IT TAKES ALL OF US
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina 2010 Year End Report
Contents 1 Introduction 2 From the Board Chair & President 4 Facilitating Philanthropy 5 Our Funds 6 Our Work to Strengthen Nonprofits 8 Pigeon River Fund – Protecting Natural Resources 10 Center for Participatory Change Leverages Americorps Workers 12 Cultivating Community – Bountiful Cities 16 Our Affiliates 18 Affiliate Funding Nourishes a Community – The Welcome Table 20 Women’s Philanthropy 22 Working with The Community Foundation 24 Stewardship and Financial Information
Board of Directors 2010
Staff
Marla Adams Ernest E. Ferguson Terry Van Duyn William N. Lewin
Sheryl Aikman Elizabeth Brazas Spencer Butler Diane Crisp Becky Davis Naomi Davis Virginia Dollar Lisa Forehand Lindsay Hearn Maria Juarez Graham Keever Beth Maczka Tim Richards Tara Scholtz Beth Semadeni Janet Sharp Bob Wagner Sally Weldon
Chair Vice-Chair Secretary Treasurer
Board Members Louise W. Baker Gene Bell J. Wilson Bowman, Ph.D. David S. Dimling Jennie Eblen Thomas Lee Finger John N. Fleming Harry Jarrett John G. Kelso Virginia Litzenberger T. Wood Lovell Tina McGuire
2
Janet Smith Moore Ramona C. Rowe George W. Saenger Anna S. (Candy) Shivers James W. Stickney, IV Jerry Stone G. Edward Towson, II Kate Vogel Laura A. Webb Laurence Weiss John G. Winkenwerder
Vice President, Development President Donor Services Associate Office Manager Development Officer Accounting Associate Program Administrator Program Officer Communications Director Scholarship Officer Vice President, Finance & Administration Program Officer Senior Program Officer Affiliate & Development Officer Receptionist Staff Accountant Vice President, Programs Director of Information Technology
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina is a nonprofit organization created in 1978 that serves 18 counties
madison
m itc he ll Yancey
avery
Burke hay wo od
Buncombe
Swain henderson
Graham
macon
Cherokee Clay
Our Mission The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina promotes and expands regional philanthropy and develops local funds that address changing needs and opportunities in the 18 counties of Western North Carolina. 2010 Quick Facts + More than 950 different charitable funds in our care + Assets of $144 million + Distributions totaling more than $11.8 million + Scholarships totaling $346,500 were awarded to 165 students + Gifts received totaling $14.8 million
Jackson
ia an lv sy n a Tr
mcDowell
rutherford Polk
We Provide: Excellent Donor Service We make giving easy, flexible and effective. We accept a variety of gifts, offer custom fund options to suit your needs and provide maximum tax advantages. We responsibly manage the assets in our care to ensure that your philanthropy is of maximum benefit now and for future generations. Regional Expertise With an experienced staff that understands the issues and opportunities shaping our region, we monitor community need and can help you learn about effective organizations and programs having an impact in your areas of interest. Strong Leadership We invest in the most promising endeavors for our mountain region and partner with other funders, public agencies and the business sector to bring an informed and consistent voice to critical civic issues.
1
FROM THE BOARD CHAIR & PRESIDENT Pictured from left: Marla Adams, Chair of the Board of Directors and Elizabeth Brazas, President
2
We are pleased to share with you this report on The Community Foundation’s activities during the last year. With a new president and a renewed focus on our core values of philanthropy and inclusion, the Foundation has been working with our donors, nonprofits and partners to improve lives and communities across Western North Carolina.
This year we facilitated $11.8 million in philanthropy. We have changed the way we report our grants to help you better understand the sources of money available for grantmaking and the ways in which funding decisions are made. The Community Foundation is a complex entity and it takes all of us – donors, nonprofits, affiliates and other regional funders – to make a significant impact. At the heart of grants we make and gifts we receive is the desire to see maximum positive benefit of every dollar. We have recently launched a strategic planning process that will evaluate our programs and ways of working. We will emerge from this process prepared to hold ourselves accountable to the same standards that we expect from our grantees. We owe it to you – our constituents and donors – to disburse money wisely and to have a clear plan for deploying resources and measuring results. An important part of our strategy has been to lead on issues of special concern to our region. Two years ago our Mountain Landscapes Initiative was launched to help citizens and community leaders identify best practices for smart growth. It resulted in a “Toolbox” that influences discussion and provides guidance to government officials, planners and civic leaders. The Mountain Landscapes Initiative is adapted and implemented, based on individual counties’ needs and appetite for addressing issues. This year, the initiative received a national award for “Excellence in County Planning.”
