My Nonprofit Reviews
Paul S.
Review for International Rivers Network dba International Rivers, Berkeley, CA, USA
I've followed International Rivers since 1996 and (full disclosure here) served on its board until 2007. I previously worked for five years on the staff of a major foundation and have served on the boards of five other nonprofit organizations. I can say without hesitation that International Rivers is one of the most professional, forward-thinking, courageous, efficient and exciting organizations I've ever had the privilege to know. They have done a better job of combining grassroots, bottom-up activism with effective global policy influence than any other environmental group I know. I recommend in the highest terms to any donor.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the prevention of destructive river development, the training and empowerment of local communities, and significant influence on the policies of governments and international funding organizations.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
find the money to increase salaries and benefits of the staff, who are significantly underpaid for what they do.
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the professionalism, dedication, openness and cohesion of the staff.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
knowledgeable about all aspects of the environmental struggle surrounding river preservation, courageous in taking the truth to powerful organizations, and highly sensitive to the feelings and needs of local communities.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
prevent the destruction of at least 20% of what remains of the world's most significant watersheds.
Ways to make it better...
much less time and energy were required to raise the funds needed to get the work done.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
going up against industries that are hugely well-funded; and raising awareness of the public at large about the critical role played by watersheds in preservation of both climate and environmental complexity.
One thing I'd also say is that...
a donor gets absolutely maximum leverage out of every dollar given to IR.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
