Foundation Networking

An interesting article from Reuters caught my eye yesterday. It was about a proposal in New York to cut state tax deductions for charitable giving for the weathiest citizens. As the article reports, "New York lawmakers want to cut the tax break on charitable giving for about 3,500 people earning more than $10 million a year to 25 percent from 50 percent in a bid to raise $100 million in extra money for the state."

All the usual suspects are quoted in response to this article: foundation heads and nonprofit execs decrying the thought; Paul Schervish from the Center of Wealth and Philanthropy at Boston College saying it won't really be a big deal. The same arguments that have been raging on the national scene were all there. 

The big difference? This is about a specific state. 

As we know, ideas that are not completely salable to the national populous often become tested at the state level. But when it starts to happen in our field, which has, let's face it, lived in relative anonymity for decades, it can be a little jarring. And exhausting to contemplate. 

As states begin to focus more on foundation rules and foundation legislation, it means that foundations in those states must become more adept at educating lawmakers about foundations and sharing philanthropy information no just about their states as a whole, but by state representatives' districts. Gone are the days of simply adding a passive "amen" to the Council on Foundations' work in Washington. We've got to get busy here at home. 

I'm happy to know that the Southeastern Council of Foundations is leading the charge, supporting statewide grantmaker networks that are focused on policy, and providing several state-focused policy sessions at the upcoming 2010 Annual Meeting. Hopefully, this will help more foundations in our region understand the challenges ahead and how to tackle them most effectively. 

Which of the states in the Southeastern Council of Foundations' region will be the first to introduce legislation similar to New York's?

My money's on Florida. What about yours?

Over the past 10 days, the Southeastern Council of Foundations has sent out our "Top 10 Reasons" to attend this year's Annual Meeting in Mobile, Alabama, November 10-12. This is a great opportunity to stock up on loads of philanthropy information and grantmaking resources — but it's also one of the most congenial and "user-friendly" foundation conferences out there. 

So, for those of you who may have missed the emails, I'm replaying our "Top 10" here:

Reason #10 – November’s not really that far away.

Even though summer’s just begun, we’ll all only get busier as the year goes on. Don’t let the Southeast’s premier event for grantmakers get lost in the shuffle. Register now to secure your spot and check it off your list.

 

Reason #9 – The “Clash of the Titans” is for real.

Right now, there are two strong opinions in our sector about what foundations could and should be doing. How that conversation develops will doubtlessly influence how federal and state policies about philanthropy are shaped. No one represents the two sides of the debate better than Pablo Eisenberg and Dr. Leslie Lenkowsky. These two thought leaders will go head to head at the SECF Annual Meeting — and you can have a front row seat. 

Reason #8 – It’s better than having a crystal ball.

The SECF Annual Meeting follows immediately on the heels of what will to be a very critical election. You’ll hear the “morning after” impressions from experts about what the results could mean in terms of legislative policy for philanthropy, investment strategies for foundations and the short and long-term future of grantmaking.

 

Reason #7 – The Great Recession’s not over yet.

Things may be looking up, but we’ve still got a long way to go. At the SECF Annual Meeting, you’ll learn new strategies for tackling the full suite of recession-related realities — from internal investment approaches to ways to develop a community workforce and jobs.

 

Reason #6 — Powerful philanthropy starts with meaningful conversation.

There’s no place like the SECF Annual Meeting to gather with sector-leading peers in a format that encourages open, honest communication. In fact, the exchange of ideas in hallways and elevators alone has sparked ideas that have changed communities. Although we can’t promise everyone a life-changing moment, we can guarantee you’ll leave with plenty to think about.

 

Reason #5 — The Gulf Coast gets our support.

SECF secures meeting sites years in advance, and at the time we set this year’s Annual Meeting in Mobile, Alabama, no one could have foreseen the disastrous oil spill that now challenges the Gulf Coast.  While we wish the spill had never happened, we’re heartened that we have a chance to help by visiting the region, helping to generate revenue for the community, and learn about the role foundations will play in the ongoing recovery efforts.

 
Reason #4 — We ditched the stuffy dinner.

