Project Obligations

The Trust for Conservation Innovation staff interviews all potential projects before making the decision to accept a project. This allows a way of getting to know each other and address questions or concerns about the nature of the project work. If both parties are comfortable with the relationship, a staff recommendation and the project application is submitted to the Board of Directors and a decision is made to accept or not accept a project. If a project is accepted, a Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement is signed.

Projects of the Trust for Conservation Innovation do not have a legal identity as a nonprofit organization other than through the Trust for Conservation Innovation. Although we encourage projects to have a viable identity, fundraising proposals, press releases, etc. should identify the project as an activity through the Trust for Conservation Innovation.

When a project joins the Trust for Conservation Innovation, a single Project Director is identified to serve as the project liaison. Projects are responsible for running their own day-to-day-operations and implement the project’s direction and activities while providing the Trust for Conservation Innovation with all appropriate administrative and financial assistance. A project may not appoint a new Project Director or shift its programmatic goals significantly without prior approval of the Trust Board of Directors.

Projects shall once a year, before January 31, submit a brief (2 page) narrative report of activities during the previous calendar year, along with copies of any publications or other work products from the year. This report will provide the basis for the annual report provided to the Board of Directors.

Legal and Liability Policies

As part of the standard fee, all projects are carried under the Trust for Conservation Innovation’s general liability policy. Before engaging in an activity or event for which liability insurance in excess of or in addition to the Trust for Conservation Innovation’s current liability coverage may be necessary, the project must discuss the instance with the Executive Director. The project may be asked to pay for any such additional insurance as a condition of proceeding with the activity. Projects shall discuss in advance any potential extensions or changes of the Trust for Conservation Innovation’s exposure to liability with the Executive Director.

Consistent with nonprofit law, no assets of a project of the Trust for Conservation Innovation may be used for the direct profit or benefit of a private individual, corporation, or other party, except in reasonable compensation for services or goods supplied.

Under certain conditions, the Trust for Conservation Innovation projects may conduct lobbying activity. Projects proposing to lobby must inform the Executive Director of the extent of the lobbying activity. The Executive Director may restrict the amount of lobbying if it appears to threaten the status of the Trust for Conservation Innovation’s 501(c)(3). Projects may not work for the election of any political candidate.