Posts Tagged ‘non-profit corporation’

As an integral part of our philosophy, we have offered incentives (aka “The BAIT”) to encourage individuals to raise money for local/regional non-profits through the Bellingham Traverse and  Olympia Traverse. With the support of local businesses (aka “Spawnsors”), individuals have raised tens of thousands of dollars for local and regional non-profits. We have supported many organizations over the years.

We thank these companies for their support, providing us with gear and goodies:
REI, Kulshan Cycles, Boundary Bay Brewery, La Fiamma, Eddyline Kayak, Necky Kayak, Delta Kayak, Fairhaven Bike and Mountain Sports, Flying Fish wine, The Alpine Experience, Bike Tech and Joyride Bikes.

As we move to incorporate ourselves into our own non-profit organization, Northwest Traverse, we are evaluating our practices to increase our efficiencies and effectiveness. We have been paying attention to how our participants have been behaving over the past with regards to fundraising (a disappointing decrease over the years) and how they also respond to the prizes that have been given out. While a noble effort to encourage the fundraising for others, it was not a message that resounded loud enough. Instead of trying to continue to sell a product that people don’t want/believe in, we are going to shift how we do things. The proposal outlines what we are going to do moving forward into 2012.

The proposal.
Local and regional organizations will be invited to submit an application to be THE ONE select non-profit for the year as the beneficiary of the Traverse. A committee will choose from the pool of applicants- to be implemented in 2013. As the THE ONE beneficiary, the chosen organization will receive a percentage of the surplus revenue for the event. They will also receive a complimentary registration to the event so they can (still) raise money on their own behalf as a fundraising opportunity for their organization.

The Traverse will no longer be providing the fundraising incentives for the individuals. Instead, the prizes will go to the “winners’ of the Traverse. The winners will be the FIRST PLACE finishers in all divisions (which is a lot of prizes). The Second and Third Place finishers will receive ribbons.

THE ONE organization will have to wait 3 years to be eligible again. More details to come.

If you have questions or comments about this shift, please contact Todd Elsworth, Director.