Assessing Countywide Needs & Setting Strategic Priorities Tom Quinn Iowa State University Extension Community Development Specialist

Outline a good process that local affiliate boards might use to help work through a priority setting process that can balances the various charity needs as well as strategic development needs of the county.

Objectives for session: Determine foundation’s focus and grantmaking style Develop grantmaking guidelines and procedure

I’ve Got Questions! How do we measure success? How do we know if we’re using the money wisely? Ten years from now, what changes in the community will tell us that we used the foundation money wisely? What criteria should we use to judge which projects get funded and which don’t?

Key Elements of a Grantmaking Strategy Mission Statement is formed by donor intent & objectives Objectives by program, geographic area, and philanthropic interest Process for accepting, reviewing and awarding grants Guidelines that clearly state what you DO and Do NOT do Communication with applicants and grantees

why do we exist? The Core Purpose of the foundation – why do we exist? To foster the cultural heritage in our community To create jobs To prevent childhood diseases To further foster knowledge and education To reduce poverty ? ?

Mission Statement Tells people –Who you are –Who your grantees are –What you want to accomplish Includes the values that influence your grantmaking

Elements of a Mission Statement Donor Intent Background and History Values – “what’s important to us” Unique Qualities Purpose & Objectives

Developing a Grantmaking Style Do you want a broad or a narrow focus? How formal or informal do you want your process to be? How proactive or responsive do you want your foundation to be? How will the foundation make a difference? What do you hope to accomplish as a grantmaking organization?

Grantmaking Guidelines/Procedures Application Process Proposal Review Process Post-Grant Evaluation Process Self-Evaluation Process

Application Process Formal guidelines Letters of inquiry Proposal or application form Application deadlines Discretionary grants Annual calendar

How do we know if the foundation has made a difference?

Criteria for Grantmaking Is funding available from other sources? How many people will benefit from this project? What are the potential benefits of the project? –Economic: # jobs, # businesses,  income,  tax base –Social: education, social well-being, health, recreation –Environmental: parks, clean air/water, land

Criteria - continued How does this project fit with our Mission Statement? What is the track record of the people applying for the grant? How does this project rank in our goals & priorities? Is it a critical need in the community?

Summary Mission Statement Goals and Objectives – written down Clear Criteria – written down and communicated to public Grantmaking Procedures – written down and communicated to public Evaluation after the project is completed