Founding a Conservation NGO

[Treeshark]

Has anyone done this? Or worked at a high level within one? I am distilling an idea currently, curious to hear from those with experience.

What was the path that led up to starting? Was it as successful as you had hoped? What are some of the unexpected challenges you faced?

 

[Oak]

Have you been under a rock?

National Pronghorn Organization

With pronghorn on the decline in many western states I have searched for a national conservation organization that is specific for pronghorn. This is all I come up with: https://pronghornfoundation.homestead.com/ The organization seems to be defunct like their website. Does anyone have an...

www.hunttalk.com

 

[Treeshark]

Have you been under a rock?

I did see that thread. Didn’t want to hijack from that group for my questions.

 

[Forkyfinder]

Curious what you want to start? Or what your plans are?

If you want to start a lobbyist org - fronting as a conservation non profit for a specified special interest, you might get a different answer than say a legitimate species based advocacy group.

 

[Treeshark]

Curious what you want to start? Or what your plans are?

Like I said, not quite ready for prime-time yet. It will be legitimate, but it will not be species-based.

However, based on your second question I do wonder if a PAC would be a better route vs NGO if it’s not species-based.

 

[Forkyfinder]

However, based on your second question I do wonder if a PAC would be a better route vs NGO if it’s not species-based.

No. A PAC cant be a not for profit.

With a non profit - you can avoid taxes - and still get the green light to do some lobbying. You cant endorse specific canidates either.

Certainly - made up orgs exist to solely to do that (influence policy), but all theyd need is reported to the IRS for something drastic to change.

 

[Drake4]

Wyoming PAC

https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/protect-wyoming-new-nonpartisan-pac-aims-to-put-a-stop-to-selling-off-public-lands/article_1296e809-229b-4357-8b26-708c00ca49e7.html

www.hunttalk.com

Funny stuff for sure….

 

[Straight Arrow]

Has anyone done this? Or worked at a high level within one? I am distilling an idea currently, curious to hear from those with experience.

What was the path that led up to starting? Was it as successful as you had hoped? What are some of the unexpected challenges you faced?

Why feel so compelled to "reinvent the wheel"? There are so darn many now established that surely there is one advocating for your interests.

 

[Treeshark]

Why feel so compelled to "reinvent the wheel"? There are so darn many now established that surely there is one advocating for your interests.

I suppose my goals are the same as most people’s that go down this path: Honor those who came before my by creating something to help those who come after me.

I will admit to a “selfish” motive as well- I’ve long planned a sort of second act to my adult life- one less focused on making money, and one more focused on service and challenging myself to create something. Now isn’t the time, but it’s not that far off God-willing. Time to start planning.

As far as another existing group already carrying the same flag- there are some adjacent groups, but none really filling this particular niche.

 

[SAJ-99]

Just type the question into an AI engine. It should give you a pretty good idea of what it takes. The largest issue is raising money. You will need to be more specific to your rich friends on what the goals are than you have been on this thread. Rich people don't write checks to everyone. Good luck.

 

[Treeshark]

Just type the question into an AI engine.

Thanks @SAJ-99. I did do AI research, just looking for some first person experience I suppose. Also, duly noted on the scant details- being vague purposely at this point, because I want to learn more about the process rather than launch anything.

Like what part really sucked? What was unexpected? Most importantly in my mind now: what skills did you lack that you wish you had? (I would not be opposed to going back to school for a new skill, and would kind of enjoy it actually)

That type of thing.

 

[seeth07]

If your goal is to end the installation of drain tile and make it illegal, I'll write you a check for every single dollar I own. I can't find an organization that is willing to listen and put on the fight against BIG AG.

 

[Treeshark]

If your goal is to end the installation of drain tile and make it illegal, I'll write you a check for every single dollar I own. I can't find an organization that is willing to listen and put on the fight against BIG AG.

It’s not, but if you find one to send a check to I’m right there with you. Crazy on my side of Winnebago too

 

[SAJ-99]

Thanks @SAJ-99. I did do AI research, just looking for some first person experience I suppose. Also, duly noted on the scant details- being vague purposely at this point, because I want to learn more about the process rather than launch anything.

Like what part really sucked? What was unexpected? Most importantly in my mind now: what skills did you lack that you wish you had? (I would not be opposed to going back to school for a new skill, and would kind of enjoy it actually)

That type of thing.

As @seeth07 pointed out, clearly identify the opposition. Those couple I know that failed were because they didn’t realize who would be against their great idea.

The skills will differ between NGO and PAC. Money is the commonality for
both. You need to be good at sales.

 

[Treeshark]

You need to be good at sales.

That is convenient!

 

[Laszlo Cravensworth]

Some thoughts from spending most of my life in an officer role of one NGO or another:

Fundraising is an ever present part of the job.

There are fewer and fewer volunteers out there that show up.

Money man and executive are two different people.

Generally no such thing as too much communication.

Roberts Rules of Order. Shocking to me how many people aren't familiar with it.

 

[Treeshark]

Love that feedback @Laszlo Cravensworth, thank you.

 

[Treeshark]

Roberts Rules of Order. Shocking to me how many people aren't familiar

I am on the board of a local nonprofit group, that part of it is brutal. On the plus side, I now know exactly who is bringing the bagel slicer for an event we are planning three months from now

 

[NoWiser]

If your goal is to end the installation of drain tile and make it illegal, I'll write you a check for every single dollar I own. I can't find an organization that is willing to listen and put on the fight against BIG AG.

Man, now that is an organization that would get my money. All of it. Every year I think it can’t get worse. And then it does. Just last week I watched an entire wetland vanish before my eyes. So did the nesting waterfowl that were using it.

 

[David Gough]

@brocksw