This report also provides a clearer picture of the ways in which we support our broad nonprofit sector. On page 7, we outline the various services and opportunities available, in addition to grantmaking. The regional funders collaborative WNC Nonprofit Pathways exists to build the capacity of nonprofit organizations. We are fortunate to have a strong and vibrant nonprofit community. Supporting them and providing them with the resources they need to fulfill their missions is one of the important ways the Foundation works in our region. In the spirit of recognizing the vital work of that nonprofit community, we share a few of their stories in these pages. We are truly fortunate to be living in a region that is home to passionate and visionary people who care about their communities and work to create change. There is exciting and essential work to be done and a thirty-two year legacy to carry forward. Please join us as we look to the future and build on our success for Western North Carolina.
Marla Adams Chair of the Board of Directors
Elizabeth Brazas President
3
Facilitating Philanthropy From July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010, The Community Foundation distributed $11.8 million, money enabling good work in many communities. We are proud of our role in facilitating this philanthropy. As a community foundation, we serve many constituencies and fund a wide range of initiatives, organizations and projects. This report to our stakeholders is the ideal place to provide transparency and information about where this money comes from and how it gets distributed. There are more than 950 funds held at The Community Foundation that fall into broad categories. On page 6 we illustrate our assets by fund type and explain the different types of funds. Organization and designated grants totaled $1.1 million. Grants recommended by our donors from their donor advised funds comprise $8.9 million of the total amount distributed this fiscal year. Generous community-minded citizens are having a tremendous impact through their partnerships with the Foundation. Most of our grants are driven by our donors’ wide and varied philanthropic interests. The top chart on the facing page illustrates these donor advised grants by broad sector.
This year, nonprofits received $1.8 million through our Foundation’s active competitive grant programs, those for which funding decisions are made by CFWNC Board, staff and other advisors. These grants are illustrated by the second chart on the facing page. These programs include: Biltmore Lake Charitable Fund, Learning Links, Organizational Development, Next Steps Fund, Pigeon River Fund, Recession Response Fund, Ramble Charitable Fund, Summertime Kids and Women for Women. The Community Foundation serves the community by facilitating and promoting philanthropy. We work with individual donors, make grants, manage grant programs, strategically invest assets for nonprofits, build coalitions and so much more. Our work is broad in scope and guided by the desire to use all available opportunities to improve lives in Western North Carolina. In the following pages, you will read stories and meet people whose work is transforming communities and changing lives. A theme of partnership and collaboration runs through this report and through the daily work of The Community Foundation. Together, we make a difference.
Most of our grants are driven by our donors’ wide and varied philanthropic interests. 4
Donor Advised grants
7/1/09 - 6/30/10
$5,000,000
A Health:
4,000,000
3,000,000
2,000,000
1,000,000
0
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
competitive grants
$4,495,029
B Education:
$1,231,482
C People in Need:
$1,019,885
D Religion:
$820,746
E Economic:
$564,307
F Environment:
$419,277
G Arts:
$353,314
Total:
$8,904,040
7/1/09 - 6/30/10
$800,000 700,000
A Health:
$116,520
600,000
B Education:
$132,380
500,000
C People in Need:
$654,883
400,000
D Scholarships:
$346,500
300,000
E Economic:
$222,770
200,000
F Environment:
$291,404
100,000
G Arts:
0
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
Total:
$10,000 $1,774,457
5
Our Funds Founded in 1978, The Community Foundation invests its permanent funds to provide a perpetual resource for the people of Western North Carolina. Effective stewardship of these funds allows us to respond to today’s needs, while preserving and enhancing our ability to help in the future.
For our fiscal year ending June 30, 2010, we received contributions totaling $14.8 million with 38 new funds created. We actively manage more than 950 funds, each created by an individual, family, corporation or nonprofit organization. Types of funds are listed below. Please visit our website at www.cfwnc.org for a complete list of our funds and donors. Donor Advised Funds support broad charitable purposes specified by the donor and are typically disbursed with a high level of donor involvement. Organization Funds allow nonprofits to access institutionalcaliber investment strategies costeffectively and offer donors a full range of gift planning services.
Field of Interest Funds support broadly-defined areas of charitable interest. Designated Funds benefit one or more named charities for a specific time period or in perpetuity. Scholarship Funds provide assistance to students pursuing higher education. Affiliate Funds support regional philanthropic and fundraising efforts by partnering with local leaders to build permanent charitable capital. For more information, visit pages 16 and 17. Unrestricted Endowment Funds offer broad flexibility for addressing the region’s changing needs.
sources of Grantmaking funds at 6/30/2010 A
A
Donor Advised 46%
B Organization Funds 23% C Field of Interest 13%
G F E B D C
6
D
Designated 7%
E
Scholarship 5%
F
Affiliate 4%
G
Unrestricted 2%
Our role as philanthropic advisor is one with a dual benefit to donors and nonprofits. Our Work with Nonprofits Through our donors and competitive grant programs The Community Foundation provides funding to nonprofits. Since 1978, we have distributed more than $100 million in grants. While grantmaking is important, there are many other ways we assist nonprofits and here are some examples: WNC Nonprofit Pathways Pathways is a funders collaborative designed to support the broad nonprofit sector through education, training and workshops, organizational assessments, tailored consultancies and capacity-building grantmaking. Funding partners include the Cherokee Preservation Foundation, The Community Foundation, Mission Healthcare Foundation, Mission Hospital and United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County. For detailed information, visit www.nonprofitpathways.org.
