FRIENDS OF THE BETSIE VALLEY TRAIL

Helping to make the Trail beautiful and accessible for all

Beulah, MI | betsievalleytrail.org

GuideStar Charity Check

EIN: 38-3092450

Contributions tax deductible
as of March 2023

IRS BMF 509(a)(1)
as of March 13, 2023

View summary

Charity Check report

Mission

We are the Friends of the Betsie Valley Trail. A 501(c)3 charitable organization whose sole purpose is to foster the development and successful operation of the Trail. The Friends provide financial, promotional, volunteer labor and supervisorial support for the Trail.

Ruling year info

1994

President

Jed Maker

Main address

PO Box 474

Beulah, MI 49617 USA

Show more contact info

EIN

38-3092450

Subject area info

Sports and recreation

Population served info

Adults

NTEE code info

Fund Raising and/or Fund Distribution (N12)

IRS subsection

501(c)(3) Public Charity

IRS filing requirement

This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990 or 990-EZ.

Tax forms

Show Forms 990

Communication

Blog

Programs and results

What we aim to solve

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

There are two distinct target populations for the Trail: residents and tourists. The Trail provides residents of Elberta with access to a grocery store, restaurants, shops and businesses, and the beach in Frankfort without having to ride a bicycle, or walk on highway M-22. The Trail similarly provides residents of Frankfort with safe access to restaurants and businesses in Elberta, plus the Elberta Bluff natural area, and the Elberta beach.

The Trail provides tourists with an opportunity to sightsee at a slower pace, and visit natural areas that aren't accessible by car. Tourists can also visit neighboring communities without having to drive and find a place to park their car.

Both tourists and residents utilize the Trail as a safe place for outdoor recreation and fitness activities.

In the nearly 20 years the Trail has been in place, the daily usage provides evidence that there is a need for non-motorized travel in the community.

Our programs

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?

Trail maintenance and education

Raise funds to provide for Trail maintenance, and educate the public about the Trail.

Population(s) Served

Adults

Where we work

External reviews

Photos

Our results

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.

Number of Facebook followers

Totals By Year

Population(s) Served

Related Program

Type of Metric

Outcome - describing the effects on people or issues

Direction of Success

Increasing

Context Notes

Number of website sessions

Totals By Year

Population(s) Served

Related Program

Type of Metric

Other - describing something else

Direction of Success

Holding steady

Context Notes

Goals & Strategy

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.

Charting impact

Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.

What is the organization aiming to accomplish?

The Friends of the Betsie Valley Trail non-profit organization was formed in 1993 "to advocate, promote and encourage the development and successful operation of a recreational trail on the former Ann Arbor Railroad corridor in Benzie County." For over 20 years it has supported the efforts of the DNR and County in creating the Trail, and intends to see that the Trail is maintained and enjoyed.

The Friends grant funds for the maintenance of the Trail above the annual $10,000 grant from the DNR. The Trail is regularly blown free of debris, and volunteers along with Trail Adopters conduct clean-up events. Signage, benches, and overlooks have all been installed over the years.

The Friends communicate by mail three times a year with its membership of 300+, plus an additional list of 400+ individuals and families that have donated to the Trail over the years. These solicitations raise approximately $30,000 annually.

What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?

The Friends of the Betsie Valley Trail communicates by mail three times a year with its membership of 300+, plus an additional list of 400+ individuals and families that have donated to the Trail over the years. The Friends also communicates monthly to a list of 400+ e-news subscribers, and 400+ Facebook followers. These solicitations bring in ~$30,000 annually.

What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?

The Friends of the Betsie Valley Trail consists of a Board of 9 volunteer members, plus an ex-officio Trail Care Coordinator who oversees maintenance and construction needs for the Trail. They are 100% paid-up members of The Friends, and have made monetary donations of varying amounts to both the operating account and the Wm. R. Olsen Endowment for the Betsie Valley Trail.

What have they accomplished so far and what's next?

