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Yosemite Association and Yosemite Fund Merged to Form Yosemite Conservancy
An exciting new era in support for Yosemite National Park
Following an overwhelming vote of approval by Association members and the Fund’s Council, the boards of trustees of both organizations have formed the Yosemite Conservancy. The mission of the Yosemite Conservancy inspires people to support projects and programs that preserve and protect Yosemite National Park’s resources and enrich the visitor experience.
MERGER
• Merger snapshot
• Who Merged?
• What is the mission of the unified organization?
• What benefits will evolve from the merger?
• When will the public see a unified organization?
• How will the new organization be governed?
• What will occur during the transition period to a unified organization?
• What kind of support was there for the merger?
• Will the number of programs and projects funded each year increase?
• Will the Association’s education and volunteer programs continue?
• What happens to the Association’s presence in the park?
• What is the new name?
• Will I continue to receive newsletters, Enews, direct mail and other communications from the organization I support?
• Where will the merged organization be located?
MEMBERS AND DONORS
• Should I continue to donate to Yosemite Conservancy?
• If I want to support Yosemite today, where should I contribute?
• If I donated during the transition period, how will my donation be used?
• I give a recurring monthly donation to one (or both) of the former organizations, what will happen to my contributions?
• How will the consolidation affect members and donors?
• I am a Life Member, will my benefits change?
• Will events planned in 2010 such as the Association’s Spring Forum and the Fund’s John Muir Heritage Society events still occur?
• What happens with current volunteer activities of each organization?
• Will Association members continue to elect trustees for the organization?
• If I have a Will or other estate plan naming either the Yosemite Association or the Yosemite Fund as a beneficiary do I need to change that?
• Where can I get more information about the merger?
MERGER SNAPSHOT
We are profoundly grateful for the support of our members, donors and volunteers who have helped Yosemite Conservancy reach this new and exciting chapter in our proud history. Here’s a quick reference guide to the merger.
Major benefit
By combining the best elements and proud histories of both organizations, the unified Yosemite Conservancy will generate even greater support for Yosemite.
Vision
Yosemite Conservancy has an unwavering dedication to providing for Yosemite’s future.
Vision: We will ensure that Yosemite remains an irreplaceable resource and wondrous icon by funding projects and programs that provide a margin of excellence and inspire enduring connections for current and future generations.
Timing/transition
The merger was legally effective mid January following required State of California approvals. Outwardly, The Fund and Association operated as separate organizations until the launch. The Yosemite Conservancy was launched on June 4, 2010 with an event in Yosemite.
Contributions
Your support is needed more than ever. Gifts to either organization during the transition will help support busy summer field seasons that are already being planned for now. Your support to the Yosemite Conservancy will continue to benefit Yosemite.
Leadership/governance
Mike Tollefson, former president of The Yosemite Fund, is President of the unified organization. An integrated Board of Trustees comprised of leaders of both organizations will be responsible for overseeing the management, activities and governance of the unified organization. Going forward, the Board of Trustees will be elected annually by the Council of the unified organization.
Updates regarding the transition will be made through our website, e-news, newsletters and meetings.
Who Merged?
The Yosemite Association and Yosemite Fund were nonprofit organizations dedicated to preserving Yosemite National Park.
• The Yosemite Association was established in 1923 as the nation's first "cooperating association" with the National Park Service. The Association was a nonprofit organization dedicated to the support of Yosemite through volunteerism, outdoor learning, publishing, arts, wilderness, and Junior Ranger programs. The Association's many initiatives helped people of all ages and backgrounds gain an enduring connection to the park, and build a constituency for its long-term preservation and vitality.
• The Yosemite Fund was the primary nonprofit fundraising organization for Yosemite. Since 1988, the Fund has supported over 300 projects, providing more than $55 million for projects that preserve, protect and enhance Yosemite National Park. Projects focus on trail repair and access, habitat restoration, visitor services and education, cultural and historic preservation, scientific research and wildlife management.
MERGER
What is the mission of the unified organization?
Providing for Yosemite’s future is our passion. We inspire people to support projects and programs that preserve and protect Yosemite National Park’s resources and enrich the visitor experience.
What benefits will evolve from the merger?
For years, the Association and Fund have shared a common goal of helping to preserve the park for future generations along with providing educational opportunities. By combining our best elements and proud histories, the yosemite Conservancy is expected to generate even greater support for Yosemite. A few benefits include:
• Forming a larger and stronger base of park supporters
• Combining expertise and resources to improve overall capabilities
• Expanding opportunities for supporters to participate in park programs
When will the public see a unified organization?
The process of transitioning to a unified organization will take time. We have launched the Yosemite Conservancy and will continue the process of integrating our materials.
How will the new organization be governed?
• Mike Tollefson, former President of The Yosemite Fund, is President of the Yosemite Conservancy. David Guy, CEO of the Association, will serve as a special advisor to the new organization.
• An integrated Board of Trustees comprised of leaders of both organizations is responsible for overseeing the management, activities and governance of the unified organization.
• The Board of Trustees will be elected annually by the Council of the unified organization.
• The members of the Council are comprised of several former elected directors of the Association and the continuing members of The Fund's existing council.
What will occur during the transition period to a unified organization?
The consolidation will take time and we’re moving forward in a thoughtful manner to ensure a seamless transition.
• The Agreement of Merger was accepted for filing by the State of California last January. The California Attorney General has been notified of the merger.
• The leadership and the expanded board of trustees will evaluate and make decisions about items such as budgeting, integrated composition of the various standing committees and task forces, branding and marketing, and longer term strategic planning, to name a few items.