Nonprofit Endowments and Funds The Community Foundation helps more than 130 regional nonprofits by offering them expertise in administration and management of their investments. Working with the Foundation enables nonprofits to access institutional-caliber strategies in a cost-effective manner and complements their development efforts with our full range of offerings such as charitable gift annuities and charitable remainder trusts. Nonprofits gain access to layers of supervision, diversity of investments, benchmarks and standards that an independent portfolio might not command on its own. Philanthropic Advisors Our role as philanthropic advisor is one with a dual benefit to donors and nonprofits. Foundation staff members understand our region, know the nonprofit community and are informed regarding donor interest and capacity. We can and do bring worthy projects to the attention of donors when we see an opportunity. Because we know our donors and are familiar with their interests, this is an effective means of funding important community initiatives. Through these relationships, distributions from donor advised funds significantly supplement our discretionary grantmaking and can lead to support for projects that might have gone unfunded. Nonprofit Resource Center The Foundation maintains a resource center at Pack Memorial Library in downtown Asheville with information for nonprofits regarding funding and management. A free quarterly orientation and education session is offered.
7
Pigeon River Fund
Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy + $20,000 to complete storm water wetland construction, educational signage and conservation easement expenses
Working with Corporate Partners and Regional Nonprofits to Protect Natural Resources
Francine Delany New School for Children + $12,000 towards start-up cost for a special water quality outreach project for 8th-graders
The Community Foundation works with donors, organizations and corporations to facilitate and promote philanthropy in our region. The Pigeon River Fund was created by a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission licensing agreement between Progress Energy and the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Because of our regional expertise and grantmaking experience, the Foundation was selected to run the grant program. It was created in 1996 to improve surface water quality, enhance fish and wildlife management habitats, expand public use and access to waterways and increase awareness about how people can help protect these resources. Through May 2010, a total of $3,441,947 has been awarded in grants to projects in Haywood, Buncombe and Madison counties. In Haywood County alone, grants from the Fund have leveraged more than $6 million in federal and state funding. The 2009-2010 grants were made to:
Haywood County Schools Foundation + $25,000 for staff support of the Haywood Environmental Initiative Coordinator to support hands-on learning in the 5th and 8th-grade science curriculum Haywood Waterways Association, Inc. + $49,500 to support coordinated community efforts to address water quality issues + $15,000 for advanced lab analysis from selected wells to test the impact of failed septic systems Madison County Soil & Water Conservation District + $14,900 to install a pilot demonstration “mycofiltration� project to manage stormwater runoff + $7,344 to cover lab analysis cost as part of effort to maintain a database of water quality monitoring NC DENR WaDE Program + $15,000 to support GIS mapping and analysis as part of the Straight Pipe and Failing System Identification and Elimination Program
8
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy + $25,000 to support landowner outreach and education efforts to encourage land conservation as part of a farmland preservation initiative of Madison County Southwestern NC Resource Conservation and Development Council + $8,020 for support of area and statewide participation by middle and high school students in Envirothon + $25,000 toward Saving Rural Lands and Waters in the Upper Pigeon River Valley + $22,495 to continue support of the Water Quality GIS/field technician serving Haywood County Western North Carolina Alliance + $25,000 toward establishment of the Environmental Quality Institute (EQI) as independent lab to serve VWIN monitoring programs Through the Pigeon River Fund, assets from Progress Energy and expertise from the Foundation are bringing significant resources to bear on some of the most pressing issues facing our region. For information and application details, visit www.cfwnc.org.
Students at Francine Delany New School for Children learn about water quality issues and take part in hands-on stream improvements.
9
Just Economics volunteer Sophia Hatz presented at a “Voices” session where participants created a pizza chart of dominant social identities. The “Voices” series closed with a community celebration.
