Development Efforts Stepping Up
Facing a structural deficit, the LERA Executive Board and Contributions and Development Committee have rolled out a plan to increase LERA’s annual revenue by nearly $100,000. The ambitious plan starts with a commitment from the Board to both personally contribute and raise funds for the organizations. Additional efforts to acquire and work with Major Sponsors and expand the Annual Fund Drive in the fall of 2009 are also planned. These efforts plus cuts in publication budgets and a staff reduction (through attrition) in 2009 have helped to balance the current year budget.
Addressing the staff reduction, Paula Wells, Executive Director of LERA pointed out that the decision not to replace former staff Lisa Sprinkle, who left LERA in January for a marketing position in the Champaign IL County Parks and Recreation Department, was “difficult but necessary, considering our economic reality.”
“LERA has a small operational budget and membership dues only cover half of the expenses. Without grant support or other revenue streams, we must get back to a balanced budget.“ She explained that LERA has cut expenses about as much as possible, already moving several publications, like the LERA Newsletter and LERA Proceedings to electronic publishing formats. She indicated she and LERA staffer Emily Smith will continue to work to support the broad range of member services.
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