• The Yosemite Conservancy will continue with the programs already planned for 2010.
What kind of support was there for the merger?
There was overwhelming support for the merger. The Boards of Trustees of both organizations agreed to form a unified nonprofit organization, following votes of approval by The Fund’s Council in October and the Association members in December 2009 with 96 percent supporting the merger. The National Park Service and many of our partners also expressed strong support.
Will the number of programs and projects funded each year increase?
We hope to do even more as a unified organization. By combining projects and programs of each organization, there will be additional resources for more projects and programs. There will be both ongoing programs (i.e. education programs) and projects with completion dates (i.e. Half Dome Overlook restoration). The number of projects funded each year varies according to those selected by the board of trustees. Projects and programs scheduled for 2010 are described on our website.
Will the Association’s education and volunteer programs continue?
Yes. The consolidation will bring additional resources to these cornerstone Association programs, allowing them to grow and provide more opportunities for park supporters.
What happens to the Association’s presence in the park?
The personal touch provided in the park will continue with the new integrated team. By combining The Fund’s fundraising skills with the Association’s hands-on approach, we believe the Yosemite Conservancy can encourage an even deeper connection and commitment to grow support for Yosemite.
What is the new name?
The name of the new organization is Yosemite Conservancy. Yosemite Conservancy was chosen as the name based on overwhelming support by key board and council members, Yosemite National Park representatives and staff members.
Will I continue to receive newsletters, Enews, direct mail and other communications from the organization I support?
The Yosemite Conservancy will produce communications to keep members and donors engaged and informed. During the transition period, all communication pieces will be evaluated to determine the most effective strategies and tools to utilize going forward to achieve the organization’s goals of supporting the park.
Where will the merged organization be located?
Offices will be in El Portal (near Yosemite National Park) and San Francisco. We want to maintain our strong presence in Yosemite where we do our work and in the Bay Area.
MEMBERS AND DONORS
Should I continue to donate to Yosemite Conservancy?
Yes! Your support is needed more than ever. Gifts to the Conservancy will help support busy summer field seasons that are already being planned for now.
If I want to support Yosemite today, where should I contribute?
The best way to support both organizations is through our website at Yosemiteconservancy.org. We’re moving forward with planned 2010 projects in 2010. Those plans won’t change.
If I donated during the transition period, how will my donation be used?
Donations received during the transition will be used toward 2010 planned projects and programs that will benefit Yosemite and enhance the visitor experience. Yosemite Conservancy will receive external support to cover costs associated with the merger. As always, a donor may request that their donation be used in its entirety for a specific approved project or program in Yosemite.
I give a recurring monthly donation to one (or both) of the former organizations, what will happen to my contributions?
Your monthly donation will be processed as long as you wish to continue. The organization listed on your monthly credit card statement will be the Yosemite Foundation. Your 2010 acknowledgement and tax receipt will be mailed in January 2011 recognizing all of your 2010 gifts.
How will the consolidation affect members and donors?
Addressing the needs of each organization’s members and donors is our top priority. In 2010, we are merging the two organization’s benefits and offering most of them to anyone that contributed to either organization at appropriate gift levels. Members and donors who renew their support will receive similar benefits they’ve received in the past such as invitations to various events in Yosemite and elsewhere, recognition in Yosemite and in publications, discounts at the organization’s retail stores in Yosemite and other national parks’ cooperating associations’ stores, and lodging, merchandise and activities in and around Yosemite.
I am a Life Member, will my benefits change?
In 2010, Yosemite Association Life Members will continue to receive invitations to various events in Yosemite and elsewhere, and discounts at the organization’s retail stores in Yosemite and other national parks’ cooperating associations’ stores, and on lodging, merchandise and activities in and around Yosemite.
Will events planned in 2010 such as the Association’s Spring Forum and The Fund’s John Muir Heritage Society events still occur?
Yes. The Yosemite Conservancy currently has a variety of wonderful events for our members and donors. We anticipate that all of the usual events will occur as planned within 2010. Beyond 2010, we will identify and offer the best of both former organization’s activities and events with the objective of engaging the broadest group of supporters.
What happens with current volunteer activities of each organization?
Our volunteers are important to us and Yosemite. In 2010, all of our programs remain intact and we look forward to continued support from current and new volunteers. Any changes would be evaluated before they’re implemented and done gradually to ensure a smooth transition.
Will Association members continue to elect trustees for the organization?
No. After the merger took legal effect in January, the new integrated Council will have responsibility for electing the Board of Trustees of the unified organization. The Board of Trustees will make decisions based on input from staff, members of the Council, supporters, the Park Service and other constituencies served by the unified organization. The expanded Council, board of trustees and committees will reflect the expanded purposes and functions of the unified organization.
If I have a Will or other estate plan naming either the Yosemite Association or the Yosemite Fund as a beneficiary do I need to change that?
No. No changes are necessary for wills or other planned giving documents allocating funds to either group. Under the rules governing organizations registered in the state of California, estate planning designations are transferred to the new entity following the approval of the merger by the State, which is occurred in January.
Where can I get more information about the Yosemite Conservancy?
The best place to find information is at Yosemiteconservancy.org. We will update this Q&A and announce additional news through e-news, publications and meetings. If you have specific questions beyond what is posted on our website (www.yosemiteconservancy.org), please email (insert hyperlink to email address at President@yosemitefund.org) President Mike Tollefson at the Yosemite Conservancy.
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