, Troy, NY, USA
I have been involved as a donor, officer and board member with the Rensselaer Land Trust for over twenty years from its founding through December 2010 when I resigned due to a job relocation. In that time the organization has grown tremendously and matured. The RLT works to preserve the lands of Rensselaer County, to protect habitat, preserve fields, forests and watersheds though easements with landowners and in so doing, it promotes environmental awareness through public outings and outreach efforts. A land trust has the responsibility to steward its easements in perpetuity and early on, we recognized the importance of stewardship by allocating 10% of income to a reserve fund set aside for that purpose. The board takes their responsibility seriously and the RLT became accredited, the smallest land trust to do so, by the Land Trust Alliance. The RLT's dedicated board serves voluntarily, though its staff is paid.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I've enjoyed outings and events organized by the RLT and deeply appreciate and value the open space and habitat preserved for the benefit of wildlife and future generations.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Provide for an endowment to reduce the never-ending need to spend resources and energies to raise funds for necessary operating and administrative expenses. An endowment would fund staff, pay rent and keep the lights on.
Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
What specific problem, purpose, priority, or project prompted your gift?
I grew up on Long Island and witnessed the never-ending encroachment of development of suburbia into the open farmlands, woods and forests. The ocean shorelines became inaccessible. This pattern of development followed me to Florida where I lived near the ocean and orange groves near Fort Pierce/Vero Beach. As lands developed and malls sprouted, man encroached, wildlife became displaced and farmlands became lost forever. I witness the scaring of our land and a loss of its beauty and serenity; my gifts appease my conscience.
Why did you make your donation at this time?
I make my donations when I have some money available to give. My last donation was in response to a routine appeal for operating funds.
What would you tell others about this organization?
The RLT does valuable work that goes unseen. We are all indirect beneficiaries of its work to preserve the habitat and character of the rural landscape.
