Do you ever wonder where your $15, $100, or $1,000 contribution to the Access Fund goes? Most members and sponsors want assurance that their gifts are used responsibly on causes they support.
We've heard all kinds of rumors as to where the Access Fund spends its money. One of the best held that the Access Fund was buying Howard's Knob in North Carolina so that a famous French climber could train there alone. Next best: we are a slush fund for lawyers to travel the country.
My personal favorite is the summer staff retreat will be in Chamonix, France. Needless to say, none of the above is true, and our recently completed audit substantiates this.
In January, 1995, the Access Fund was audited for the first time by Simonsen, Mader, Tschacher & Co. of Laramie, Wyoming. Though costly, an audit is required to apply for numerous grants as well as to demonstrate fiscal accountability to the public. A necessary step in the growing financial sophistication of our organization, the audit shows clearly that the Fund spent 80% of its income on projects and programs, with only 20% going for administration and fundraising in fiscal year 1994.
Also for the first time (because we now meet the audit requirement), we've applied to be included in the Combined Federal Campaign. Upon notification of acceptance in the program, we'll run our federal ID number so that those members employed by the government can donate at work. All members are encouraged to check out any matching gifts programs at your workplace and to take advantage of them when you're paying your membership dues.
While members can rest assured that their dues are spent mainly on projects, which project is often a matter of uncertainty. A friend of mine refused to join the Access Fund unless I can assure him that none of his $25 donation will be spent on "a sport-climbing choss pile." While I can't do this, given the wide spectrum of worthwhile projects being funded, from land acquisitions and cleanups to educational brochures and trail improvements, I know I'll be able to convince him to sign up sometime soon.
Historically, the Access Fund has not accepted restricted donations, and there are reasons for this. We balance our checkbook just like any business or individual, and it's not possible to allocate monies based on numerous personal requests. Many projects, such as land purchases or negotiations with government agencies, take years to complete, and we are supporting a number of long-term efforts across the country.
Many people want to raise money for a specific project in their area, but before doing so, it pays to call to see if the project is on our list of committed or potential funding possibilities. If it isn't, write up a proposal outlining your project, and the board of directors will consider its merits and determine its status relative to all other projects.
At the next board meeting I'm still hoping the Chamonix trip will win the necessary votes.