Community Philanthropy Update—April 2018
I hope you have seen the news that the Council’s President and CEO, Vikki Spruill, will leave us on June 1st to return to her roots in ocean conservation as the new CEO of the New England Aquarium.
We're excited that long-time philanthropic leader Gene Cochrane will serve as interim President as we search for a new leader.
Additionally, our Board Chair and President of the Miami Foundation, Javier Alberto Soto, will be leading outreach to the field as we consider the future of the Council and our new leader. I hope you’ll read these blogs from Javier to learn how you engage in the process and the importance of DEI as we consider the Council’s next leader.
Please email your thoughts to outreach@cof.org
As we think about the future of the Council, I personally have been reflecting on the role the Council must play moving forward—not just what it’s been for the past 70 years, but the changing context that is shaping the future of community foundations.
I share those reflections below, along with ample opportunities for us to engage and improve the position of community foundations together.
As always, I welcome the opportunity to discuss with you.
Regards,
Brad Ward
Director, Community Philanthropy
P: 703-879-0640 | E: brad.ward@cof.org
Council’s Role: Future of Community Foundations
Our job is to create moments and venues for our members to engage with one another. Which is why the expansion of Professional Development offerings was vital, beyond all the Summits, virtual learnings, and convenings. I remain committed to the notion this is not about the Council. Rather, it is about you and the rising expectations of our field.
The Council relies on your investment to critically assess where the field is headed and the forces shaping the journey ahead. We must understand and know the ‘why’ of your work so that we can help accelerate what you do best. This work requires curiosity, intellect and understanding of the challenges facing philanthropy. It is why I am driven to engage with our members as often as possible.
The Events of the Council are wide ranging, as are the connections in the field we can help facilitate. I’m here as your personal Council concierge to be as helpful as possible. Do not hesitate to reach out.
Thank You to All Our Returning Council Members,
and Welcome to Our Newest Members:
- Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (MD)
- The Community Foundation serving Boulder County (CO)
- Sweet Grass Community Foundation (MT)
- The Foundation for Delaware County (PA)
- Longmont Community Foundation (CO)
- Wharton County Community Foundation (TX)
- Community Foundation of Volusia and Flagler Counties (FL)
- Horizon Community Funds of Northern Kentucky (KY)
- Caring Community Foundation (KS)
- Santa Barbara Foundation (CA)
- Scranton Area Foundation (PA)
- Croix Foundation (USVI)
- Greater Sauk County Community Foundation (WI)
- Douglas County Community Foundation (CO)
- Community Foundation of the Northern Shenandoah Valley (VA)
Engage with the Council:
In the months of April and May, I’ll be visiting Massachusetts, South Carolina, Iowa, and DC on behalf of the Council, meeting with members, attending CFE Finance, and exploring the future of community foundations with colleagues from CFLeads, Foundation Center, and the Community Foundation Opportunity Network.
Find something for you with key community foundation opportunities below.
Upcoming Virtual Convenings
4.25.18—Webinar: Top 10 Questions from the Council’s First Legal Matters Workshop
Register
5.9.18—National Standards Conference Call
Learn More
5.28.18—Webinar: Evolving Technologies: Improving or Expanding Donor Service
Register
Upcoming In-Person Convenings
Multiple Dates—Legal Matters for Community Foundations workshop
Join us in Milwaukee (6/28), Raleigh (7/24), Hartford (9/27), and Spokane (announcing soon)
First in Series—Inclusive Economic Prosperity Convening in the South
- SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
- REGISTER: May 23-24, 2018, Spartanburg, SC
- REGISTER: AUG 28-29, 2018: Minneapolis, MN
April 23, 2018—Race, Poverty, and Trust
New York, NY | REGISTER
May 15-16, 2018: Community Foundation Excellence (CFE) Finance Course
Cedar Rapids, IA | REGISTER
2018 Grantmakers Salary & Benefits Survey NOW OPEN
The GSB Survey provides grantmakers like you the ability to benchmark your staff compensation and composition against others in the sector to create more informed budgets and remain competitive in recruiting and retaining the best talent. Community Foundations accounted for 35 percent of last year’s survey participants! To request an invitation to participation or for account questions, email communications@cof.org. The 2018 Survey is open through May 14.
Council membership is not required, and all participants will receive access to the custom benchmarking tool as a thank you for participating
Emerging Leaders International Fellows Program
The Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society is accepting applications now for the 2018 Emerging Leaders International Fellows Program, October 1- November 30, 2018, at the CUNY Graduate Center in NYC. Applications accepted online for this nine-week fellowship to read, reflect, and exchange best practices and new strategies around local giving for local purposes. The program is looking for fellows from overseas as well as community foundation leaders “from communities of color under-represented in the U.S. grantmaking sector.”