10
Center for Participatory Change Leverages AmeriCorps Workers More People Served in WNC with the help of Vista Volunteers The recession has been tough for the Latino Advocacy Coalition of Henderson County. As with other nonprofits and grassroots organizations, there has been more demand for the coalition’s services but fewer resources to meet the need. Despite the challenges of a weak economy, the coalition has expanded its services to immigrants with the help of AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) volunteer Robin Sersland. Sersland has made a difference for the Latino Advocacy Coalition of Henderson County. “Having her here frees us to run the programming that people come through the door expecting us to offer,” says Carolina McCready, co-director of the coalition based in Hendersonville. “I can say we have increased the number of people we have served because Robin’s been here to help.” AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers, trained by the Asheville-based Center for Participatory Change (CPC), work full time to assist nonprofits and grassroots groups with tasks such as developing websites, recruiting volunteers, fundraising,
organizing events and writing grant proposals. A CFWNC Recession Response Fund grant of $15,500 provided seed money for the CPC’s WNC Grassroots Support VISTA Project, which was established in 2009. The AmeriCorps VISTA program has generated more than $114,000 in federal funding for stipends and benefits for the volunteers CPC has trained. The CPC is in the second year of a three-year contract with the North Carolina VISTA office to run the program. Unlike workers in the regular AmeriCorps program, AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers do not provide direct services to clients but help organizations broaden services and develop new programs. Volunteers make a one-year commitment. Most of CPC’s partner organizations in the VISTA program have small staffs or are run by volunteers. “The VISTA volunteer is the designated person there for capacity building,” says Craig White, the CPC staff member who coordinates the program. “It lets the organizations plan more and be strategic rather than always being in a responsive mode. It’s nothing they can’t do on their own, but they haven’t had the time and resources.” CPC’s VISTA workers have recruited more than 100 volunteers for organizations in the region. That means more people are helped. In Haywood County, VISTA volunteer Whitney Franklin helped make the annual Lake Junaluska Peace Conference successful.
Franklin recruited children involved with the Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center, where she works, to participate in the conference’s opening ceremony in September. The Lake Junaluska Peace Conference Committee, a grassroots group, organizes the event, and this year’s theme was bringing peace to the world’s children. At Just Economics of Western North Carolina, based in Asheville, VISTA worker Sophia Hatz coordinates Voices for Economic Justice, a leadership development program to train low-wage workers in advocacy and community education. Just Economics advocates for living wages. Hatz, 25, was a volunteer with Just Economics before she joined the VISTA program. “It’s a great benefit for me because this position wouldn’t have existed if not for VISTA,” she says. Just Economics supplements her VISTA stipend of about $800 a month with a housing stipend. The nonprofit has a full-time director and another staff member. “I definitely learn a lot, and they treat me as if I was staff so I have a lot of responsibilities. It’s a really good work experience,” Hatz says. In a time when resources are stretched and demand is high, the capacity building support provided by the VISTA volunteers allows nonprofits to focus on service provision and to build their organizations in a difficult economic climate. The CFWNC grant is leveraging other resources, enabling nonprofits to serve more people and training our next generation of leaders.
Contributed by Jess Clarke
11
cultivating Community Grant to Bountiful Cities Plants the Seeds of Sustainability & Collaboration In April of 2009, the Foundation made a Recession Response Grant to the Bountiful Cities Project to support the formation of new community gardens. The modest $5,000 grant, distributed amongst six community gardens, will impact neighborhoods for years to come. In addition to supplying approximately 1,500 families and individuals with produce, these community gardens can provide an education in sustainable agriculture and the possibility of income through the sale of fruits, vegetables and flowers. “The Community Foundation grant enabled us to form partnerships, provide tools and equipment and to bring people together to create
12
these gardens that will benefit people that are largely low-wealth people of color,” said Director Darcel Eddins. “To be able to increase volunteer participation, food production and access to affordable fruits and vegetables in these communities is a good thing.” For ten years, Bountiful Cities has been working with communities to seek resources and to teach and learn about sustainable agriculture. You can learn more at www.bountifulcitiesproject.org. The Foundation thanks photographer Robin Dreyer for the beautiful images in this photo montage. More of his work can be seen at www.rdreyer.com.
The children at the Head Start program at the R.C. Reid Center enjoy tasting herbs and tomatoes shared by Bountiful Cities volunteer Joe Dofflemyer. The garden at the Reid Center was created by Grass to Greens, a program of Bountiful Cities, in partnership with Green Opportunities, an Asheville-based community-based development organization dedicated to improving lives, communities and the health of the planet through innovative green collar job training and placement programs.
13
The Community Garden at Hillcrest Apartments is in its first year of cultivation. Using grant-purchased tools and volunteer labor, the soil has been amended and a cover crop planted for the winter. “We are not here helping, we are working together,” said Bountiful Cities Director Darcel Eddins. “We are focused on longterm sustainability and community investment at the beginning, and continuing is imperative for success. Community members must be the decision makers so that an environment of mutual trust and respect is created and healthy partnerships are developed. This place will look totally different next spring.” Hillcrest resident Sherrell Cuthbertson (above) gave a presentation to her neighbors about communal gardens and what they can accomplish for their communities. “The elders remember when Hillcrest had a garden,” she said. “We focused on neighborhood involvement and the process that can get us to bringing produce and flowers to market.”
14
The Pearson Street Community Garden is 1.58 acres, owned by Bountiful Cities, planted with vegetables, herbs, flowers, grapes, berries and fruit trees. This site is transforming to a market garden that will create green jobs using sustainable agriculture practices.
