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 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 years Cleveland 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

Vancouver Foundation Board of men: 2 women All Caucasian; all over 60 Little turnover (5 Chairs in 65 years) No history of board giving No growth in unrestricted revenue Few options for fund holders Little public awareness No strategic plan

Reputation… Limited sharing on granting process Donations “locked in” once given to VF Little/no contact with fund holders “Foundation for the wealthy” “Safe”/conservative granting Little collaboration with other funders

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  Are the right people involved- board & staff?  Are we clear on our direction and how to get there?  Who are our partners? Who should we be networking with?  What are the “easy wins” we could make?  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 -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% 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 driven No 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 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 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

4 Building Blocks Build the Foundations for Long-term work Communicate Often & in many ways Build Trust And Capacity Create multiple ways for people to engage & contribute

What do you need to succeed? Questions/comments Thank you !