Growing Your Foundation
Presentation to Australian philanthropic community – April 30, 2014
Faye WightmanVancouver, Canada
North American Community Foundation’s
An institution of the community for the community in which a wide range of residents work together to create long-term strategies and solutions for developing vibrant, sustainable communities- and they use local resources gathered from a diverse donor base to do it.
100 yearsCleveland- 1914
1750 CF’s worldwide
15 countries
Seen one CF…seen one CF
Similar belief: philanthropy can & should play a role in the health & well being of our communities
Questions needing answering..
1. Who are we: what are our values?
2. Who knows us; what do they know; what does our brand say about us?
3. The money questions; how big is enough; is it all about the money; is all money “good” money?
4. Who are our key stakeholders; what’s our relationship with them?
5. Do we actually know our community- it’s strengths and challenges?
…questions needing answering
6. Are the right people involved- board & staff?
7. Are we clear on our direction and how to get there?
8. Who are our partners? Who should we be networking with?
9. What are the “easy wins” we could make?
10.Where can we turn to for help?
Defining ourselves & our role
Core values and beliefs (guiding principles and behavior) Are we a foundation for all or just the wealthy? Who does determine the issues? If we value diversity, does our board reflect our
community?
What’s the difference between us & other philanthropic entities?
What role do we play in our community?
Our distinctive valueComprehensive Community Knowledge
Convening
Expert-based Grant Making
Significant Scale & Scope
Simplicity & Ease of Giving
Trusted Reputation
CommunityInvestment
-Grantmaking-Mission- based Investing
Philanthropy
-Donor Stewardship-Gift Planning-Legacy Giving-Strategic fundraising
Community Leadership
-Community Research-Convening/facilitating-Program incubation-Public education
Financial Stewardship -Investing Management & Reporting
Benchmark survey on awareness in 2006
Provincial tour (16 communities)
Bi-annual magazine highlighting impact of grants and donors. Partnership with print media
Website & social media presence
New branding and look for VF- Infinity sign- open, modern, approachable
Numerous videos highlighting grants
Public speaking (35/year)
Public Awareness
24% 32%
31%
2006 2009 2012
BC awareness
The $$...it will come…Created new funds to allow donors more options
(Pay Down, Transferrable, IMP, Start-up)
Created Legacy program for planned giving donors
Partnered with Government for building the arts sector with gov’t matching endowments for arts
Giving Well- giving circle for women
Partnership with local credit union- an investment program for social enterprises
Matching Gift program (from an estate gift)
Continuum of funds
.
Unrestricted
Field of Interest
Donor Advised
Designated/Agency Funds
Fndn drivenNo Fndn influence
It’s about relationships..Collaboration with other funders (United Way)
Government partnerships- city and province
Program for Donor Advised Fund holders-Book of Opportunities; Report on Philanthropy
Agency seminars & training opportunities
Forum for professional advisors
Task forces for broader community input
Community Knowledge Grantee perception survey
Vital Signs & Youth Vital Signs
Conducted interviews with key community leaders
Phone survey of 3k residents to determine community priorities/issues
Published reports
Youth Homelessness Survey
Right people on the bus…Hired the right staff!
Developed a board matrix & targeted recruitmentRecruited directors that represented the
community
Board orientation/training mandatory
Honorary Governors’ Council to expand involvement
Focused on key stakeholders
Knowing the direction
4 year Strategic Plan developed& used (Operational plan & Individual work plans)
Implemented feedback from Grantee & Donor Perception surveys
Board retreats focused on generative discussions
Revised Board meetings/board reporting to ensure we were staying focused on priorities & maximizing expertise of directors
Networks/partnershipsWho else is out there that we need to connect
with? CAGP- Gift Planners?; Council on Foundations, CFC
Created a Professional Advisors group
Created a local funders forum to share resources/training
Partnered with government
Partnered with Social Ventures Partners
Easy winsHeld donor events at agencies to introduce them
to beneficiaries (eg Yo-Yo Mah @ Vancouver Symphony)
Invited donors to granting meetings
My Philanthropy”- on line access
Held “Community Cause” lunch and learn sessions
Directors phoned to thanks donors
Annual meetings with key fund holders
Attended multitude of events in the community!
External Resources
Council on Foundations
Community Foundations of Canada
Community Foundation Leadership Team
The Monitor Institute
Board Source
The James Irvine Foundation
Board members
Each other
What do you need to succeed?
Questions/comments
Thank you !