Groundwater Guardian Administrative Fee
Why is The Groundwater Foundation now charging a fee?
In 2010, The Groundwater Foundation’s Board of Directors identified the Groundwater Guardian program as a high priority for future growth and development, and the need to address program sustainability, growth, and increased services to participants.
Since the program began in 1994, The Groundwater Foundation has been able to offer Groundwater Guardian at no cost to Communities or Affiliates. While both the Board and staff of The Groundwater Foundation are committed to the continuation and growth of the Groundwater Guardian program, the time has come to make the program sustainable into the future. The Foundation will continue to raise funds to support and grow the program, but as we do so, it is important for funders to see a financial commitment to the program from Groundwater Guardians. Therefore, The Groundwater Foundation Board of Directors and staff, with valuable input from Groundwater Guardians, have determined that it is time to implement an administrative fee for program participation.
How much is the fee?
First-time Communities: $100
Renewal Communities (those designated the previous year): $75
Save 20% and pay only $50 if fee is submitted with complete and correct entry forms by the February 15 deadline.
First-time Affiliates: $200
Renewal Affiliates (those designated the previous year): $150
Save 20% and pay only $100 if fee is submitted with complete and correct entry forms by the February 15 deadline.
What benefits Do teams receive with the implementation of a fee?
- An official Groundwater Guardian plaque upon designation
- Information, resources, and materials
- Support and motivation
- A monthly newsletter with program information and updates, funding opportunities, activity ideas, success stories, and more
- A case study portion of the Groundwater Guardian website, showcasing successful activities
- Opportunities to connect with other Groundwater Guardians, through Facebook, blogs, and The Groundwater Foundation’s National Conference
- Personalized news releases for Communities, with information about specific activities implemented by each team
- Discounted or free access to Groundwater Foundation webinars
- A 10% discount on Groundwater Catalog products
- Other benefits yet to be determined (suggestions are welcome!)
When is the fee due?
The fee is due with a team's Annual Entry paperwork (by February 15 for Groundwater Guardians designated in the previous year; new Groundwater Guardians may enter at any time).
Is there any way for teams to reduce the fee?
Renewing teams can reduce the fee by submitting paperwork by the February 15 and August 31 deadlines. In addition, Affiliates can earn a discounted fee rate by recruiting new Groundwater Guardian Communities. For every Community that enters the program and is designated, $25 will be reduced from the Affiliate fee the following program year (i.e. if an Affiliate recruits two new Communities into the program in 2012 and they are designated, the Affiliate’s fee for 2013 will be reduced by $50).
What are the payment options?
Teams can pay the fee by cash, check, Visa, or MasterCard. Payment can also be submitted through the Foundation's online shop.
Can the fee be paid with groundwater foundation membership?
Use this form to pay the administrative fee and become a Groundwater Foundation member. The form should be included with a team’s Annual Entry Form, Team List, and Activity plans. Note: Groundwater Foundation membership dues are tax deductible; the Groundwater Guardian administrative fee is not.
Questions? Concerns?
Feel free to contact The Groundwater Foundation at 1-800-858-4844 or email guardian@groundwater.org.