The Trail corridor was acquired by the DNR in 1996, and the Trail was paved between Frankfort and Beulah in 2000. All 22 miles of the Trail are maintained regularly with the assistance of a grant from the DNR.

Financials

FRIENDS OF THE BETSIE VALLEY TRAIL

Fiscal year: Jan 01 - Dec 31

Revenue vs. expenses: breakdown

SOURCE: IRS Form 990

NET GAIN/LOSS: in

Note: When component data are not available, the graph displays the total Revenue and/or Expense values.

Financial data

Source: IRS Form 990

Digitizing IRS form 990 data

FRIENDS OF THE BETSIE VALLEY TRAIL

Revenue & expenses

Fiscal Year: Jan 01 - Dec 31

SOURCE: IRS Form 990

Fiscal year ending: Download Data

Revenue
Contributions	$32,209
Program Services	$0
Investments	$370
Special Events	$0
Sales	$0
Other	$0
Total Revenue	$32,579

Expenses
Grants	$0
Salaries & Employee Benefits	$0
Professional Fees	$0
Occupancy	$0
Printing, Publications, Postage, etc.	$0
Other Expenses	$10,700
Total Expenses	$10,700
Net Gain/Loss	$21,879

Revenue
Contributions	$38,151
Program Services	$0
Investments	$79
Special Events	$0
Sales	$0
Other	$37
Total Revenue	$38,267

Expenses
Grants	$0
Salaries & Employee Benefits	$0
Professional Fees	$0
Occupancy	$0
Printing, Publications, Postage, etc.	$0
Other Expenses	$96,348
Total Expenses	$96,348
Net Gain/Loss	($58,081)

Revenue
Contributions	$31,866
Program Services	$0
Investments	$459
Special Events	$0
Sales	$0
Other	$0
Total Revenue	$32,325

Expenses
Grants	$0
Salaries & Employee Benefits	$0
Professional Fees	$0
Occupancy	$0
Printing, Publications, Postage, etc.	$0
Other Expenses	$13,861
Total Expenses	$13,861
Net Gain/Loss	$18,464

Revenue
Contributions	$31,637
Program Services	$0
Investments	$266
Special Events	$0
Sales	$0
Other	$0
Total Revenue	$31,903

Expenses
Grants	$0
Salaries & Employee Benefits	$0
Professional Fees	$0
Occupancy	$0
Printing, Publications, Postage, etc.	$0
Other Expenses	$8,139
Total Expenses	$8,139
Net Gain/Loss	$23,764

Revenue
Contributions	$48,366
Program Services	$0
Investments	$278
Special Events	$0
Sales	$0
Other	$0
Total Revenue	$48,644

Expenses
Grants	$0
Salaries & Employee Benefits	$0
Professional Fees	$0
Occupancy	$0
Printing, Publications, Postage, etc.	$0
Other Expenses	$17,007
Total Expenses	$17,007
Net Gain/Loss	$31,637

Revenue
Contributions	$59,782
Program Services	$0
Investments	$760
Special Events	$0
Sales	$0
Other	$0
Total Revenue	$60,542

Expenses
Grants	$0
Salaries & Employee Benefits	$0
Professional Fees	$0
Occupancy	$0
Printing, Publications, Postage, etc.	$0
Other Expenses	$55,749
Total Expenses	$55,749
Net Gain/Loss	$4,793

Revenue
Contributions	$68,582
Program Services	$0
Investments	$2,939
Special Events	$0
Sales	$0
Other	$0
Total Revenue	$71,521

Expenses
Grants	$0
Salaries & Employee Benefits	$0
Professional Fees	$0
Occupancy	$0
Printing, Publications, Postage, etc.	$0
Other Expenses	$22,409
Total Expenses	$22,409
Net Gain/Loss	$49,112

Revenue
Contributions	$73,485
Program Services	$0
Investments	$2,837
Special Events	$0
Sales	$0
Other	$0
Total Revenue	$76,322

