CCEF
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California Consortium of Education Foundations
NEWSLETTER
Volume 1
Number 3
May 2003
In This Issue
Civic Engagement—Something New?
How to Approach Private Foundations
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We hope that members of the LEF community will contribute to this newsletter. If you have written, or would like to write, an article that would be of interest please contact CCEF.
Previous Newsletters
CCEF
PO Box 19290
Stanford, CA 94309
650.324.1653 voice
650.326.7751 fax
Executive Director
Susan Sweeney
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CIVIC
ENGAGEMENT—SOMETHING NEW?
by Caroline Boitano, President,
CCEF Board of Directors
There continues to be a growing interest in education foundations in California today. And while the interest is stimulated by the greater need for funds that all districts face, it is becoming apparent that education foundations, with their dedicated volunteers and committed parents, are a significant resource for schools and that they offer more than dollars. Education Foundations can be the vehicle for greater civic engagement.
What does this mean? The education foundation with its programs, its people and, indeed, its fundraising, brings people together with schools as the focus. They become the “public face” for what is happening in schools. In challenging times, this becomes even more important. The people who support education foundations and work to develop them, want more! They don't accept the status quo. And they understand the maxim “If you want things to get better, get involved.”
These dedicated people not only get involved themselves, they involve others. They involve the people who are approached for funding. They involve the teachers and school administrators who are partners in this effort. They involve the school board by demanding accountability and questioning decisions. They involve the community by telling the stories that bring people to a greater understanding of how schools are doing, good and bad. Through this process of involvement, they become the leaders, the friendly critics sometimes, and always the advocates for kids. Civic engagement is most effective at a very local level. And schools are always very local. Is this new? Not really, but it is now more important than it has ever been.
CCEF Board of Directors
Caroline Boitano
Consultant
Robert B. Caine
Kentfield School District
Joan H. Fauvre
Pasadena Educational Foundation
Gerald Howard
Interstate Commercial Mortgage Services
Morgan Odell, DPA
Santa Ana Education Foundation
Sally A. Outis
Albany Education Foundation
Wayne Padover, Ph.D.
The California AfterSchool Partnership
Michael Pinto, Ph.D.
Laguna Beach Ed Endowment & Capital Fund
Frank J. Quevedo
Southern California Edison
Charla Rolland, Ed.D.
Stanford University
Lawrence Schwab, Esq.
Bialson, Berger & Schwab
Emanuel Scrofani, Ed.D.
California School Boards Association
Carol Sigelman
KeyLink Consultancy, Inc.
Lois Swanson
St. Helena Schools Foundation Endowment Trust
Kathy Owyang Turner
San Francisco Education Fund
Susan Wittenberg
The West Contra Costa Public Education Foundation
CCEF Advisory Board
Steven T. Kuykendall
Congressman
Steven T. Kuykendall & Associates
Mary Leslie
Consultant
Gladys Thatcher
CCEF Founder
Ronald T. Vera, Esq.
Law Offices of Gutierrez & Vera
Robert Wood, Esq.
Lafayette Arts & Science Foundation
Newsletter Editor/Designer
Robin Gladstone webmaster@cceflink.org
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AS BUDGET CUTS THREATEN SCHOOL PROGRAMS, SIERRA FOOTHILL MOMS
TAKE A HIKE
(TOP)
Contributed by Moms on the Move
In the fall of 1995, a few hundred women embarked on a hike in the Sierra to raise funds for art and technology programs in their local school district. Every year since then, the concept has been refined, the group has expanded, the generated revenue has escalated, and the fun has blossomed.
By the end of 2002, moms in the small town of Nevada City, California, population 2,800, had raised more than $100,000. And now Wendy Riley, the originator of Moms on the Move (MOMs), has started a nonprofit organization and is offering the fundraiser as a complete turnkey package to communities throughout the state and across the nation.
