Foundation Hosts Series of Events with Consultant Bill Somerville Community Foundation of Boone County

14 July 2003

(Text of Bill Somerville's presentation "A Jewel in Your Midst" and the presentation “New Dimensions in Grantmaking” and photos from the events.)

The Community Foundation of Boone County is proving true the old adage “when the going gets tough, the tough get going” by receiving a grant from the California- based Packard Foundation for an expert, Bill Somerville, to evaluate its programs and consult on future plans. In addition, the foundation will host a series of events featuring special guest Somerville in Lebanon July 28-29.

According to board president, Ron Lind, CPA, the three-year downturn in the economy has forced The Community Foundation to reevaluate its operations and goals.

“Whether you’re running a family or a business, during tough times you learn to reevaluate priorities and adjust spending. As a non-profit foundation this scrutiny and belt-tightening is even more critical because we are responsible for stewardship of public donations,” Hudson said.

“That’s why for the first time in 10 years, we did not host an annual reception and report to the community this spring,” Lind explained.

The need for open communication and efficient public stewardship is what motivated the foundation to take advantage of an opportunity to hire an expert consultant.

According to Lisa John, foundation executive director, the Packard grant will include opportunities for public dialogue.

“Communication is what makes the Foundation a vital community asset,” John said.

“We’re delighted that the Packard support will allow us to host gatherings to listen to and share information with three important audiences, our community donors, our non-profit partners, and professional advisors,” she said.

A donor reception with the theme, “A Jewel in Your Midst” will be held at the Flower Barn in Lebanon, July 28th , 6-8 p.m. (Directions to the Flower Barn) “Philanthropy is Good for Your Business” will be presented to professional advisors (accountants, attorneys, financial advisors) with breakfast at the Ramada Inn on July 29th, 7-8 a.m., and non-profit executives are invited to lunch and a discussion of “New Dimensions in Grantmaking” at Ulen Country Club at noon.

For reservations, contact the foundation at 317-873-0210 or 765-482-0024.

Recent evaluations of Somerville’s consulting shows that he has had a considerable impact on the foundations that have received consulting services, such as an increase of 200% average in grant making, an increase in visibility in the community, asset growth ranging from 30% to 300%; and adoption of new methods for grantmaking, specifically simplifying grant processes and increasing frequency of making grants and initiating new programs.

Somerville teaches courses on philanthropy at both Stanford University and UC Berkeley. President and founder of Philanthropic Ventures Foundation in Oakland, California, he has made site-visits to more than 245 community foundations in North America and the United Kingdom. Somerville is known for his innovative thinking regarding charitable giving and is the father of the term “venture philanthropy” indicating that a donor invests in and shares risks with nonprofit partners. He brings 43 years of experience in non-profit and foundation work.

The Community Foundation of Boone County was established in 1992 to serve as the central philanthropic vehicle to address community needs. To date, it has preserved more than $9 million in permanent endowment, and distributed more than $4.8 million through grantmaking to meet Boone County's needs today, and in the future.

Additional Information and Assistance:

The Community Foundation of Boone County
PO Box 92
Zionsville Indiana 46077

Voice: 317-873-0210 or 765-482-0024
FAX: 317-873-0219
Email: cfbc@in-motion.net

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