Expenses
Grants	$4,100
Salaries & Employee Benefits	$0
Professional Fees	$26,676
Occupancy	$0
Printing, Publications, Postage, etc.	$3,006
Other Expenses	$7,470
Total Expenses	$41,252
Net Gain/Loss	$35,070

FRIENDS OF THE BETSIE VALLEY TRAIL

Balance sheet

Fiscal Year: Jan 01 - Dec 31

SOURCE: IRS Form 990

The balance sheet gives a snapshot of the financial health of an organization at a particular point in time. An organization's total assets should generally exceed its total liabilities, or it cannot survive long, but the types of assets and liabilities must also be considered. For instance, an organization's current assets (cash, receivables, securities, etc.) should be sufficient to cover its current liabilities (payables, deferred revenue, current year loan, and note payments). Otherwise, the organization may face solvency problems. On the other hand, an organization whose cash and equivalents greatly exceed its current liabilities might not be putting its money to best use.

Fiscal year ending: Download Data

Assets	Jan 01, 2013	Dec 31, 2013	Change
Contributions	$32,209
Cash & Equivalents	$153,011	$176,011	$23,000
Fixed Assets (LBE - Depreciation)	$6,044	$6,044	$0
Other	$0	$0	$0
Total Assets	$159,055	$182,055	$23,000

Liabilities	Jan 01, 2013	Dec 31, 2013	Change
Total Liabilities	$0	$1,121	$1,121

Fund balance	Jan 01, 2013	Dec 31, 2013	Change
Net Assets	$159,055	$180,934	$21,879

Assets	Jan 01, 2014	Dec 31, 2014	Change
Contributions	$38,151
Cash & Equivalents	$176,011	$83,765	($92,246)
Fixed Assets (LBE - Depreciation)	$6,044	$0	($6,044)
Other	$0	$0	$0
Total Assets	$182,055	$83,765	($98,290)

Liabilities	Jan 01, 2014	Dec 31, 2014	Change
Total Liabilities	$1,121	$3,955	$2,834

Fund balance	Jan 01, 2014	Dec 31, 2014	Change
Net Assets	$180,934	$79,810	($101,124)

Assets	Jan 01, 2015	Dec 31, 2015	Change
Contributions	$31,866
Cash & Equivalents	$83,765	$99,953	$16,188
Fixed Assets (LBE - Depreciation)	$0	$1,371	$1,371
Other	$0	$0	$0
Total Assets	$83,765	$101,324	$17,559

Liabilities	Jan 01, 2015	Dec 31, 2015	Change
Total Liabilities	$3,955	$3,050	($905)

Fund balance	Jan 01, 2015	Dec 31, 2015	Change
Net Assets	$79,810	$98,274	$18,464

Assets	Jan 01, 2016	Dec 31, 2016	Change
Contributions	$31,637
Cash & Equivalents	$99,953	$130,827	$30,874
Fixed Assets (LBE - Depreciation)	$1,371	$2,281	$910
Other	$0	$0	$0
Total Assets	$101,324	$133,108	$31,784

Liabilities	Jan 01, 2016	Dec 31, 2016	Change
Total Liabilities	$3,050	$11,070	$8,020

Fund balance	Jan 01, 2016	Dec 31, 2016	Change
Net Assets	$98,274	$122,038	$23,764

Assets	Jan 01, 2017	Dec 31, 2017	Change
Contributions	$48,366
Cash & Equivalents	$130,827	$154,769	$23,942
Fixed Assets (LBE - Depreciation)	$2,281	$2,281	$0
Other	$0	$0	$0
Total Assets	$133,108	$157,050	$23,942

Liabilities	Jan 01, 2017	Dec 31, 2017	Change
Total Liabilities	$11,070	$3,375	($7,695)

Fund balance	Jan 01, 2017	Dec 31, 2017	Change
Net Assets	$122,038	$153,675	$31,637

Assets	Jan 01, 2018	Dec 31, 2018	Change
Contributions	$59,782
Cash & Equivalents	$154,769	$157,712	$2,943
Fixed Assets (LBE - Depreciation)	$2,281	$2,281	$0
Other	$0	$0	$0
Total Assets	$157,050	$159,993	$2,943