Conversation is key. Instead of plated entrees and podiums, we’ve heard the call for more informal networking — loud and clear. This year we’ve replaced the chairman’s dinner with a grand, Southern-style reception. We’re talking heavy on the hors’deouvers and mingling, and light on the interruptions. In fact, we’ve minimized the talking heads and stuffy panels throughout the entire Annual Meeting, and emphasized the opportunity for more discussion, interaction and collective reflection.

 

Reason #3 — Mobile invented Mardi Gras.

That’s right. Mardi Gras began in Mobile, Alabama, and the spirit of celebration and hospitality still imbues this beautiful city, along with great restaurants, breathtaking architecture and plenty of galleries and shops. What better place to celebrate and share the great work of your foundation? Although we’ll take a look at the serious issues facing our country, our communities, and our philanthropy, we’ve also made sure there’s time for you to enjoy a taste of Mobile and explore one of our region’s historic gems with your friends and colleagues.

 
Reason #2 — You just might sleep easier, because it’s free.

There’s nothing like a good night’s sleep — and yours could be free! Complete your SECF Annual Meeting registration by July 1 and you could win one free night at either The Battle House or Renaissance Riverview Hotel. All you’ll need to do is show up and snooze. (After a full day of action-packed Annual Meeting sessions, that should be a cinch!)

 

Reason #1 — All your friends and colleagues will be there.

We know what your mama told you: “If all your friends jumped off a bridge, would you do it, too?” But in this case, we think she’d approve. All of your friends and colleagues are coming together to share ideas, meet new leaders and thinkers, learn from experts and enjoy the fellowship of philanthropy. Shouldn’t you?

 

Don’t miss out. Learn more and register now. See you in Mobile!

 

 

Our featured guest for this post is Bruce Trachtenberg, who has been the executive director of the Communications Network, a nonprofit that promotes the effective use of communications in philanthropy, since May 2006. Before that, he worked for the Edna McConnell Clark and Wallace Foundations, and several for-profit companies.This post is a re-post from The Communications Network blog.

I just finished reading a brief, but unfortunately "sobering" (their words) report from the Center on Effective Philanthropy (CEP) that also doesn't mince any words in describing what it calls a failure of foundations to keep their grantees well informed about how they were responding to the economic downturn over the past couple of years.

Based on surveys of over 6,000 grantees from 37 foundations across the country, CEP found that:

• Nonprofits do not perceive funders to have communicated their responses to the economic downturn clearly, if at all.
• Nonprofits report that funders have offered them little useful help in responding to the challenges of the downturn. 

The report goes on to say:

If anything, CEP researchers Shahryar Minhas and Ellie Buteau, PhD, understate the point when they write:

More than just helping them feel included in their funders' plans, the report reminds that it's unrealistic to expect grantmakers and grantees to work together in harmony toward common goals when one of the two is ill-informed. As the report states:

From its vantage point, CEP says says to improve grantee/funder communications foundations need to:

• Clearly communicate with grantees about their own responses to the economic climate.
• Be involved helping grantees consider changes they are making in response to the economic climate.
• Work to build better relationships with grantees, particularly by taking the time to understand the goals and strategies of grantee organizations.

While calling the overall findings "bleak," the report did find some bright spots.  These included, The Cleveland Foundation, which is cited as among the top ten funders on how grantees measured the value and usefulness of foundation communications with them about the economic impact. 

The full report is available here.

I’ve just returned from the SECF Family Foundations Forum in Charleston, South Carolina. It was an incredibly rich and meaningful time together, complete with ample opportunities for foundation networking and much sharing of great grantmaking resources. Once again, I was impressed with the level of engagement among the 70 trustees and staff who attended. Their commitment to their foundations and communities, and their sincere desire to continually learn how to do their great work even better, is truly inspirational.

One saying popped up a few times during this meeting, “If you’ve seen one family foundation, you’ve seen one family foundation.” That’s very true. Family foundations are in essence extensions of the families that steward them, and are every bit as diverse. It spawned some great discussions and exchanges of ideas.

