When I came on the board a few years back, I had no clue how Blackbrook acquired money for their annual budget. After attending a few board meeting as education chair, I found out that National Audubon gives a yearly stipend to Blackbrook. Unfortunately, this stipend only covers about 1/3 of the budget. In order to obtain the remaining amount Blackbrook raises funds annually. Besides realizing that fundraising is a critical component of having a successful Audubon chapter, I also learned that it is an opportunity for Blackbrook to build good public relations. For example fundraising activities may lead people to find out more about Blackbrook after they talk with someone selling tickets at one of our raffles.

The primary goal of Blackbrook’s fundraising is to raise money for education programs or projects. Blackbrook raises funds by having raffles, accepting Friends membership donations and applying for grants. Some of the education programs and projects we support include paying for monthly program speakers, providing teachers with Audubon Adventures to use in the classroom and allowing us to participate in local parks and non profits events.

While Blackbrook does not raise a ton of money holding raffles, it works so well because we can achieve high profit margins. For example at the November program meeting we had a ticket raffle; all of the prizes were donated; the only cost to Blackbrook was the tickets. Blackbrook had very little if any expenses associated with raising money from this raffle.

Traditionally we have seen an increase in our annual giving Friends donations every budget year. It should not come as a big surprise though that this year has seen a slight decrease in donations. I realize that financial hardship has hit our nation and expected some of it to trickle down to us. I hope that the future will be brighter for our economy and individuals would contribute again. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Depending on Blackbrook’s annual goals and objectives, we try to apply for at least one grant per year. This year we have applied for a joint grant with greater Cleveland Audubon Society. The grant will be a joint communications project to develop table displays, flyers, and banners for our respective chapters. These displays would allow both chapters to participate in large and small-scale community events, educating the public on the role of Audubon in Ohio in preservation, conservation and education.

I would like to personally thank Mary Ann, chapter secretary, who organized the raffle and to all who purchased tickets at our November meeting. We raised $103.00 on the raffle. I would also like to thank all who were able to give or will be giving to Blackbrook Friends donation membership program. In addition, I would like to thank Sandra Buckles, Cleveland Audubon Society education chair, who has taken the time and effort to write the grant. Hopefully we will hear soon if we received the grant money.

I hope to see all of you at a future meeting or field trip! Check out this issue for an upcoming raffle on page 3 and a Friends membership/donation form on page 6.

Sincerely,

Becky