Fundraising
Corporate Gift Acceptance
Frequently Asked Questions
At Friends of the Rappahannock, we believe the private sector can be a powerful ally in protecting clean water, restoring vibrant habitats, and building resilient communities.
Through thoughtful partnerships, we can shape how natural resources are managed, helping businesses and corporations make informed, responsible choices that support both the environment and long-term business success. By sharing our expertise in river conservation, restoration, and education, we encourage companies to recognize the true value of the Rappahannock – and to help safeguard it for future generations.
Why does FOR accepted corporate funds?
As a nonprofit, diversifying our funding sources has always been essential to our independence and long-term sustainability. Our ability to serve as the voice and active force for a healthy, scenic Rappahannock River depends on a strong and balanced financial foundation.
Historically, we’ve been supported by individuals, foundations, small businesses, and government grants.
In recent years, we’ve made a deliberate effort to reduce reliance on state and federal funding so we can remain agile and responsive to community needs. The refresh of the Development Director role in 2024 specifically included a charter to build corporate donor relationships in an effort to ensure the long-term sustainability of FOR.
As uncertainty has risen in the governmental funding landscape, our need to branch out into new donor streams has been underscored and our strategy validated.
What is the approval process for accepting a corporate gift?
FOR takes extra steps to ensure integrity and transparency.
- Discussions around large gifts aren’t quick.
- The Executive Staff and Board developed a rubric-based evaluation to weigh the environmental and reputational impacts against mission benefits.
- A formal gift agreement is created with clear boundaries including that gifts are to be unrestricted and carry no conditions or influence.
- The process is guided by FOR’s longstanding principles of independence, accountability, and transparency
How will FOR use corporate gifts?
Direct corporate contributions give us the flexibility to invest funds where they will have the greatest impact. Current priorities include:
- Strengthening education and restoration programs that build watershed resilience.
- Expanding community engagement and advocacy to protect local rivers and streams.
- Investing in organizational sustainability to weather shifts in federal and state funding.
These investments help ensure FOR remains a strong, independent voice for the river for decades to come. They will also serve as a safety net for FOR staff and programming amidst the changing funding landscape.
How do unrestricted gifts make a difference for Friends of the Rappahannock’s mission?
Our unrestricted operating budget is about $460,000 annually, and those funds are what keep us running day-to-day. They allow us to pay staff, maintain our facilities, support education programs, and respond quickly to new needs. Every unrestricted dollar gives us flexibility, the ability to say yes when opportunities arise or act fast when the river needs us most.
Will corporate gifts affect FOR’s advocacy or policy stance?
Absolutely not. FOR’s credibility depends on independence. Gift agreements will explicitly state that the donor has no role in shaping or influencing our advocacy positions, research, or decisions.
We remain committed to holding all entities — including corporate donors — accountable for the health of the Rappahannock River.
Do you still need community and individual support?
Absolutely. Corporate Gifts are a powerful catalyst, but they do not replace the essential role our community plays in protecting and restoring the Rappahannock River. Friends of the Rappahannock relies on individual donors, families, businesses, and volunteers to sustain our programs, expand education opportunities, and ensure long-term resilience for the watershed.
These investments help us move forward with confidence, but the work ahead, restoring streams, educating students, advocating for clean water, and caring for our headquarters and new education property, still depends on broad community support. Every contribution, at every level, continues to make a meaningful ripple for the river.
What if someone says they will no longer support FOR because of a decision to accept a corporate gift?
We understand this decision will spark a range of reactions. We welcome honest dialogue and remain grateful for the passion people feel for our river. We hope supporters see that this gift strengthens FOR’s ability to protect, restore, and advocate for the Rappahannock, without compromise.
Our work has always been powered by community trust, and we will continue to earn it every day through action, transparency, and results.
How will FOR prevent a “slippery slope” of corporate influence?
Each corporate donation is evaluated independently through our Corporate Gift Acceptance Policy. Accepting one gift does not obligate us to future partnerships.
We retain full discretion to decline future donations or current agreements that do not meet our standards for alignment, independence, or transparency.
How will FOR remain transparent about these types of donations?
Transparency is one of our organizational pillars. We will publicly share:
- The existence, amount, and purpose of gifts.
- The process we used to evaluate and approve them.
- Updates on the impact of gifts as projects progress.
What if you find that acceptance of a corporate gift is exerting pressure on FOR or impacts your ability to protect the Rappahannock?
We take that concern very seriously. Our agreement — and our organizational policy — ensures that Friends of the Rappahannock maintains full independence over our advocacy, program decisions, and mission priorities at all times.
If at any point we believe that a corporate partner is attempting to influence our work, limit our voice, or compromise our ability to protect the Rappahannock River, we will not hesitate to walk away. Any unspent portion of the gift would be returned, and we would discontinue the partnership.
Our mission and integrity come first. No funding is ever worth risking our ability to advocate for clean water or uphold the trust of our community.
Would FOR accept money from a company some view as environmentally harmful?
We believe in meeting people and organizations where they are. Environmental change happens faster when we engage — not isolate — industries that have a footprint in our watershed.
By accepting funding without compromising our independence, FOR can use these resources to expand environmental education, conservation, and advocacy, the very work that holds all sectors accountable and moves them toward better practices.
This is not about endorsement. It’s about leveraging private resources for the public good.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more and for your passion for the Rappahannock River.
If, after reviewing these FAQs, you still have questions, please reach out to Daria Christian, Executive Director. We invite open, constructive dialogue with our members and supporters — accountability and trust are at the heart of our work.