Dewayne Barton (below) created the first Burton Street Garden on his own land. “Hope grows relationships,” he said. “Some of these neighborhoods have been known for their flaws and failures but a community garden shows that we can unite.” The garden at Burton Street includes a greenhouse, art installations, community gathering spaces and more. A second Burton Street Garden has been prepared for cultivation next spring. “These gardens are teaching people to work and to be entrepreneurial in a setting that feels comfortable and safe,” said Barton.
15
Our Affiliate Funds Since 1992, The Community Foundation has supported the growth of affiliate funds to extend the benefits of philanthropy across our region. Each affiliate is building a permanent philanthropic resource that will benefit generations. The Community Foundation provides investment, accounting, grantmaking and administrative services, allowing affiliate boards to utilize their local expertise to attract donors and work with their nonprofit organizations. Through boards of local leaders, our affiliates are a strong connection to needs and opportunities. The Community Foundation is privileged to partner with engaged citizens, organizations and families doing good work in Western North Carolina. Our affiliates are:
16
Black Mountain – Swannanoa Valley Foundation Established in 1999; June 30 assets* exceeded $389,900 Board members: Sandra Abromitis, Dave Alexander, Gladys Brooks, Joan Brown, Katherine “Scottie” Cannon, Julia A. Capps, W. Travis Childs III, Scott Counce, Julia Courtney, Lynn Deese, Emily Ferguson (Co-Chair), Connie Gardi, Robert N. Headley, Jerone Herring, William G. Hollins, Jim Lenhart (Co-Chair), Judith Mayer, Gretchen Naff, Charles E. Reiley and Letta Jean Taylor *The Board advises the Buckner Family Endowment Fund and the Helen S. and Jerry M. Newbold, Jr. Endowment Fund, which support grantmaking for Black Mountain, Montreat and the Swannanoa Valley. Cashiers Community Fund Established in 1992; June 30 assets exceeded $1.8 million Board Members: Patricia Alders, Lisa Bates, Joan Berryhill, Sanford Bishop, Patrick Carlton, Charles W. Coker, Robin Crawford, T. Wayne Davis, Robert Dews, David S. Dimling, Louis M. Freeman (Chair), Russell Holliday, William F. Law Jr., Becky McKee, Edward G. Michaels III, Sarah Nelson, Fritz Rybert, Dearl Stewart, Tommy A. Valenta, R. Preston Wailes, Margaret Smith Warner, Joni Wavra and Eleanor Welling
The Fund for Haywood County Established in 1994; June 30 assets* exceeded $663,000 Board Members: William C. Allsbrook Jr., S. Brandon Anderson, Louise Baker (CoChair), Dionne Ghaussy, George D. Ivey, Rolf Kaufman, John Keith, Bruce Kingshill, Ron Leatherwood, Peggy Melville (Co-Chair), Bill Owen, Jeremy Phillips, Phyllis Prevost, Asa “Buck” Williams and Kenneth Wilson *The Board advises the J. Aaron and Adora H. Prevost Endowment Fund, which supports grantmaking in Haywood County. Highlands Community Foundation Established in 1996; June 30 assets* exceeded $890,000 Board Members: W. Jack Brinson, Laney Capron, Judy Kight, T. Wood Lovell (Chair), Nancy Parker and Willis H. Willey *The Board advises the Mildred Miller Fort Fund and the Hertwig Fund, which support grantmaking in Highlands.
The McDowell Foundation Established in 1995; June 30 assets* exceeded $347,000 Board Members: Ellen “Bunnie” Salsbury Burgin, George Simeon Butler, Arthur Campbell, Rebecca B. Cross, Simeon R. Cross, Barbara W. Dark, Laura Dover Doran, Amy England, W. Hill Evans, James S. Gibson, Albert “Bud” C. Hogan, Garland L. Norton, Sharon Lee Parker (Chair) and Joy Shuford *The Board advises the Margaret Westmoreland Gibson Memorial Fund, A.C. Hogan Family Fund and Daniel I. and Joy Q. Shuford Fund, which support grantmaking in McDowell County. Foundation for Mitchell County Established in 1999; June 30 assets exceeded $137,900 Board Members: Harry Anderson, Daniel Barron, A. Christopher Day, Patty Elkins, Rhonda Gunter, Sandy Jobe, Delphia Lamberson, Susan Larson (Chair), Cindy Lindsey, Jean McLaughlin, Cynthia G. Nash, Silvia Peterson, Leland Riddle and Bill Weeks
Rutherford County Foundation Established in 1996; June 30 assets exceeded $1.3 million Board Members: C. Philip Byers, Lucille Dalton, Mike Gavin, Vernon Hoyle, Katy Hunt, Peggy Jaski, Myra Johnson, Joan King, Sally Lesher (Chair), Sandra McGriff, Karen Moore, William L. Morris, Juanita Newton, Janice Paris, Michael S. Tanner, Nancy Tanner, Diane Warner, Claudia Wilkins, Dick Wilkins and Midge Yelton Transylvania Endowment Established in 1998; June 30 assets* exceeded $490,000 Board Members: Sara Champion, Jan Crocker, Rebecca Desmond, Marcia Harper, W. Andrew Harvill, Kevin Jones, Betsy Jordan, Scott A. Latell, James Lipham, Amye McCallie, Gail McCarty, Peter McKinney, Linda Neumann, William Thomas Penn (Chair), Kenneth G. Racht, Louisa Reed and John R. Rowe Jr.
