Effective Management: Ken Grudens and the Indian River Land Trust Get Things Done

One of the eight local charitable organizations listed in Indian River Community Foundation's 2016 Better Giving Index is Indian River Land Trust.  Here is an excerpt from our Measure of Our Mission:  2015-2016 Annual Report featuring one of the reasons why we believe the organization has been so successful in garnering regular financial support from our clients.

One look at the map of properties preserved and conserved by the Indian River Land Trust (“IRLT”), and it is clear that someone is effectively managing the organization. Since 2004, Ken Grudens has served as Executive Director, overseeing a vision to preserve the wildlife habitat, protect the scenic waterfront and provide public access for recreation and education on our Indian River Lagoon. The organization has been entrusted with millions of dollars in donations to acquire and care for approximately 1,000 acres and nearly 10 miles of precious lagoon shoreline.

Indian River Land Trust’s effective management can also be seen in the collaborations it has launched with other local charities. For the last two years, IRLT has partnered with FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute to operate the Junior Scientist Fellows program, which provides young people with authentic scientific research experience in our Indian River Lagoon. Last year, IRLT stepped out of the water and into the art world, partnering with Vero Beach Museum of Art to bring artist James Prosek’s “Ocean Fishes” exhibit alive.

Donors today have high expectations that the leaders of the charitable causes they give to manage resources effectively to achieve their missions. In doing so year over year, Ken Grudens and his staff foster the kind of trust that makes Indian River Land Trust worthy of its name.