Willowsford Conservancy Inc

What it reported doing in 2024

Willowsford conservancy is the steward of over 2,300 acres of open space, set aside for conservation, recreation, education, and agricultural use. Fresh food production from sustainable and organic farming; recreation opportunities though access to nature trails, campsites, forests and wetlands that support diverse native wildlife and vegetation; and the conservancy's land stewardship programs-including habitat restoration, wildlife management, and invasive species control-contribute positively to the region's quality of life. All of these programs are brought to life for residents and the greater community through events and educational offerings as well as frequent volunteer opportunities. In 2024, 288 volunteers supported the land stewardship team's efforts to remove invasive species, clear trails, and monitor streams, blue birds and other wildlife (784 hours). An additional 106 volunteers supported the farm team's efforts through egg washing, csa share packing, and csa pick up amongst other activities (1,565 hours). Our board and other volunteers supported more general programs (over 500 hours). Farming in support of its mission for long-term protection and viable use of the land, the conservancy follows organic farming practices that enhance the ecological resources of the land and are integrated with the residential life of the community, education, and conservation activities. Sustainable agriculture provides fresh, nourishing food for willowsford residents and the local community, and supports the conservancy's conservation efforts. The farm also plays an active role in the greater community, supporting local agriculture and artisanal food production, food literacy, healthy nutrition, and a vibrant place for building community. In 2024, willowsford farm sold just over 400 unique shares in its community supported agriculture (csa) program, including vegetables, eggs, and flowers, in addition to supporting families through an online farm store platform. About one third of the csa members continue to be non-residends from outside willowsford. While many customers pick up at our two locations, the farm also uses a refrigerated delivery van to bring csa shares and items purchased from the online store directly to peoples' doorsteps. Each year, the farm supports food pantries to support families in our community experiencing food insecurity. In 2024, the farm donated excess produce and eggs to loudoun hunger relieft and dulles south food pantry - two local non-profit organizations - during the peak growing season. Customers who were on vacation or not able to pick up their share could choose to donate their share. The total amount donated in 2024 totaled over 11,000 pounds. Farm volunteer opportunities and program activities encourage families to engage hands-on and learn about sustainable agriculture and food production. The farm hosts volunteer activities as noted above, but also holds programs such as those focused on nutrition and culinary arts, in partnership with the hoa's chef, and leads wagon farm tours. Two school field trips were held at the farm. The farm stand hosted a large harvest- themed festival and market in october 2024 which has become a popular annual event. A new event in 2024, were four carrot harvesting sessions where volunteers worked with our farm team. Land stewardship the land stewardship program collaborates with other non-profits and government agencies to carry out conservation projects to benefit the local ecosystem and also to educate the public and residents about conservation efforts. The conservancy continues to offer hands-on, site-specific education programs and events for adults and children related to environmental stewardship, land conservation, and responsible outdoor recreation. Through these activities, the conservancy aims to facilitate informed decision-making and inspire people to become lifelong advocates for environmental sustainability, conservation and healthy lifestyles. Wil

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 72.3%; rating input score 72
• Program expense ratio: 72.3%; rating input score 72
• Fundraising efficiency: Limited

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: 3 of 6 controls in place; rating input score 50
  • Compensation committee: Missing
  • Independent consultant: Missing
  • Other Form 990s reviewed: Pass
  • Written employment contract: Pass
  • Compensation survey or study: Missing
  • Board or committee approval: Pass
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: Limited
• Major donor itemization: Limited
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 6 of 9 controls in place; rating input score 75
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Fail
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Limited
  • Other executive compensation review process: Fail
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 9.3%; rating input score 61; 61st percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 4.32; rating input score 81; 81st percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.01; rating input score 83; 83rd percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 17.8%; rating input score 15; 15th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 8.2% per year; rating input score 100; 57th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 7.7% per year; rating input score 100; 58th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 19.8% per year; rating input score 100; 83rd percentile among comparable filings