JMRPWG agenda 102898 - Laserfiche WebLink

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As soon as the land trust has outlined its program for the coming year and developed an operating budget to carry it out, the trust needs to prepare a more detailed fundraising plan . Specifically, the trust will need to determine how much money it will need to raise, identify sources of funding, and set target amounts for each source . A Straw Organization As noted previously, Orange County could play an active role in the creation of a land trust . Initially, the Board of Directors would be appointed by the Board of Commissioners for staggered terms after solicitation of applications from the community . Board membership would consist of one representative of the Board of Commissioners with the remainder from the general public . However, a majority of the members must have special interest, experience or education in history, historic preservation, archeology, architecture, landscape design, horticulture, agriculture, ecology, and similar fields . With the exception of the Board of Commissioners ' representative, successors to the Board of Directors would be elected at an annual meeting . With respect to financial resources and staffing, the County could provide interim assistance until the Trust is fully operational . For example, the Trust will eventually raise finds through donations and membership drives to pay for acquisition as well as operating expenses . Likewise, it will seek out grants (for acquisition) with which to match County funds . However, until the Trust evolves to the point that it has an operating budget and fundraising efforts are esiabiished, County financial assistance and staffing would probably be needed . How long County assistance might be needed will depend on the amount of time required for a newly organized land trust to gain independence and come to understand its budgetary needs. How much County assistance might be needed, both in terms of money and staff, will depend on how the trust chooses to organize initially. 18