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Finances
Since its founding in 2000, the Stark Mountain Foundation has received over $1,000,000 in contributions from hundreds of generous donors who recognize the importance of giving back to help support our mission to "preserve and protect" Stark Mountain and its environs. While our most recognizable campaign is our partnership with the Preservation Trust of Vermont's Single Restoration Campaign, where the SMF has raised over $950,000, our other campaigns are equallly as important. The SMF is supporting environmental education, outreach to less fortunate youth, erosion control, the reduction of carbon emissions, and is now in a partnership to help preserve "our" section of the Long Trail. Our generous donors have also funded the Kent Thomas Nature Center and restoration of Stark's Nest, which is used by hundreds of hikers each year.
Unlike many charities, the SMF has no employees and thus no payroll. Its directors and officers are all volunteers, and volunteers support our fundraising activities. Thus, we have very little overhead - approximately 5% - and we are able to put more of our valuable donations into our programs. We continually try to lower our expense ratio. For example, in 2008 we began to issue donor tax receipts via e-mail to those who provide an e-mail address. This alone saves us almost $.50 per donation. We are also trying to use the internet whenever possible for all communications, saving printing, postage, and trees!
Many of our donors are contributing shares of stock in lieu of cash donations. There are significant tax advantages to donors who contribute shares of stock that have grown in value since they were originally purchased. You can deduct the value of the stock, and you don't pay capital gains tax. (Consult your tax advisor for details, as we can't provide tax advice.) If you would like to pursue this, contact us and we'll get you the details.
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