Donor Impact Report 2021
Friends,
Could we have imagined the twists and turns of the last two years? Global threats of a persistent pandemic and climate change daunt us. Yet what matters most for our work is in focus: strengthening connections with the people and systems that impact clean and safe water for all.
The Freshwater community is rising. We grew stronger in 2021 amidst the storm. Our members, donors, and volunteers came together in record numbers. We embraced new staff and board member perspectives. We gathered viewpoints from people in Minnesota, across the Great Lakes states, and Native Nations. We watched 15 years of watershed science culminate in state law to improve water quality in the Minnesota River Basin. Your support made it all possible.
For millennia, people have cared for and respected water, but a warming planet and decades of intensifying land uses threaten its future. Now more than ever we need your partnership for protection, restoration and stewardship of our valuable fresh water for coming generations.
In appreciation of your support,
John Linc Stine, executive director
Water Stewards certified (47 standard Stewards and 12 artist Stewards)
Donated during Give to the Max Day
Raised by donors during virtual Water Connects Us fundraising event
Donors & members
Thank you to our wonderful donors for protecting the water we value.
In their own words: Why members support Freshwater
How do Freshwater's expenses break down?
Take a journey through FY21
We hope you like our new Impact Report format! This is an interactive timeline packed with information. Click the links (blue text) to explore blogs and pages that provide details.
August 2020
Our community engagement programs expand with Adopt a River, a shoreline clean-up program.
In partnership with EOR and Perkins & Will, Freshwater staff begin supporting city of Rochester in advancing equity and climate resilience through their storm water planning efforts.
Our research program bears fruit for public safety. The Hennepin County Landslide Hazard Atlas is released to the public with an interactive map.
A groundwater course, Groundwater Basics for Resource Managers, launches through University of Minnesota Extension.
Our board and staff deepen their cultural competence by completing the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI).
September 2020
Equipped with community input, we rename our water stewardship program to include all Minnesotans.
Participatory engagement staff kick off two One Watershed, One Plan planning efforts for the Snake and St. Louis/Cloquet River watersheds.
October 2020
We welcome Jocelyn Leung and her public health expertise to Freshwater staff as our new participatory engagement coordinator.
Our annual member drive kicks off; a record number join our community.
The Lower St. Croix One Watershed, One Plan process—our first!—comes to a close as the final plan is approved by the Minnesota Board of Water & Soil Resources.
Steward work remains strong and more relevant than ever. One cohort graduates and a new program year launches, and artists continue to inspire action for water with Art for Water.
November 2020
Moos Speaker Dr. David Sedlak engages hundreds on global water security.
December 2020
We vacate our old office and work remotely through the spring, and developers make quick work turning 2424 Territorial to dust.
December 2020
Online calendar sales peak before the New Year.
January 2021
In partnership with EOR, Freshwater supports several west metro watersheds in exploring how mapping floodplain vulnerability can advance climate resilience in their communities.
January 2021
Eileen Kirby joined Freshwater as part of the team for our banking groundwater project, later joining our full-time staff as a policy and research coordinator.
We kick off the legislative session by meeting with lawmakers, hearing testimony, and consulting with state agencies. We deliver policy recommendations to the legislature on managing aquifer recharge.
February 2021
We launch the research team charged with examining how Great Lakes groundwater is managed.
March 2021
Freshwater staff hone their facilitation and convening skills by completing a critical training in the skills that underpin our work for systems change and local water solutions.
April 2021
Gretchen Zampogna joins the team as our new communications and marketing coordinator to hone our message—don't miss our revamped Instagram page!
Earth month is jam-packed as Carrie Jennings facilitates a panel for the League of Women Voters and Moos speaker Alistar Boxall dives deep on pharmaceutical pollution.
We move into our new office space at 2550 University Ave. W.
May 2021
Amira Adawe joins our board, bringing her public health and nonprofit experience to Freshwater.
Risikat Adesoagun joins our board, adding another fresh perspective with her strategic communications and environmental background.
Carrie Jennings and volunteer scientists collect background data on soil in the fields of farmer partner Regi Haslett-Marroquin. The goal is to measure change in the soil’s infiltration and water-holding capacity over time as the farm shifts to regenerative agricultural practices.
June 2021
Donors raise $65,000 for clean and safe water through the virtual Water Connects Us. Food writer Beth Dooley shares a recipe and the Okee Dokee Brothers share music.
Freshwater successfully completes its consultancy role with the Rum River One Watershed, One Plan process. This comprehensive watershed management plan is now in its 60-day review period.
Meet a few of our wonderful donors
Financial summary FY2021
Balance sheet
| Assets | |
|---|---|
| Cash/cash equivalents | $583,332 |
| Receivables | $105,284 |
| Prepaid expenses | $14,659 |
| Inventory | $14,000 |
| Fixed assets | $28,302 |
| Investments | $6,091,137 |
| Total assets | $6,836,714 |
| Liabilities and net assets | |
|---|---|
| Accounts payable | $28,025 |
| Accrued liabilities | $100,614 |
| Total liabilities | $128,639 |
| Unrestricted net assets | $6,376,915 |
| Temporarily restricted net assets | $272,785 |
| Permanently restricted net assets | $58,375 |
| Total net assets | $6,708,075 |
| Total liabilities and net assets | $6,836,714 |
Income statement
| Support and revenues | $2,392,696 |
| Program expenses | $853,414 |
| Fundraising expenses | $131,060 |
| Management and general expenses | $186,236 |
| Total expenses | $1,170,710 |
| Change in net assets | $1,221,986 |
Freshwater staff
This screen shot is a good representation of how we worked during FY2021!
Freshwater is proud be an associate member of the Minnesota Environmental Fund (MEF). MEF makes it possible for employers and employees to participate in workplace giving activities such as payroll deductions and volunteer opportunities that benefit the environment. MEF supports leading nonprofit organizations that protect clean water and more—now and for future generations.