One Percent to Embrace Green Space is a program of
HeadWaters Land Conservancy which is a
private not-for-profit conservation organization
serving Alcona, Alpena, Arenac, Crawford,
Roscommon, Iosco, Montmorency, Ogemaw,
Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle counties. The purpose of
Headwaters Land Conservancy is to protect the natural diversity and
beauty of northern Michigan by preserving significant
land and scenic areas and fostering appreciation
and understanding of the environment.
One Percent to Embrace Green
Space uses all donations to continue preserving the natural treasures
of this unique region. Your donation may be tax deductible as HeadWaters
Land Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your donation
is not subject to state sales tax.
Participating merchants agree to add a 1% voluntary donation to each
customer’s bill:
Customers either pay the extra 1% or decline to make the donation as they wish
Merchants track the amount of the collected donations and pass them on to HeadWaters Land Conservancy each month
All the money is dedicated to helping HeadWaters Land Conservancy preserve the rivers, lakes and natural areas throughout northeast Michigan.
Merchants do not spend their own money on the donations
All donations are voluntary
Benefits
People are attracted to northeast Michigan to shop, eat, hike, hunt and fish, because of
the small towns and natural setting. One percent to Embrace Green Space will help preserve the unique character and setting.
It’s totally voluntary by both business and customer. Signage and materials will be clearly displayed to inform the customer that it is not a tax but a voluntary donation.
Customers will feel good about shopping knowing that it results in positive social action. Shopping can become more than consumption – it makes a personal statement.
The program shows that business and land preservation are not mutually exclusive; preserving green space is good business, an investment in the economy’s future.
Consumers will identify with businesses that have similar principles, fostering consumer loyalty toward businesses that share their ideals.
It is the finest kind of local self-reliance.
It gives businesses an opportunity to contribute to a progressive cause without spending money. Instead businesses become an invaluable conduit for others’ donations.
All the money stays in our region and is used to help HeadWaters Land Conservancy preserve the rivers, lakes and natural areas throughout northeast Michigan.
It’s voluntary! It is better than having the government collect taxes and decide how to spend them.
It spreads the giving out over a very broad base so that each person’s share is small, yet the long term net effect is very substantial.
The funds will be efficiently managed and thoughtfully dispersed by HeadWaters Land Conservancy as fiduciary, under the direction of its community board and staff.
It’s been successful elsewhere. Crested Butte, Colorado (pop. 1500) raised over $1,000,000 in eight years. 95% of their customers participate in the donation.
We provide free advertising and public relations. Ads will run in local newspapers on a regular basis, in addition to Currents, our own membership newsletter.
