MOHONK PRESERVE

The mission of the Mohonk Preserve is to protect the Shawangunk Mountains region and inspire people to care for, enjoy and explore their natural world. As a leader in protecting the Shawangunks, the Mohonk Preserve sets the standard for mountain stewardship. Using science to guide land management, the Mohonk Preserve teaches others to conserve an ecosystem designated by The Nature Conservancy as one of the “Earth’s Last Great Places.” Mohonk Preserve abides by the Principles for Good G... overnance and Ethical Practice developed by the Panel on the Non Profit Sector with encouragement from the U.S. Congress. Mohonk Preserve follows the Land Trust Alliance’s national Standards and Practices to operate in an ethical, legal and technically sound manner and ensure the long-term protection of land in the public interest. Mohonk Preserve complies with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations and meets its obligation for public disclosure through a Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Policy, a Whistleblower Policy and other such measures. An Employee Handbook and Board of Directors Manual guide Mohonk Preserve's practices and standards of conduct. Mohonk Preserve retains professional legal counsel and seeks legal advice when appropriate. You can view the Mohonk Preserve’s latest annual financial statements and Certificate of Incorporation. Mohonk Preserve's Board of Directors oversees the organization through standing committees on all program areas and on governance, personnel, finance, and auditing. A Strategic Plan is reviewed and updated at regular intervals. Mohonk Preserve develops work plans and conduct performance reviews of staff annually. Objective external data on nonprofits support decisions on compensation and benefits. Mohonk Preserve conducts its financial affairs in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). Mohonk Preserve undergoes an independent annual audit. An Audit Committee helps determine that the Preserve acts with fiduciary responsibility and the Preserve follows best practices in internal controls and risk management. Budgets are developed annually; financial statements are reviewed quarterly to ensure adherence of expenditures to the budget. Sound investment policies and procedures guide management of financial assets and the Mohonk Preserve has a spending rule of 5 percent of the market value of invested assets. Mohonk Preserve adheres to standards of the National Council on Planned Giving and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. As an organization defined under Section 501c(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, the Mohonk Preserve adheres to the regulations, rules and guidelines of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Mohonk Preserve complies with charity laws of all states. Mohonk Preserve has achieved GuideStar Exchange Gold participation level, demonstrating the Preserve’s deep commitment to nonprofit transparency and accountability. More than 80 percent of the Mohonk Preserve’s annual budget is spent directly on programs. Contribute magazine’s 2007 listing of the top 200 charities in the NY/NJ/CT tri-state area named the Mohonk Preserve as one of the top donor-worthy charities in recognition of institutional stability and lean and efficient operations. All contributions to the Mohonk Preserve are used consistent with donors’ intent and as promised in fundraising solicitations. Donor-directed funds are used only in accordance with written agreements and permanently restricted donor endowments are invested with the principal being non-invadable. Mohonk Preserve has Gift Acceptance and Acknowledgment Policies and Procedures for all types of gifts. The administration and accounting of charitable gifts and memberships are reviewed regularly.More