2019 was a great year for McKenzie River Trust. Our staff grew as well as the number of properties we own and protect in conservation. The community came together supporting conservation work that protects our drinking water and local wildlife. As we celebrate our 30th year, we know how much more work there is to do in the face of a changing climate. We also recognize that the entire environmental protection movement needs to become more inclusive, welcoming, and equitable to more people.
Looking forward
In the next five years, we have some ambitious goals! We will expand our work to protect threatened watersheds on the Oregon coast. We’re striving to create a five-mile stretch of protected land along the banks of the McKenzie River near Vida. In that same stretch, we will restore over 200 acres of floodplain. All the while we plan to stay agile and open to new opportunities to protect land as it becomes available. With your help, we’ll increase connections between people and natural spaces in our region.
As a member of the Trust there are so many ways in which you grow conservation in our community. Here are six ways you can make your giving have an even bigger impact on the rivers and lands you cherish.
Peer to Peer Fundraising
Peer to Peer fundraising is an increasingly popular tool through social media and other online methods of communication. In the last 5 years, Facebook users have raised over $1 billion by asking their friends for birthday donations. [JS1] If you use Facebook, you can find easy,step-by-step instructions on how to have your own fundraiser here.
If you’re not a Facebook user, we understand! There are other ways to raise money from your network online. You can send our online donation page to your friends via email or text message. We can even work with you to create a customized donation form just for you! Let us know if you’d like to learn more.
Host a House Party
Some of our members partner with McKenzie River Trust staff to host a party at their home to share the work of the Trust. Do you know a group of people who would enjoy learning about conservation work in our region?
If you have a group of friends that you would like to share our work with, please connect with Liz Lawrence, our Development Director.
Check for Employer Match
Many companies have a donation matching program. Check with the company you work for to see if there is an avenue to double your donation impact.
Donate a Match Challenge
Match challenges are one of the best ways to excite our membership and inspire giving. For Giving Tuesday in 2019, our board president Louise Solliday gave a $5,000 match challenge to the Trust. We were able to leverage her challenge to raise another $7,000 from our members and the larger community in just one day! By pledging a match donation you are energizing and mobilizing our membership and, helping maximize their impact too.
Become a Monthly Member
Many of our members contribute as monthly givers. This allows them to have a positive influence throughout the year without needing a large sum all at once. Even a gift as small as $5.00 a month can help our waters stay clean and our wildlife thrive. Forgot to make your annual contribution in December? This is a great way to provide the Trust with reliable and consistent support. If you would like to set up a monthly gift, you can call our office or contact Julia Sherwood, our Membership Manager, or visit our website and choose the “recurring gift” option.
Join the Confluence Legacy Club
No matter your income level, a planned gift in your estate offers the opportunity to leave a legacy for what you care about in life. You can choose a dollar amount, percentage, or a residual gift in your will or estate plan. As a part of the Confluence Legacy Club, you will be ensuring a legacy of conservation for our grandchildren’s grandchilden . Learn more about the Confluence Legacy Club.
What are some of the ways you’re making a difference in your community? Share with us! Send an email to kali@mckenzieriver.org to share your story.