The heart of this innovative fundraising opportunity is a 100-page handbook that provides every imaginable detail to ensure a successful hiking adventure. From gathering volunteers, developing committees, advertising the event to organizing the awards ceremony. From ensuring trail safety to creating the timeline, all components are spelled out step by step. There is a Web site devoted exclusively to the event.
“I wanted to create something that would make a significant difference in the school curriculum,” states Riley. “Now with rampant budget cuts, the need for the MOMs hike is greater than ever. And let's face it, there's no one better suited to ensuring a well-rounded education for children than moms.”
The California Consortium of Education Foundations agrees. The group awarded MOMs the Apple Award in 1997 for excellence in innovative, exciting, and successful fundraising. And the kudos continue. On behalf of MOMs, Wendy Riley was entered in the VOICES campaign sponsored by Oprah Winfrey's O Magazine. Out of more than 3,000 entries—representing women who have raised their voices to make a difference in their communities—Riley was one of 100 women selected to be honored at a gala awards ceremony in Houston, Texas in mid-May. “I’m delighted to receive this recognition for MOMs,” says Riley. “If our turnkey product can help simplify the fundraising process for other schools, we will have accomplished our goal.”
Besides generating revenue for much-needed curriculum boosts, MOMs provides a fresh approach to charitable fundraising that generates community spirit, as well. Participants—ranging from weekend strollers to seasoned trailblazers—enjoy the hike's scenic beauty, personal challenge, and unparalleled fun. Mothers and non-moms alike gather for a day of celebration and reflection, reveling in good company as they enrich educational offerings for their children.
“It's win-win all the way,” adds Riley. “Our
children reap the rewards of a rich art, music, and technology curriculum,
and we hikers experience an extraordinary day of renewal, accomplishment,
adventure, and fellowship. The energy of the day is so remarkable—it's like
a celebration of self.”
For more information on how you can arrange a fundraising hiking adventure,
log on to www.momsonthemove.org, e-mail Wendy Riley at info@momsonthemove.org,
or call toll-free
800-98HIKERS (800-984-4537).
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CCEF invites all local education foundations and affiliated organizations to submit an innovative, successful, exciting activity or program for the 2003 Apple Awards.
In addition, LEFs are also encouraged to submit innovative & successful fund raising activities, public relations efforts, or board development/administrative inspirations.
Selected programs will be highlighted at the
CCEF Annual Training Conference,
Nov 6-7, 2003,
in San Jose.
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BOARD RETREAT: AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT OF FOUNDATION SUCCESS (TOP)
by Susan Sweeney, CCEF Executive Director
“If you don’t know where you are going, it doesn’t matter which way you go.” Indeed! The words of the Cheshire Cat in Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland.
Whether beginning or established, site based or serving a district, suburban or rural, all local education foundations benefit from a yearly board retreat. It is often the one time each year when board members can meet in an unrushed, informal way to reflect on the organization’s growth and plan for the future.
At different times the focus of the retreat may differ. The focus may be on developing a strategic plan or a framework for the board’s operation; it may be on building infrastructure and developing the skills of board members; and at other times, the retreat is an opportunity to educate the board in preparation for new programs or important future decisions. In all cases, a board retreat provides an important opportunity for board members and staff to get to know each other in a more multidimensional way and to learn the basic differences in their respective roles.
Board retreats are often held on a Saturday or at the end of the workday to provide time to consider issues in greater depth than at a two-hour board meeting. Traditionally, a facilitator is engaged to orchestrate the retreat activities so all members of the board can relax and participate.
A board retreat is a time to take stock. A chance to celebrate accomplishments. It is also a time to revisit your mission statement and revise or reaffirm. It is a time to re-examine or develop a vision and values statement for your foundation.
