HERE. - Rock the Earth

Financial Report
Rock the Earth continued to make progress in its eighth year as
a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. Nevertheless,
given the continued weak economy, 2011 was a challenging
year financially, and made even more challenging by the lack of a
single significant grant which had been the bedrock of our support
in 2009 and 2010. With the return of Founder and Executive
Director Marc Ross donating his time during the first quarter of
the year, Rock the Earth began 2011 with no debt along with a
conservative budget to fund anticipated program activities. By
addressing decreases in individual and corporate donations and
grants with reduced program goals and expenses, Rock the Earth’s
resiliency during tough economic conditions was proven.
Through the generosity of Rock the Earth’s base of existing and new
members, and an increase in special events, Rock the Earth ended
the year debt-free, demonstrated programmatic success, and is
poised to increase its focus on environmental protection, defending
some of America’s most threatened places. Moreover, to address
anticipated financial strains in 2012, Rock the Earth will be trying
a variety of new strategies to improve financial stability, including
increased fundraising activities and grant submissions, reduction of
staff hours, collaborating with other organizations, and facilitating
more volunteer involvement. Rock the Earth envisions an expansion
of its current fundraising drive involving recycling and reusing
cellular phones as well as the addition of a new program providing
fee-for-service education and outreach to other environmental
advocacy groups, relying on Rock the
Earth’s strength and record of success
in this area.
Despite the conclusion of the grant from the Educational
Foundation of America, which largely supported our Education
and Outreach efforts in 2009 and 2010, Rock the Earth managed
to conduct these activities at levels equal to 2010. With a focus
on education of the public regarding environmental issues about
which the music industry cares, we believe this will result in
both an increase in membership revenue and in interest by those
who would contribute financially toward the mission-focused
activities of the organization. Rock the Earth’s members will
continue to play a vital role in the organization’s growth and
vitality in 2012.
In 2011, Rock the Earth raised approximately $90,000 in total
revenue, a 28% decrease from the previous year. While this
total is a modest decrease in revenue from the previous year,
the organization also carried no significant debt in 2011, and
aggressively reduced its expenses accordingly. Further, the
significant reduction in grant dollars in 2011 has most certainly
impacted the organization’s bottom line. As a result, at year’s end,
the organization carried zero debt and booked a modest net income
for the year. Rock the Earth is hopeful that the organization’s
financial health will continue to improve through enhanced
relationships with musicians and the music industry, green and
sustainable businesses, corporate donors, grantors, and special
partnerships and events that creatively engage Rock the Earth
members, private donors, and the community in general.
The pursuit of preserving public
lands, the protection of threatened
ecosystems, the Roan Plateau
litigation in Colorado, continuing
to work to clean up the cruise ship
industry, partnerships with the
Plastic Pollution Coalition and other
environmental issues will utilize
significant portions of Rock the
Earth’s resources in the upcoming
year. Rock the Earth’s commitment
to these and other issues has
enabled the organization to attract
a solid and growing membership
base. Although we note membership
contributions have been reduced, in
line with the state of the economy as
a whole.
Rock the Earth Executive Director Marc Ross with Journey