‘General operating support,’ what it is and why it matters

The term general operating support is frequently used in the nonprofit sector. It means support that isnt dedicated to a specific project, program or line item expense — support that can be used to do all the things that enable an organization to actually exist and carry out work! It allows us to buy postage, to pay the light bill and the rent, and also to invest in long-term strategic planning to make sure were effectively pursuing goals or research to find out who else may be doing what wed like to do so we can form partnerships instead of duplicating services.

General operating support used to be a lot easier to find, but now a lot of those sources of revenue have shifted to project-based grants with increasingly tight financial restrictions. Thats why individuals like you, FMRs members and donors, play such an essential role. You provide general operating support, and we wouldnt be as effective and strategic, wouldnt be producing tangible results, and wouldnt be 20 years old next year without you. Thats 20 years of improvements to the river and its watershed, 20 years of engaging our community in the life of the river that YOU have made happen. THANK YOU!

Please consider making an additional general operating gift right now, or becoming a member if you arent one already. Give or join today, and feel good knowing that you are the reason all of us at FMR are here and able to carry out important work for the river. Thanks again!