One topic that generated discussion was that of politics and philanthropy and, specifically, the relationship between our field and government in light of the new administration. To me, it underscored the point that the jury is still out on whether a deeper level of engagement from government will be a plus or minus for our field.

Some of the discussion centered around last week’s article in the Wall Street Journal about the very palpable mutual admiration between foundations and the current administration at the Council on Foundations meeting. But I was at that meeting, as well as other philanthropy conferences, and I've also heard a different view. Many were still feeling the sting of the proposed cap on charitable deductions in 2009, which was beaten back with bipartisan opposition, but has reappeared in the President’s 2011 budget.

Then there’s also the question of the Social Innovation Fund.  Many applaud it, and it will no doubt have a significant impact on some terrific organizations. There’s another perspective, however, that the White House, in creating this fund and the bureaucracy to support it, essentially is saying they think the government can affect change and invest this money better than foundations.

It’s still too early to tell. I believe that the real litmus test for the Obama Administration and its embrace of philanthropy and supportive philanthropy policy may not come until we see what happens when and if tax reform arrives on the front burner.

But there’s one key observation that comes from being among our family foundation members this week. Legislation and policy have alternatively targeted or all but ignored philanthropy for generations. And for generations, families with charitable values have found a way to keep the foundation fires burning.

 

This guest post comes from Gilbert Miller, a trustee of the Beloco Foundation in Columbus, Georgia. Gilbert is participating in a panel discussion of next generation trustees at the SECF Family Foundations Forum, entitled "Where You Lead, I Might Follow — Perspectives from the Next Generation. 

 
I am not alone!

Those words keep coming to mind at every session of this year's Family Foundations Forum. It's long been the secret shame of our foundation that things weren't as 'together' as they may seem. We disagree on grant requests, we have a hard time assessing positive change and gift effectiveness, we often struggle with what our 'next steps' should be. Sometimes it feels like we're just not adequate enough to be tasked with the awesome responsibility of granting funds to the communities and efforts we love so much.

But it turns out, we're not alone.

The 'we' I now refer to includes over sixty members of the Southeastern Council of Foundations, from family foundations across the Southeast. They, too, share the same concerns and face similar struggles behind their own closed doors. Their difficulties are very much like those I have faced. The relief that brings is comforting, to say the least.

What's more, the power to reference each other's challenges and share in the solutions and outcomes has already benefited our foundation tremendously. The network of individuals here, from all backgrounds and experiences, has provide a deep well of knowledge to draw from. A simple suggestion of a pie chart in a meeting this morning solved a long-standing issue of how best to communicate current requests and their relationship to our capacity to give. That's just one 'ah-ha' moment. There were dozens of others by lunchtime.

Entering the SECF's afternoon session, my 'we' and I are emboldened and hopeful. We stand together knowing that somewhere among our shared experiences are answers to long held questions. We know that our faults can be fixed and that our futures will be bright. We can finally rest in knowing that, while the work ahead may prove difficult, our success is no longer in question. We now have friends who have been there; friends who are on the other side, showing us the way; friends who offer help whenever it is need.

We are not alone.

Susan Price is Vice President of the National Center for Family Philanthropy, and a featured keynote speaker at the upcoming SECF Family Foundations Forum in Charleston, SC, May 2-4. Click here for more information and online registration.

I recently returned from a week of storytelling camp. This is a great opportunity offered periodically by a family foundation trustee in Connecticut to a small group staffers from various nonprofits. The camp was led by Donald Davis, a nationally recognized storyteller from North Carolina, who believes that telling stories and listening carefully to others’ stories can further greater understanding and bridge divides among people. He urged us take our time in telling our stories because details paint a clearer picture for the listener. It reminded me of the time a few years ago when I participated in the Southeastern Council’s family foundation forum in Mobile, AL. I was surprised to see on the agenda that the first hour was listed as “Introductions.”
 