Yancey Foundation Established in 1998; June 30 assets exceeded $254,000 Board Members: Jo Ann Bass, Patricia Bennett, Peter Bobbe, Joann Collins, Paul “Bubba” Crutchfield, William O. Cullom (Chair), Jim Floyd, George Gowen, Howell Hammond, Robert H. Howell, Dick Kennedy, Lynda Kinnane, Jim McQueen, Wanda Proffitt, Peter Stephens, Martin Webster, Carol Wilson, Carol Woodard and Sam Young To learn more about our affiliates, visit www.cfwnc.org or contact Tara Scholtz, Affiliate & Development Officer, at 828-254-4960 or email Scholtz@cfwnc.org.
*The Board advises the Transylvania Directors’ Fund, Lake Toxaway Charities Endowment Fund and Burlingame Charitable Fund, which support grantmaking in Transylvania County.
The Community Foundation provides investment, accounting, grantmaking and administrative services, allowing affiliate boards to utilize their local expertise to attract donors and work with their nonprofit organizations. 17
Affiliate Funding Nourishes a Community Grants from the Black Mountain-Swannanoa Valley Foundation Feed the Hungry and Build Community I’m going to sit at the welcome table Yes, I’m going to sit at the welcome table One of these days, hallelujah I’m going to sit at the welcome table Sit at the welcome table one of these days, one of these days At noon on Wednesdays, John Dewitt rings a bell at St. James Episcopal Church and hungry people line up for lunch at The Welcome Table in Black Mountain. Nearly 10,000 meals have been served since the nonprofit began providing lunch on Wednesdays in December of 2008. The Welcome Table satisfies hunger but it also feeds the soul of this community.
18
By12:15 a line snakes around the room. People are lining up for meatloaf, corn on the cob, mashed potatoes and more, but many have been here since 11 a.m. sipping coffee or iced tea, meeting neighbors and swapping stories. Each has been greeted at the door by Joan Brown, a volunteer and board member for the CFWNC Black Mountain-Swannanoa Valley Foundation. For some, John Dewitt says, this weekly meal is their one opportunity for socializing. And the doors are wide open. On any given Wednesday, The Welcome Table feeds elderly people who attend with their caregivers, low-risk residents from the local women’s prison who are transitioning back into society, veterans, the homeless and over the past two years many more folks who find themselves in need of a meal due to economic circumstances. “The face of need, the face of the poor, has totally changed,” said Dewitt. “We have been witness to that.” After a career in marketing and a second career in food including a stint owning an Italian restaurant in Santa Cruz, John Crognale has found his calling. He oversees the volunteer crew that feeds up to 225 people a week. Crognale says The Welcome Table operates with simple tenants: Everyone is welcome; there are no barriers and no requirements; and those who have, pay for those who don’t. A voluntary donation will be accepted, although is not required.
Crognale’s volunteer crew includes men from First of Blue Ridge Treatment Center, who are addressing drug or alcohol addiction. These volunteers set up, prepare the meals and clean up. Frank Primm is one who was introduced to The Welcome Table through Blue Ridge and he credits The Welcome Table with saving his life. A recovering alcohol and drug addict, Primm says at first “they make you come.” After ten months of helping out, however, Crognale had become a mentor to Primm and his experience has helped him find a new direction. “There is no doubt that coming here changed my life,” he said. “I am convinced that working here re-ignited my passion for cooking and taught me the importance of giving back. I know the blessings in my life now are because I volunteered here.” Primm has completed the A-B Tech certification to become a sous chef and is starting the two-year culinary degree program with a scholarship. “I was volunteering without expecting anything in return. But in return, I was blessed,” he said. “I go back to the center a lot and the new guys see me changed,” he continued. “To see someone like me – in school and making something of myself – gives them hope.” After lunch is served, Crognale comes out and addresses the crowd. Somebody needs a bicycle and, after a few questions regarding height and equipment, one is procured. He thanks the church, the volunteers and
those who have made the meal possible. He surveys the crowd asking, “How many of you are first timers? How many of you are veterans? How many of you are blessed?” And, every hand in the room shoots up. The Welcome Table’s influence is felt across the Black Mountain community. Meals on Wheels was forced to cut back its program at the Senior Center and The Welcome Table stepped in. Crognale and his team also take over the backpack program for children during the summer months when school is not in session. Support for The Welcome Table has come from the Black Mountain-Swannanoa Valley Foundation in the form of grants to upgrade the kitchen facility, purchase food and fresh produce, establish a food pantry and expand services to provide financial counseling, blood pressure testing and more. From the desire to provide food to those who need it, a community resource has developed that is not only meeting needs but building community, creating fellowship and changing lives.
