2024 Annual Report
January 11, 2024
Year in Review – In 2023, Camp Liberty Inc.:
- Delivered a full year of outdoor recreation programs.
- Hosted inclusive programs in which more than half of the participants were disabled. • Engaged professionals to expand programming and development efforts.
- Rebuilt our database of supporters, participants, and volunteers.
The upward momentum of Camp Liberty Inc. (“CLI”) continued in 2023. The success of the reorganization of the charity following the pandemic has continued. 2022 focused on restructuring, rebuilding, and engaging new leadership. We took major steps forward in 2023 by delivering 12 outdoor inclusive recreation programs or events, which were attended by more than 400 people. Programs included guided hunts, conservation days, a 3D archery shoot, and a classic car show. We expanded our involvement in community events such as VetFest and Trunk or Treat so that our communities will become more aware of CLI and our programs. Through our communications and off-site events, we educated more than 2000 people with our messages of supporting our Veterans and promoting inclusive outdoor recreation.
We also rebuilt our contact database as much of this information had been lost following CLI’s former president’s untimely passing. Recreating this database has allowed us to increase communications with our supporters and touch more lives with our programming.
CLI also established two important positions that will allow us to expand our mission. We have engaged Melinda Schwyn as our Executive Director of Programming. Melinda will focus on coordinating volunteers, organizing our programs, and building relationships in our neighboring communities. Beverly List is serving as our Executive Director of Development. Her duties include expanding our relationships with the Veteran community, overseeing our communication programs, and leading our fundraising efforts. These professionals are laying the important groundwork for our 2024 strategic goals.
Financial Highlights – In 2023, Camp Liberty Inc.:
- Recovered from the verge of bankruptcy in 2021 to again be financially solvent.
- Spent 87 percent of every dollar of income on programs and services.
- Continued the $1 per year agreement for the use of the Camp Liberty property and facilities.
- Provided no compensation, benefits, or other perks to its directors or officers.
The reorganization efforts have restored CLI to financial solvency. The pandemic negatively impacted many charities financially, and CLI was at the point at the end of 2021 where expenses were far exceeding income. We have been able to reverse that trend and restore donor support. CLI’s programs are dependent upon donations from our generous supporters. Without those donations, we could not provide our programs. The CLI board of directors has instituted proper budgeting, financial management, controls, record keeping, and reporting to ensure that its resources are used wisely.
In 2023, 87% of the revenues received were spent to provide CLI’s programs and services. This also means that only 13% of those revenues were used to cover administrative and fundraising costs. An industry benchmark for the management of charities is that fundraising and administrative costs should not exceed 30% of revenues. A “best practice” is that these costs are less than 20% of revenues. CLI is proud that we fall within this best practice and can use so much of our financial resources to benefit others.
A large part of this financial success is the result of the $1.00 per year land use agreement that was negotiated as part of the reorganization. Under that agreement, CLI does not have to pay for the maintenance, repair, or operating expenses to use the property or the Darlene Soave Lodge. Without the burden of these expenses, more of CLI’s funds can be dedicated to delivering programs and services.
Our board of directors is also committed to being transparent with our operations and finances so that our supporters can see how the organization is being managed. Meeting minutes and our nonprofit tax return are posted on our website. The 2023 year-end income statement is also included at the end of this report.
Strategic Plan – In 2024, Camp Liberty will:
- Expand our programming to better serve our Veterans, surrounding communities, and those with mobility challenges by adding more programming to supplement our primary inclusive outdoor recreation focus.
- Strengthen our volunteer base through improved communications, planning, and holding regular volunteer events. Having volunteers in addition to board members provide greater leadership and staffing for Camp Liberty’s programs is a primary goal.
- Seek out and elect two to four additional members for our board of directors by identifying beneficial skill sets and recruiting supporters with the targeted skills and experience. • Improve development efforts by pursuing new fundraising opportunities and grants that will result in at least twice the amount raised in 2023.
CLI’s board of directors is committed to continuing to advance the charity’s mission. 2024 will focus on expanding programming for the Veteran community. In surveying Veterans who have participated in our programs, we have identified assisting with VA benefits, family events, and mental health issues as areas of interest. Our goal is to implement new programming, often as a complement to our primary programs and events, to help address these needs. We will also expand our programming to include more participants and opportunities for citizens in our surrounding communities and provide inclusive recreation opportunities to those with physical challenges.
Accomplishing our first goal will require increased volunteer involvement. By engaging Melinda Schwyn as our Executive Director of Programming, we have the leadership and support needed to communicate and coordinate these volunteers. Improved communication and outreach efforts will be implemented to reach and recruit additional volunteers. We also desire to add new leaders to bring new talents, connections, and ideas to our board.
Accomplishing our first goal is also dependent on having the financial resources to support the programs. By bringing on Beverly List as our Executive Director of Development, we will have the focused effort to create the programs and opportunities for others to contribute to CLI. Reestablishing relationships with corporate donors, providing new fundraising events, and obtaining grants will be a significant priority in 2024.
Camp Liberty’s Greatest Threat – A Lack of Volunteers
We have also identified the greatest threat to CLI’s continued success. Our programs depend on the involvement of volunteers. It is not financially viable to provide the quantity and quality of programs we provide without the involvement of volunteers. Like the effects on charitable donations, the pandemic resulted in less volunteer involvement and many charities are struggling to get volunteers involved again.
Unlike volunteer assignments with some other organizations, volunteering at Camp Liberty does not involve a great deal of work. Our volunteers coordinate and participate in activities that they enjoy, such as hunting or fishing. They are using their love of those activities to help others. When you engage in an activity that you enjoy while helping others, you get an immense sense of satisfaction. We are not asking for a long-term commitment. Please consider volunteering for a day or two, and using the skills, experience, and interest in activities you enjoy benefiting others. Without that involvement, we may have to reduce programs or fold the charity.
Respectfully,
Allan Lutes
Board President and Treasurer
Attachment (Income Statement)