Liabilities	Jan 01, 2018	Dec 31, 2018	Change
Total Liabilities	$3,375	$1,525	($1,850)

Fund balance	Jan 01, 2018	Dec 31, 2018	Change
Net Assets	$153,675	$158,468	$4,793

Assets	Jan 01, 2019	Dec 31, 2019	Change
Contributions	$68,582
Cash & Equivalents	$157,712	$209,899	$52,187
Fixed Assets (LBE - Depreciation)	$2,281	$2,281	$0
Other	$0	$0	$0
Total Assets	$159,993	$212,180	$52,187

Liabilities	Jan 01, 2019	Dec 31, 2019	Change
Total Liabilities	$1,525	$4,600	$3,075

Fund balance	Jan 01, 2019	Dec 31, 2019	Change
Net Assets	$158,468	$207,580	$49,112

Assets	Jan 01, 2020	Dec 31, 2020	Change
Contributions	$73,485
Cash & Equivalents	$208,915	$238,986	$30,071
Fixed Assets (LBE - Depreciation)	$9,117	$9,841	$724
Other	$0	$0	$0
Total Assets	$218,032	$248,827	$30,795

Liabilities	Jan 01, 2020	Dec 31, 2020	Change
Total Liabilities	$4,600	$325	($4,275)

Fund balance	Jan 01, 2020	Dec 31, 2020	Change
Net Assets	$213,432	$248,502	$35,070

Operations

The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.

Documents

Letter of Determination

Form 1023/1024 is not available for this organization

President

Jed Maker

FRIENDS OF THE BETSIE VALLEY TRAIL

Officers, directors, trustees, and key employees

SOURCE: IRS Form 990

Compensation

Other

Show data for fiscal year

Compensation data

Download up to 5 most recent years of officer and director compensation data for this organization

There are no highest paid employees recorded for this organization.

FRIENDS OF THE BETSIE VALLEY TRAIL

Board of directors
as of 03/04/2023

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Board of directors data

Download the most recent year of board of directors data for this organization

Board chair

Jed Maker

Tom Jackson

Avace Wildie

Jan Fiola

Doug Cook

Fred Stransky

Charlie Gregory

Chris Remy

Hunter Steinkamp

Board leadership practices

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.

Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? No
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? No
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? No
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? No
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? No

Organizational demographics

SOURCE: Self-reported; last updated 1/27/2023

Candid has made improvements to the race and ethnicity options.

Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.

Leadership

The organization's leader identifies as:

Race & ethnicity

White/Caucasian/European

Gender identity

Male

Race & ethnicity

No data

Gender identity

No data

Sexual orientation

No data

Disability

No data

FRIENDS OF THE BETSIE VALLEY TRAIL

Helping to make the Trail beautiful and accessible for all

Mission

Is this your nonprofit?

Programs and results

What we aim to solve

Our programs

Trail maintenance and education

Where we work

Our results

Evaluation documents

Number of Facebook followers

Totals By Year

Population(s) Served

Related Program

Type of Metric

Direction of Success

Context Notes

Number of website sessions

Totals By Year

Population(s) Served

Related Program

Type of Metric

Direction of Success

Context Notes

Goals & Strategy

Charting impact

What is the organization aiming to accomplish?

What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?

What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?

What have they accomplished so far and what's next?

Financials

Revenue vs. expenses: breakdown

Financial data

Digitizing IRS form 990 data

FRIENDS OF THE BETSIE VALLEY TRAIL

FRIENDS OF THE BETSIE VALLEY TRAIL

Operations

Documents

President

Jed Maker

FRIENDS OF THE BETSIE VALLEY TRAIL

Compensation data

FRIENDS OF THE BETSIE VALLEY TRAIL

Board of directors data

Jed Maker

Board leadership practices

Board orientation and education

CEO oversight

Ethics and transparency

Board composition

Board performance

Organizational demographics

Leadership

Race & ethnicity

Gender identity

Sexual orientation

Disability