Chapter Mission Fund 80 20: RGS & AWS recognizes that chapters operate as an extension of the national organization on a local level and that local impact matters! To recognize the work, volunteerism, dedication and support of chapters, we developed the Chapter Mission Fund model. This model is set up to encourage Chapters to be more self-sufficient, host events and do more habitat work. A percentage of funds raised by the chapter will be deposited directly into chapter reserve accounts, replacing the previous State Drummer Fund model.We are developing a clear and simple flow of chapter output to habitat input – creating a direct tie of ownership. Ex. “20% of funds raised at tonight’s event will be directly spent on habitat work in the state”.
- Primary event (highest annual net income producing event): A fixed 20% of net proceeds (revenue minus expenses, including membership) will be deposited into the chapter’s reserve account. The remaining 80% will be allocated to the operating fund. The transfer of funds to reserve accounts will take place after the end of each calendar year. *Primary events with a drummer net to gross below 30% will be excluded from Chapter Drummer Fund allocation.
- Secondary Events (all other fundraising events): A fixed 80% of net proceeds (revenue minus expenses, including membership) will be deposited into the chapter’s reserve account. The remaining 20% will be allocated to the operating fund. The transfer of funds to reserve accounts will take place after the end of each calendar year.
- Event net revenue is calculated by subtracting all expenses, including membership (listed below), from all income. Membership dues are calculated at the following rates:
- Junior Member (Under age 16) $15
- Regular Member (RGS or AWS) $35
- Conservation Member (RGS & AWS) $60
Mission Fund Guidelines: If Chapter Mission Fund money is not spent in 2 years it rolls into a regional fund to be managed by the regional Forest Conservation Director. An exception can be made with the authorization from the Forest Conservation Director to extend the timeframe. The project must support the RGS & AWS mission. No equipment purchases. Mission Fund spending must be approved by RGS Staff (Forest Conservation Director or Engagement Coordinator).
Chapter Habitat Chair: This position is an important piece of the growth of RGS & AWS. The Chapter will elect a Habitat Chair. They will be the voice of the chapter coordinating potential habitat projects, volunteer projects, supporting forest management on public lands, especially in prioritized areas or dynamic forest restoration blocks. Working together with the regional Forest Conservation Director or regional Engagement Coordinator on approving habitat projects that best support our mission. The Habitat Chair will also be the ears of the chapter informing them of completed and upcoming habitat projects across the state/local region. Engagement Coordinators will set up regional Habitat Chair meetings twice a year to discuss projects. At these meetings the Forest Conservation Directors will bring proposals to Chapters requesting their financial support.
The current Sate Drummer Fund will be dissolved. The funds will be allocated to the regional Forest Conservation Director to use in their regions. They will be disbursed in the 2025 calendar year.