From Left: Volunteer Chef John Crognale, regular attendee Horace Wells, Mrs. Delores Kindred & friends, Frank Primm, John Dewitt and Joan Brown
19
women’s PHILANTHROPY Women for Women The Women for Women giving circle was launched in 2005 to harness the power of collective giving and build a resource to make high-impact grants targeting the most pressing needs and supporting the most promising opportunities to help women and girls in our region. Women for Women is comprised of members who make a tax-deductible contribution of $1,100 each year for at least three years. Membership information is available at www.cfwnc.org. At the 2010 Power of the Purse event, Women for Women grants totaling $235,000 were announced bringing the total granted to date to nearly $1.3 million. These grants included:
Women for Women members Tina McGuire, Ramona Rowe, Sandra Byrd, Marla Adams, Laura Webb and Carol Deutsch
20
+
$15,000 to the Children and Family Resource Center of Henderson County to advocate for an increase in the number of subsidized childcare spaces, the affordability of childcare and to raise the quality of early childhood education in Henderson County by promoting an increase in education standards for childcare providers and reducing their turnover rates.
+
$100,000 to OnTrack Financial Education & Counseling over two years for the development of the Women’s Financial Empowerment Center to empower women with knowledge and skills to take charge of their finances and to address financial illiteracy.
+
$100,000 to the Task Force on Family Violence: REACH, Inc. over two years to expand and enhance a successful part-time program that provides counseling, educational training and job placement.
+
$20,000 to the YWCA for a new advocacy program to develop a community strategy to educate and train women for living wage jobs in the emerging green economy and to create a Directory of Green Jobs and career pathways for women.
Women for Women member Eleanor Owen and Keynote Speaker Cokie Roberts Speaker Sponsor Phyllis Patton
The Power of the Purse This year, nearly 1,000 people attended the 6th annual Power of the Purse on May 24 to hear Political Analyst for ABC News and NPR Senior News Analyst Cokie Roberts and to celebrate the power of women’s philanthropy. When women join forces, combine resources and work together, much can be accomplished. Working together, The Community Foundation and Women for Women promote women’s philanthropy, empower women to take action and inspire hope and possibility for disadvantaged women across Western North Carolina.
The Women’s Fund The Women’s Fund is a permanent endowment and additional source of funding for programs that work to meet the needs of women and girls in our region. Each year funds are raised for The Women’s Fund at the Power of the Purse luncheon. The money generated in The Women’s Fund will be distributed through the Women for Women grant program. Gifts of any size can be made to The Women’s Fund.
Visit www.cfwnc.org for a complete list of Women for Women members, membership details, grant stories and more. For additional information, please contact Becky Davis at bdavis@cfwnc.org or 828-254-4960.
21
22
Working with The Community Foundation In 1978, The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina’s founders committed to building permanent charitable capital to improve the quality of life across our region. Since that time, we’ve earned a strong reputation for helping people like you, whether you want to give in a way that has immediate impact, create a lasting legacy, or both.
+
Giving Now: A gift in any amount can benefit the Fund for Western North Carolina or a Field of Interest Fund supporting regional needs. Or you can establish your own named fund with a minimum gift of $10,000. Donor advised funds allow you to support the causes that you care about.
+
A Private Foundation Alternative: Using a donor advised fund instead of a private foundation eliminates regulatory requirements and administrative burdens. A donor advised fund also offers greater tax benefits and more privacy. If you already have a private foundation, our staff can help transition all or part of its assets to a fund at The Community Foundation.
You decide what fits your situation – giving now, deferring your giving or leaving a legacy. We listen to your goals, offer flexible and customized ways to give and help create a plan that fits your needs. +
+
Create Income Or Preserve Assets: Gifts can be structured to secure tax advantages and income now, while committing to a future charitable gift using a charitable gift annuity or charitable remainder trust. A charitable lead trust can create substantial charitable assets while preserving resources for heirs. Leave A Legacy: A charitable provision in your will or trust can add to or create a fund that perpetuates your legacy.
You have many gift-giving options. How and what you give depends on your specific financial situation and what you want to accomplish with your gift. Most people use cash, stocks, bonds or mutual funds. We are experienced with complex assets such as real estate and closelyheld stock and with structuring gifts using 401k and IRA accounts and life insurance policies. Your gift will be used wisely. We pool contributions and keep investment and administrative costs low. Because we are a public charity, donations qualify for the maximum available tax deduction. With the power of endowment, your gift can benefit the region and your chosen causes in perpetuity. We’re here to help. Our staff is always happy to sit down with you and your professional advisors to discuss the charitable vehicles, gift timing and asset choices that might be most advantageous for you. We are here to guide you through the process of establishing the best giving plan for you. Contact Sheryl Aikman at aikman@cfwnc.org or Becky Davis at bdavis@cfwnc.org or call 828-254-4960 to learn more.
