Other concerns include narrow funder goals or criteria, onerous restrictions and requirements, limited membership support, dependency on user fees, lack of a diverse funding base, and reductions in government funding. A number of barriers were identified to obtaining adequate support. A regional community foundation focused on conservation-based and sustainable development would be most helpful focusing on direct grantmaking, assistance in establishing local funding mechanisms, and seed money for developing and implementing sustainable business projects, respondents reported. Organizations Interviewed Based in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana, the responding organizations work in service areas ranging from small towns and counties to a state-wide and even international focus. Missions related to enhancing and protecting natural resources and wildlife are most common among organizations interviewed, followed by encouraging and promoting a transition to sustainability and promoting community and economic development.
Education is the approach used most frequently to accomplish their missions.
However, they have a wide variety of target audiences and strategies. Public empowerment and involvement strategies are also very common, as are hands-on natural resource stewardship, research, and legal work.