It is with immeasurable gratitude that the Friends of Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary (FOHHAS) announce that:
YOU DID IT!!
Thanks to more than 750 people, organizations and business partners, we have reached the $1 Million.
WHO GAVE THIS INCREDIBLE MATCHING GIFT TO FOHHAS?
“We are doing this to support efforts to protect natural Wisconsin habitats, offer nature programming to all ages and provide a sanctuary accessible to all. Hunt Hill is a gem in our community where everyone can go to find solitude in nature.” Dave and Carolyn Cleveland
The Clevelands are long-time members and volunteers at Hunt Hill. They moved to nearby Long Lake in 2002 and when they discovered Hunt Hill, grew an immediate appreciation for the presence of such an important natural gem in their new community. Carolyn quickly became involved in the organization and has served on the FOHHAS board as its president in the past and again in 2016-2017. They are, indeed, friends of Hunt Hill. As of June, 2019, Clevelands matched the entire $1 million raised to create a $2-million endowment for Hunt Hill. Now that it is invested, the $2 million will be protected as principal and the interest off the earnings can be used by Hunt Hill. These funds will help secure FOHHAS’s commitment to the community by allowing them to continue offering affordable programs, free hiking trails and look to expanding programming and updating facilities.
WHAT IS AN ENDOWMENT?
The sole intention of an endowment is to invest it, so that the total asset value will yield an inflation-adjusted principal amount, along with additional income. The starting balance of $2 Million will be held as principal, which cannot be touched. Only the earnings from the principal can be used by FOHHAS.
WHY DOES HUNT HILL NEED AN ENDOWMENT?
By keeping program fees low so they are affordable to our community, income from programs ends up covering only 40% of total camp expenses each year. The other 60% is made up through fundraising, memberships, donations and foundation support. All of these income sources vary each year and are never a guarantee. With the establishment of a FOHHAS-owned endowment, there is now a sustainable source of revenue to ensure program fees can stay low. Hunt Hill is not government funded or supported financially by National Audubon Society.
HOW WILL THE INCOME BE USED?
The endowment will provide financial assistance to support the long term sustainability and growth of the FOHHAS operations and mission. Income earned on the endowment will be used by Hunt Hill to support ongoing operations, expanded programming and building improvements and expansions.
ARCHIVED INFORMATION
Million Dollar Match Flyer
Million Dollar Match Pledge Form
Press Release Newspaper Article
Spooner Advocate Story – 2017