As a bit of a Type A personality who favors fast-paced programs, I couldn’t fathom how it would take that long for the participants to say their names and identify their foundations.  Turns out, each one told a  little story, combining various pieces of their family’s philanthropic history, their grantmaking and something about a recent success or current challenge. The introductions took up every bit of that hour. And it was the best part of the program!  I was enchanted with the passion of the speakers, and Iearned so much about how they go about their work. I shouldn’t have been surprised. We know from research that family foundation representatives who attend conferences tend to rank “networking” a bit higher than “attending concurrent sessions or plenaries,” not because the formal program isn’t valuable, but because connecting with peers can have the biggest payoff over the long term. We want to hear the stories. Some of the best ideas come from other foundations who have “been there, and done that.”  Connections made at a conference can last a lifetime. I can’t wait to attend this year’s forum to hear everyone’s stories—in the hall, at a meal, or during a session. Take your time telling them. I’m not in a hurry.
 
 
Susan C. Price
Vice President
National Center for Family Philanthropy

There are already many people arriving in Memphis for the Southeastern Council of Foundations Annual Meeting, and watching people greet their colleagues is truly uplifting. 

Foundation executives, trustees, and staff of all stripes are converging here in the Peabody for three days of intense discussion about grantmaking resources, philanthropy policy, foundation legislation, and success stories and best practices from around the region. The content of this meeting will no doubt be phenomenal, but there's another lesson that's quickly learned by watching this group gather: Philanthropy is, and always will be, best facilitated through human interaction. 

The family foundations, corporate grantmakers, community foundations and private foundations gathered here all share a common passion to serve their fellow man. We will talk in depth about strategy and practice, internal concerns and external perspectives. We will engage in discussions about education, health, art, community development, economics, leadership, communications, governance, the environment, effectiveness, partnership, advocacy and stewardship. But we will also share the joy that the work of philanthropy brings, and relish the face-to-face dialogs that are harder and harder to come by. 

Relationships that are born and/or sustained throughout the year via technology will become stronger with a handshake or a hug. New ideas will be generated. Meaning and feeling and passion for those ideas will be communicated with facial expressions and tone of voice. 

In other words, we're all here together to truly appreciate one another and strengthen the work we do. 

It doesn't get much better than this.

In the race up to our annual meeting in Memphis, I was startled to find in my inbox a link to Nathaniel Whittemore’s post “The Conference is Dead…(Does Anyone Care?).” 

Well, I care.

We’ve spent countless hours over the past year working to welcome more than 500 foundation executives and trustees to an event that we proudly think of as the premier gathering of philanthropic leaders in the South. It’s been that way for 40 years and we’ve not seen much drop off in this year's attendance in spite of the dire predictions about meeting budgets, travel restrictions and too much to do.

Whittemore goes on to explain that what he really means is that “the conference model we have today - keynotes, plenary sessions, networking breaks, etc - is dead. And good riddance.”

I couldn’t agree more.

I’ve spent the last week planning for several face-to-face gatherings of our members and have given a lot of thought to the content of these events, always mindful of the best ways to serve our members. We’re constantly talking about how to make meetings fulfilling for members – What do they want? What do they need? What will inspire them? How best to facilitate sharing? And reviewing what I know to be true about our members -- grantmakers:

They’re smart – working for the common good -- whether it’s the arts, health or education -- takes know-how and the ability to perceive the interconnectedness in communities. No ostriches here.

They’re accomplished – most of our members came to the field after significant achievement in other fields.

They’re lonely – that thing about “you’ve had your last bad meal?” True. It’s also true that many grantmakers work alone and straddle the sometimes uncomfortable space between their grantees and their trustees. There aren’t a lot of people in the community that have their kind of job.

They’re challenged – it really is harder than it looks.

They’re very busy.

So, what I’ve learned is that all we really have to do is get them in a room together and provide useful tools for them to get the most out of their time together. From each other. Not from talking heads. 

 

So here’s our pledge: we won’t have plenary sessions or panels or keynotes in 2010 unless they are knock-your-socks-off good. And we’ll always provide the open space for you to learn and share, be nourished and inspired, have fun and get the professional value you expect from us when you’ve taken the time to come together.

 

Dead? Or deal? What do you think?

Save the dates and don't miss SECF's 2010 Conference on Investing for Foundations at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Atlanta and the Family Foundations Forum at the Charleston Doubletree in the Historic District, May 2-4.