Rural Action Inc

What it reported doing in 2024

Rural Action's mission is to build a more just economy by developing the region's assets in environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable ways. We envision a region with clean streams and healthy forests; a place where thriving family farms, meaningful livelihoods and vibrant communities exist for everyone; with people engaged as good stewards of the world they live in and working together to make this vision a reality. We do this work in promising economic sectors for our region. Recent accomplishments include: Watershed Restoration: In 2024, our watershed team closed out an important project in addressing brownfields and failing septic systems by coordinating the pumping or repair of 60 home septic tank systems. The team also completed a 12-acre riparian tree planting project in Wingett Run, and monitored 17 watersheds and restoration projects in Ohio. Sustainable Forestry: Rural Action, along with 6 regional partners, received a $6,000,000 US Forest Service grant to support forest landowners in connecting with new markets, providing economic opportunities and encouraging better forest health and management practices. As part of continued efforts to advise landowners on good conservation and stewardship practices, staff conducted site visits and assisted with management planning for 2,616 acres. Zero Waste: 238,640 pounds of material was diverted from going to the landfill through zero waste programming, including collections for hard to recycle materials, a community-wide effort to collect usable items left behind when students move out in spring and get them to people in need. Additionally, the team worked to collect durable medical equipment, such as hospital beds and wheelchairs, in order to prevent waste and get this important equipment to people who need it. Sustainable Agriculture: Through partnerships with food banks, Rural Action reached 108,000 individuals by providing locally sourced food from 84 farms. 30 workshops were held for local farmers on regenerative agricultural techniques and 16 farmers participated in the Whole Farm Mentor program. The Chesterhill Produce Auction (CPA) did $525,424 in business in 2024, which put $438,000 of revenue into the pockets of local farmers and producers. 116 individuals completed terms of service as AmeriCorps or AmeriCorps VISTA members as part of our Leadership and Service program in 2024. Together, these members cleaned up 113 dumpsites, cleared invasive species from 384 acres of land, built trails, distributed food, and helped mobilize 1,567 other volunteers to engage in service projects in the region. Rural Action also maintains strong programming in Workforce Development, Sustainable Energy, and Environmental Education.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 74.9%; rating input score 75
• Program expense ratio: 81.4%; rating input score 81
• Fundraising efficiency: $36.34 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 70; 70th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 62nd percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: Limited
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: 100%; rating input score 100; 72nd percentile among comparable filings
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 66th percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 8 of 8 controls in place; rating input score 100
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 10.8%; rating input score 69; 69th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 0.37; rating input score 10; 10th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.43; rating input score 34; 34th percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 1%; rating input score 86; 86th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 12.9% per year; rating input score 100; 79th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 13.2% per year; rating input score 100; 83rd percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 11.4% per year; rating input score 100; 70th percentile among comparable filings