We listen to your goals, offer flexible and customized ways to give and help create a plan that fits your needs. 23
Stewardship of Community Assets The thoughtful stewardship of The Community Foundation’s assets is a critical responsibility of the Board of Directors. The Foundation’s investment program utilizes multiple levels of oversight in managing assets. The Foundation’s Investment Committee, comprised of local professionals with investment and financial expertise, has responsibility for all aspects of investment activities including investment policy, asset allocation and performance review. A consulting firm strengthens and informs the work of the Investment Committee through analytical studies, manager searches and the compilation of performance data. Multiple investment managers provide value to the Foundation’s investment process through the application of their knowledge and experience in portfolio management. The Community Foundation has a sustained record of managing prudent investment strategies. We offer donors and nonprofit organizations access to institutional investment strategies and management normally available only to large investors. Donors and nonprofit organizations can capitalize on the benefits of this multi-manager, diversified approach by working with The Community Foundation. The Community Foundation allows fundholders to recommend an investment option from among multiple portfolios under the oversight of the Investment Committee. Donors may request to have the investment management of their charitable fund provided by the following firms:
Altamont Capital Management Merrill Lynch Altavista Wealth Management Parsec Financial Management Bank of America Raymond James & Co. Boys Arnold & Co. UBS Wealth Management Colton Groome & Co.
For funds not otherwise recommended by donors, the Foundation invests in a broadly diversified portfolio that provides strategic allocations to equity, fixed income and alternative investments.
Annualized Investment Returns Through 6/30/2010
Asset Allocation as of 6/30/2010
Domestic Equity
Benchmark*
13.2%
12.8%
International Equity
Three Years
-4.8%
-2.7%
Fixed Income
27.8%
Five Years
1.4%
2.0%
Alternative Investments
19.5%
Ten Years
2.4%
1.9%
Real Estate
*The benchmark utilized is 60% S&P 500, 40% Barclays Government Corporate Index. Investment returns are reported net of investment expenses.
24
32.5%
CFWNC
One Year
11.3%
3.5%
Cash Equivalents
2.1%
Emerging Markets
3.3%
100%
Statement of Financial Position Assets Cash & cash equivalents Prepaid expenses Accounts receiveable Promises to give, net Investments Property and equipment, net Real estate Investments, restricted for endowment Total Assets
2010
2009
1,193,986 8,634 80,932 735,741 65,074,994 48,400 544,186 76,847,272 144,534,145
2,348,348 20,094 89,540 1,061,528 50,915,400 60,710 544,186 75,201,561 130,241,367
Liabilities and Net Assets Liabilities Grants and scholarships payable 463,920 588,230 Accounts payable 81,698 89,266 Liabilities under split-interest agreements 6,090,705 6,361,509 Funds held as agency endowments 30,290,792 26,664,687 Total Liabilities 36,927,115 33,703,692 Net Assets Unrestricted (deficit) (3,397,564) (6,566,057) Temporarily restricted 34,157,322 27,902,171 Permanently restricted 76,847,272 75,201,561 Total Net Assets 107,607,030 96,537,675 Total Liabilities and Net Assets
144,534,145
130,241,367
Statement of Activities
Note: Standards of financial accounting for nonprofit organizations affect the reporting of charitable remainder trusts and certain endowment funds managed by The Community Foundation for other nonprofit organizations. On the Statement of Activities, among the categories of revenue and expense impacted by these reporting requirements are Contributions and Program Services, which includes grant distributions. References to Contributions and Grants in other parts of this annual report reflect total contributions received and total grants disbursed.
2010 2009 Revenues and Other Support: Contributions 11,928,168 8,214,717 Investment Income 1,865,106 2,400,255 Realized and unrealized gains (losses) - net 9,703,072 (22,777,425) Change in value of split-interest agreements 346,296 (2,506,733) Management fee income 268,448 245,538 Grant income 77,331 55,856 Other income 207,185 179,253 Total Revenues and Other Support 24,395,606 (14,188,539) Expenses Program services 12,281,628 10,170,083 Supporting services 1,044,623 1,027,670 Total Expenses 13,326,251 11,197,753 Change in Net Assets 11,069,355 (25,386,292) Net Assets, Beginning of Year, as Previously Reported 96,537,675 121,923,967 Net Assets, End of Year 107,607,030 96,537,675
Report designed by Design One. www.d1inc.com
25
Suite 1600, The BB&T Building, One West Pack Square, Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 254-4960 www.cfwnc.org Confirmed in Compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations
26