Transcript leading from behind - Philanthropy Australia

Growing Your Foundation
Presentation to Australian philanthropic
community – April 30, 2014
Faye Wightman
Vancouver, 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 longterm strategies and solutions for
developing vibrant, sustainable
communities- and they use local
resources gathered from a diverse donor
base to do it.

100 years
 Cleveland- 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 value
 Comprehensive Community Knowledge
 Convening
 Expert-based Grant Making
 Significant Scale & Scope
 Simplicity & Ease of Giving
 Trusted Reputation

Community
Investment
Philanthropy
-Grantmaking
-Mission- based
Investing
-Donor Stewardship
-Gift Planning
-Legacy Giving
-Strategic fundraising
Financial
Stewardship
Community
Leadership
-Investing Management
& Reporting
-Community Research
-Convening/facilitating
-Program incubation
-Public education
Public Awareness
 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)
BC awareness
31%
24%
2006
32%
2009
2012
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
No Fndn influence
Fndn driven
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 recruitment
 Recruited 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/partnerships
 Who 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 wins
 Held 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 !