SCCF adjusts to economic downturn with staff cuts
SCCF Executive Director Erick Lindblad announced on Monday that the Foundation is eliminating four staff positions: two in Environmental Education and two at the Native Plant Nursery, effective May 31. This step was necessitated by the current economic climate.
“This is the most recent and painful action we have been forced to take as we work to live within our means in the face of reduced fundraising revenues,” said Lindblad. “It was clear we needed to reduce the size of our staff going forward, and recently shared that news with four valued colleagues. The remaining staff will redouble their efforts to take on their responsibilities. We tried every other avenue before resorting to this unfortunate outcome.”
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) has made other significant cost cuts this year, including a voluntary cut in pay for Lindblad.
On the income side, notes Lindblad, “We are very grateful to the many supporters who have already given generously to our Annual Fund Drive that ends on June 30. Because of the combined budget cuts, we have reduced our remaining Annual Fund Drive need to approximately $200,000.”
SCCF is in its fifth decade of service to Sanibel and Captiva, working to conserve and protect our islands and the water surrounding them.
“No matter how long the economy suffers, we will continue doing just that,” added Lindblad. “Nothing will make us forsake our core mission – the preservation of natural resources and wildlife habitat on and around Sanibel and Captiva.”