A Progress Report on Greenway Fundraising Efforts
We are happy to report that the Campaign and our Community Partners have made significant progress in raising funds for the acquisition of the Southeast Greenway.
To date, funds raised include $330,000 in contributions from Campaign supporters, a matching grant of $1 million from the Sonoma County Ag + Open Space District, and $225,000 in funds from the Community Foundation of Sonoma County. As soon as the Greenway land appraisal is completed in 2023, the Sonoma Land Trust will be able to apply for funds from the California State Coastal Conservancy and from other resources, which will help us to match the Ag + Open Space District’s grant.
We have been fundraising for the Greenway’s acquisition since 2017. Still, our Campaign needs to continue raising funds for purchase costs, planning and development of trails and public access, and to ensure we have adequate funds to continue our operations. During the past 5 years, operating expenses, primarily for community outreach, averaged $14,900 annually – a modest amount because of our all-volunteer effort. Operating expenses have been covered by donations made prior to 2017.
Our Campaign and all of our supporters are the reason we have been able to keep the Greenway project moving forward, now for over 13 years. Thank you Greenway supporters! Together we will create a Greenway to Spring Lake and beyond.
Jim McAdler is the Campaign Treasurer for the Southeast Greenway