Rails-to-Trails Conservancy meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) reports that it partners with communities to transform unused railroad corridors into multi-use trails that protect landscapes, revitalize local economies, and give Americans the opportunity to lead healthy and active lives. The organization promotes policy at the national and state levels to advocate for trail building. RTC states that it works to protect the Federal Transportation Alternatives program and defends the Federal Railbanking Statute in congress and the courts to preserve unused rail corridors. In addition, the organization reports that it encourages trail use and development by providing trail access, information, maps and resources free to the public through its online trail finder, TrailLink.com. In 2017, RTC states that it funded 34 trail projects in 15 states, provided technical assistance to nearly 6,000 trail managers, and supported trail funding initiatives in 10 states.
For the year ended September 30, 2017, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's program expenses were:
Trail development |
$3,320,970 |
Public information/events |
$2,177,226 |
National and state policy |
$1,433,135 |
Member programs |
$470,949 |
Research |
$196,064 |
Total Program Expenses: |
$7,598,344 |
-
Chief Executive
Keith Laughlin, President
-
Compensation*
$264,088
-
Chair of the Board
M. Kraft
-
Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation
Executive Director, America Walks
-
Board Size
15
-
Paid Staff Size
50
*2016 compensation includes annual salary and, if applicable, benefit plans, expense accounts, and other allowances.
Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Grant proposals, Internet, Membership appeals, Planned giving arrangements, Cause- related marketing (affinity credit cards, consumer product sales, etc.)
RTC incurred joint costs of $1,322,196 for informational materials and activities that included fund raising materials. Of those costs $605,029 was allocated to program expenses, $529,686 was allocated to fund raising expenses, and $187,481 was allocated to administrative expenses.
Fundraising costs were 13% of related contributions. (Related contributions, which totaled $9,764,431, are donations received as a result of fundraising activities.)
This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.
The following information is based on Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's audited financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2017.
Source of Funds |
Contributions |
$4,170,260 |
Membership dues |
$3,024,234 |
Grants |
$1,406,417 |
Corporate sponsors |
$954,387 |
Investment income |
$424,854 |
Merchandise and publications |
$244,657 |
Workplace giving |
$209,133 |
Meetings and events |
$127,550 |
Contracts |
$90,669 |
Other income |
$58,977 |
Rental income |
$31,906 |
Total Income |
$10,743,044 |
- Programs: 78%
- Fundraising: 13%
- Administrative: 9%
Total Income |
$10,743,044 |
Program expenses |
$7,598,344 |
Fundraising expenses |
$1,303,655 |
Administrative expenses |
$925,152 |
Other expenses |
$0 |
Total expenses: |
$9,827,151 |
Income in Excess of Expenses |
$915,893 |
Beginning Net Assets |
$6,392,457 |
Other Changes In Net Assets |
$0 |
Ending Net Assets |
$7,308,350 |
Total Liabilities |
$1,290,738 |
Total Assets |
$8,599,088 |
Note: According to RTC's audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, the organization received $575,295 in contributed goods and services including Google advertising ($410,000) and legal services ($165,295).