For many foundations, the board retreat is a chance to plan for the coming year. Carol Sigelman, Keylink Consultancy and CCEF Board Member, shared the following chart that she uses with groups during annual planning:
FUNDRAISING AND RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT SAMPLE STRATEGIC PLAN
|
Goal: Increase total funds raised in 2003 by 25% |
||||
|
Objectives/ Strategies |
Actions/ Tactics |
Responsible | Deadline/ Due Dates |
Outcomes |
|
Double donor enrollment |
Educate potential donors Annual report Present needs at sport/parent mtgs |
Committee |
Back to school night |
(describe |
|
Increase participation at fundraising events |
Publicity Word of mouth |
All board members |
Ongoing |
|
|
Increase business and corporate sponsorship |
Identify community resources Determine benefits to sponsors Create presentation materials Write cover letter |
Business partners Community liaison |
End September |
|
It is important to refer back to your these charts and your strategic plan throughout the year to mark your progress in various areas
The San Carlos Education Foundation’s recent retreat, organized by President Elect, Carrie Du Bois, incorporated many of the elements we have discussed and added some new ones. The group met on Saturday at a conference room at the San Mateo County Office of Education. The program for the day included a brief history of the growing foundation movement statewide as well as the history and growth of the San Carlos Education Foundation. Guest speaker, Kay Sprinkle Grace, noted author and fund development expert, prepared the board for today’s challenges of fund development in these times of budget crisis for public schools. Kay focused on the specific strengths and challenges of the San Carlos Education Foundation. Following an informal box lunch, a small group exercise helped LEF leaders get to know each other, an important step in the planning process. The group celebrated the year’s accomplishments and discussed the challenges and plans for the future. The day concluded with a presentation and informal discussion with a panel of local education foundation presidents from neighboring communities who have similar and successful LEFs.
When planning for next year’s board meetings, include a retreat and get the date on everyone’s calendar right away. The payoff to your foundation will be well worth the effort and the time spent.
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HOW TO APPROACH PRIVATE FOUNDATIONS, FUNDRAISING
TIPS FOR LEFs
(TOP)
Some private foundations only accept proposals in response to their invitations and initiatives. Usually, these are called “operating foundations;” that is, they use their endowment income to pursue projects determined by their board of directors and do not encourage voluntary applications from others. Descriptions In the Foundation Directory, for example, often contain this caution: Unsolicited proposals not accepted.
If the foundation has a history of funding issues/projects similar to yours, send a brief letter, not a proposal. The letter explains that their organization and yours have something in common—you both share a deep concern about (pick a topic: aging, drug abuse, battered women). Include a brief description of your organization along with a one-page bulleted list of major initiatives or accomplishments. Conclude by saying that since this topic is so crucial, you want to share your activities with others who hold the same values.
The outcome? About one-third of the time, you get a letter back saying they didn't know about you and you are invited to submit an application. You never hear from the others. Their message is clear; they have their own priorities and any further attempts to approach them would be a waste of time.
Grant seeking is a contact sport, especially when approaching private foundations. When relationships exist between your board and a private foundation, it will not guarantee that you get funding, but there are some key roles that your board can play in planning competitive proposals.
More specifically, your board members can help in three ways. First, they can help clarify foundation funding priorities to see if your idea would be a good match with their interests. Second, they can help you gain information about the proposal review process: who will review your proposal, what is the level of reviewer's expertise, will the proposal be skim read or critically studied, and when will the review be done. Third, your board can help obtain post-review feedback: what did they like or not like about your proposal, if declined, is it worthwhile to revise and resubmit.
(Adapted from Grantseeker Tips Newsletter,
published by
Miner and Associates, Inc.)
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MEETING THE BUDGET CRISIS II
THE GOVERNOR’S MAY REVISION
(TOP)
by Sally Outis, CCEF Board of Directors
On May 14 Gov. Davis offered the “May Revision” to the budget he presented in January. The May Revision turned out to be a substantially changed budget proposal for K-12 education, among other programs.
There are two key changes:
-
Reduction of revenue limits is changed from 2.15% to 1.2%
-
Across-the-board reductions to categorical programs is eliminated; instead substantial cuts to specific programs are proposed.
