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SPECIAL REPORTS |
ASSESSING NEEDMOR’S GRANTMAKING AND ROLES:
GRANTEE PERSPECTIVES, NEEDS AND ADVICE
A Report to the Board of Directors of the Needmor Fund
Prepared by Larry Parachini
June 28, 2002
INTRODUCTION
The Board of Directors of The Needmor Fund has asked its grantees for assistance as it addresses some very difficult questions raised by the recent sharp decline in the Fund’s assets. This report brings together for the Board’s consideration the information, thoughts and advice provided by staff leaders of 26 grantee organizations who were surveyed at the Board’s request in April – June, 2002. Representatives of 20 organizations were interviewed (two on-site; the remainder by phone), while six others volunteered written comments.
In broad terms, the Board is seeking to determine what makes the best sense for Needmor’s future grantmaking by exploring such questions as:
Given the decline in its assets, should Needmor continue grantmaking at or near its current level, risking (if the economy and its investments do not rebound substantially) further shrinkage of its endowment as well as future restrictions on and possible eventual termination of its grantmaking? What outcomes can be anticipated for Needmor’s grantees under this scenario?
Alternatively, should the amount of money allocated for Needmor’s grantmaking be reduced in the short-run to help assure that sufficient assets are available to sustain an effective level of grantmaking, and Needmor’s institutional viability, over the long-term?
If Needmor’s grantmaking level is to be reduced, what should be the magnitude, timing and duration of the cutback?
If a cutback is implemented, what are the options Needmor should consider for reaching the level decided on? For example, what criteria should be used to determine which groups should get funded at current (or increased) levels vs. those getting reduced funding vs. those getting no grants? In addition to renewal grants of whatever size and length, should grants be made to groups that are not current grantees? If so, what should be the criteria for selecting new grantees? Should Needmor continue to make technical assistance grants?
How would a substantial and/or prolonged cutback in Needmor’s grantmaking affect achievement of Needmor’s objectives and the work of grantees?
What changes, if any, should Needmor consider in the roles it takes to maximize the influence and effectiveness of its grantmaking and to assist grantees to meet their objectives? In light of these roles, what staff size and capabilities should Needmor plan on for the future?
Grantees surveyed for this report offered responses bearing on all of these and other related questions. All interviewees did not address all questions, as some had more limited information or time, or had particular concerns they wanted to discuss in some depth. Every attempt has been made in the report to accurately synthesize and represent the ideas, viewpoints and specific recommendations of the respondents.
It should be noted that the interviews averaged over an hour in length and that interviewees were candid and full in their response to questions. Many interviewees expressed their appreciation for being asked by Needmor to participate.
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The Year of Assessment and Renewal
The Needmor Fund
42 South St. Clair Street
Toledo, Ohio 43602
419-255-5560
Between May of 2003 and May of 2004, the Board, staff and members of The Needmor Fund undertook a thorough review. The “Year of Assessment and Renewal” began with a survey of members of the donor family to answer the simple question, “Do we want Needmor to continue as a family foundation?” This effort was led by a Task Team that included family members who were on the Board and others not so closely connected. The survey and report were done by Dr. Mark Lindberg, an experienced community organizer, planner and family therapist.
Next, Needmor undertook two parallel studies. The Structure Renewal Task Team of the Board engaged Jean Rudd, a private consultant who formerly served as Executive Director of the Woods Fund, a family foundation based in Chicago.
The Program Renewal Task Team engaged Lisa Ranghelli, formerly research director at the Center for Community Change, to look at all aspects of Needmor’s program.
These consultants reported to the full Board and Membership, and new Task Teams were created to recommend action based on the studies. In May of 2004, the Members and Board adopted a series of changes to Needmor’s Trust Agreement, Operating Guidelines and structure to implement the findings.
Please see the website for further information, or contact Dave Beckwith, Executive Director at dbeckwith@needmorfund.org or 419-255-5560.
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