The Foundation is all about enhancing the Reserve.

Our mission.

 

The Padilla Bay Foundation was created to enhance the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve’s mission-driven projects and programs –  to contribute to the Reserve’s programs in ways that federal and state funding are not able to. 

We support PBNERR programs by engaging our community and attracting members, talented volunteers and staff who are vital in acquiring valuable supplemental resources.  

That mission focuses on improving the estuarine ecosystems through research, monitoring, training, education and stewardship.

The Foundation applies for grants and receives generous donations from our community to fund Reserve initiatives such as:

  • Bringing school children to the Reserve for “mudflat safaris”

  • Hiring seasonal education staff and interns

  • Training teachers to use climate science lessons in their classes

  • Adding microscopes to enhance education and research

  • Repairing the monitoring and sampling buoy

  • Offering free public education lectures and classes

  • Furnishing the guest house and Stevens Center

  • Providing stipends to college students for summer research projects

  • Contributing to the new touch pool exhibit

Since 1987, when the Foundation obtained 501(c)3 non-profit status, the organization has raised over $665,000 for Reserve programs and valuable matching funds for construction projects (such as the touch pool now underway)!

The Foundation is overseen by a board of dedicated volunteers with a variety of skills and backgrounds.   But they all have one thing in common – they love our Padilla Bay! 

Our goals.

 

Board Development

Goal: Strengthen our organizational leadership

 

Nurture team building among board members, and between Reserve staff and the Foundation board

Provide education and development opportunities to board members and Foundation staff

Create and maintain a racially and culturally diverse and effective board

 

Finances

Goal: Ensure financial stability

 

Collaborate with the Reserve to identify needs for Foundation fundraising efforts

Ensure that grant funds are a key source of funding

Maintain relationships with potential event/program sponsors as a source of event/program funding

Maintain a gift shop that positively contributes to the Foundation’s financial health

Provide a variety of options for supporters to financially contribute to the Foundation

Maintain or reduce General Fund expenses

Update non-profit rating sites and WA Department of Revenue site

Utilize professional financial management processes and tools

 

Constituent Relations

Goal: Expand our relations with constituents

 

Maintain adequate number of staff positions filled by skilled employees

Involve community volunteers in Foundation initiatives

Maintain an effective Constituent Resource Management (CRM) database

Maintain an active and robust Foundation membership

Create a variety of “branded” materials for regular and consistent communications

Promote public awareness, understanding and support of the Foundation

 

Organizational Operations

Goal: Provide efficient and effective administration, operations and records management

 

Maintain clear guidance for board and staff implementation of procedures and records management

Maintain an efficient structure for the organization’s records

Maintain up to date written office operations and procedures

Ensure adherence to “best practices” standards with regard to financial and legal obligations

 

Programs and Events

Goal: Strengthen and increase the number and variety of programs and events

 

Collaborate with the Reserve to broaden the variety of events and programs held at the Reserve

Heighten awareness of Foundation initiatives within the local community