For additional information, a very understandable three-page synopsis of the May Revision has been developed by the California Institute for School Improvement (CISI) and can be read here. (This is an Adobe Acrobat PDF file. The free reader may be downloaded here http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html )
LEFs and others must keep in mind that the Governor's May budget is still subject to change and approval by the Legislature. Indeed, a Senate version was reported out of committee on May 28. The final budget will undoubtedly contain further changes to the May revision.
In the meantime, LEFs, parent groups and others in school districts across California have entered into collaborations and fundraising activities at the local level to save programs that are threatened by budget reductions. We urge LEFs to share their ideas and plans with CCEF so that they may be displayed on the website for the benefit of other LEFs. Please post these on the CCEF discussion server at www.cceflink.org/discweb or send email to ccef@cceflink.org
On a positive note, the CISI synopsis states that “there is growing sentiment in the Capitol that agreement on a 2003-04 budget will be reached on or near the beginning of the new fiscal year, July 1.” A timely budget agreement will be a great help to school districts as they try to plan for the coming school year.
There is an interesting article in the May 22, 2003 issue of the San Francisco Chronicle entitled “Parents try to cover schools' budget gap Enterprising PTAs, foundations rescue some programs” which elucidates the efforts being made in a number of school districts in Northern California. This is the link to the archived article: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2003/05/22/MN43417.DTL
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MEET THE BOARD—ROBERT B. CAINE (TOP)
Bob Caine, CCEF's newest board member is a long time employee of the Kentfield School District in Marin County, Northern California, Bob started as an Elementary School Teacher in the district in 1970. He also served as a Middle School Coach, Elementary School Principal and Assistant Superintendent in the district before becoming Superintendent in 1978. He has served as liaison with the Kentfield Schools Foundation since that date also. (Kentfield has a student population of about 1,000.)
Outside of Kentfield Bob has been involved with many local and statewide groups including the California School Boards Association and has also found time to pursue and be granted masters degrees in Education and Divinity as well the Masters in Governance certificate from the CSBA two years ago.
Bob says “I have thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of my service in education, including my efforts to help our foundation grow from one of the first foundations in California to one of the most effective. I am honored to serve on the board of CCEF.”
(In this column we will introduce the members of the board of CCEF.)
Bob Caine, Superintendent of the Kentfield School District with students from Bacich School
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Have you returned your 2003 CCEF Directory form? Paper copies of the survey were mailed to all identified local education foundations and some of you took advantage of the online survey at http://www.cceflink.org/dirsurvey.asp. If you haven't already filled out your survey please do so ASAP. CCEF will be calling LEFs in June to encourage you to participate. The directory project is sponsored by the Wells Fargo Foundation and, with your help, will be the most comprehensive to date. Results will be shared in future issues of CCEFLINK. Be sure to contact CCEF if you need a paper survey form.
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Susan Sweeney, Executive Director of CCEF participated in the Community Forum on Education Foundations hosted by the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County. The Panel discussion (from left to right) included Marshall Wolf, President of the Scotts Valley Education Foundation; Muhammed Chaudhry, Executive Director of Franklin McKinley Education Foundation, Lance Linares, Executive Director, Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County; Susan Sweeney, Executive Director, CCEF. Panel members not shown: Terri Kent, President of the Los Gatos Education Foundation; Terry Teitelbaum, Advancing School Arts.
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-
San Diego Regional Meeting—September, 2003
Details and date will be posted soon. -
CCEF Annual Training Conference, "Changing Role of Education Foundations in Today's Economy," will take place on Nov 6-7, 2003, in San Jose. Day One will feature twin tracks on
“In depth capacity building” and “Education Foundation Fundamentals” as well as a workshop on "Developing an Effective Grant Program." Day Two will feature General Sessions, a Panel of LEF leaders, 12 skill building workshops, networking reception and Idea Fair.
CCEF
PO Box 19290
Stanford, CA 94309
650.324.1653 voice
650.326.7751 fax
A big thank you to Washington Mutual, Inc.
for sponsoring this newsletter.
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