AMC Action Plan for 2025-30

[rup]

$600-700 a nite is a bit richer than the 25-50 of olde

 

[pwsull]

The AMC is not “hoarding” the now $213 mil in net assets (2023 financials). About $95 mil is properly and equipment, about $99 mil is endowment, and the remaining $19 mil or so a bunch of other items. …

For example, Phillips Exeter Academy has a $1.6 bil endowment, Yale $40.7 bil, and Harvard $50.7 bil. So, the AMC’s endowment is “small peanuts” by comparison to these prestigious academic institutions, which offer large aid grants to students in financial need.

Unlike the AMC, the Sierra Club, Wilderness Society, and many other non-profit environmental organizations do not make public their endowments, but the Sierra Club’s minimum donation amount for a named endowed fund is $250k. Therefore, I think that the AMC is a much better example than these others for full disclosure of their financial operations.

Dr Daisypiodidae as always provides thoughtful and well researched information and analysis. Like him I also applaud the AMC’s transparency. I also agree that in the modern world assets of $213 milllion is essentially chump change for a nonprofit. Most nonprofits require quite a lot more just to survive in a corporate world of multi billion dollar for profit companies

Having worked in non profit organizations, I would also add that in the modern economy, day to day operations require access to credit to meet day to day operation expenses (including payroll). Organizations require capital to qualify for loans and an endowment is a big part of the financial assets and stability that leads to a high credit rating and easy access to credit to maintain normal daily operations.

AMC has earned justified criticism about elitism and some of their philosophy and policies but they have also provided critical influence and support over 148 years for preserving and maintaining WMNF in as pristine a state as is possible in the modern world.

I would venture to say that the WMNF that is our natural playground might not have been created and might not exist in as unspoiled a state without their presence and political influence over the past 150 years.

 

[KRooney]

I asked Google the following question: "

What arrangement does the Appalachian mountain club have with the US Forest Service to operate huts on public lands?"​

And got the following AI response: "

The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) operates huts in the White Mountain National Forest under a special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service. The AMC annually presents an Operating Plan (AOP) to the USFS that describes how the AMC will meet the permit's requirements.

How does the arrangement work?

• The AMC owns and operates the huts.
• The AMC employs "croo" members to maintain the huts during the summer season.
• The AMC offers special programs for thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail.
• The AMC encourages visitors to follow the regulations of the USFS and New Hampshire State Parks.

What does the AMC do with the huts?

• The AMC provides lodging, meals, and educational programs for guests.
• The AMC offers low or no cost camping for thru-hikers and backpackers.
• The AMC positions the huts along the Appalachian Trail to benefit thru

 

[maineguy]

I worked for a non-profit once. Unfortunately, it wasn't supposed to be and I had to get a new job...

 

[dug]

I worked for a non-profit once. Unfortunately, it wasn't supposed to be and I had to get a new job...

Ha. Similar experience...I used to say "We're a for-profit company or at least trying like hell to be..."