Community foundation of fayette county

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF FAYETTE COUNTY

MINUTES – April 28, 2009
H. Scott Whyel, Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 4:01 p.m. at the Fayette County Community Action Agency Conference Room. Attending, in addition to Whyel, were Board Members Valerie Bacharach, George Bashour, Robin Bubarth, David Callahan, John Fiesta, James Foutz, Ed Franczyk, David Hughes, David Kerr, Denise Martin, Emmanuel Osagie, Steve Peters, and Jeffrey Proden. Also present were Executive Director Clara L. Pascoe, Finance Manager Janet Guthrie and Administrative Assistant/ Grants Coordinator Renee Couser. Absent were Jessica Hajek, Bill Jackson, Sam Sheehan, and Barbara Chandler Wright. The minutes were recorded by electronic device.

First on the agenda was the spend policy. Pascoe explained the Executive and Finance Committee’s recommendation to adopt a 3% Spend Policy, due to the economic downturn. This type of amendment is also highly recommended by the Council on Foundations. Adopting a spend policy will allow the “market value” accounts to make distributions in a down market. David Hughes made a motion to accept the spend policy, seconded by Ed Franczyk. The motion passed unanimously. The spend policy resolution will be added as an addendum to all endowment agreements.
The Grantsmaking Committee met on March 19, 2009 to review the Spring Cycle Grants. Spring Cycle deadline was March 1. Grantmaking Committee and Board members in attendance at the March 19 meeting included: Bill Jackson (Grantmaking Committee Chairperson), Valerie Bacharach, Barbara Chandler Wright, and Denise Martin. Clara Pascoe also attended. Prior to the meeting, opinions on some of the requests were registered by Robin Bubarth, Jim Foutz and Steve Peters.
The following grants were reviewed and recommended by the Committee:

All Saints Regional - awarded $500 for the summer math and reading camp for grades K-6.

Connellsville Cultural Trust/ City of Connellsville - Second payment of $500 (of $2500 pledge) for the Connellsville Main Street Program.

Connellsville Cultural Trust - awarded $250 for sponsorship of the Braddock Crossing / Art on the Yough Community Festival scheduled for June.

East End United Community Center, Inc. - awarded $3000 for the Adolescent Program, for tutor and computer equipment.

Fayette County Agricultural Improvement Association (Fayette County Fair) awarded $3000 for the construction of a handicapped accessible restroom and shower facility.

German Masontown Library - awarded $1000 for purchase of heavy duty copier with collating capability.

Ohiopyle Stewart Community Center - awarded $500 for Children’s Interactive Theatre and summer programming.

Smock Volunteer Fire Department - awarded $500 to purchase a defibrillator.

Soroptimist International of Fayette County - awarded $250 for sponsorship of the Osteoporosis Walk in May, 2009.

State Theatre Center for the Arts - awarded $3000 for programming. Future funding is contingent upon organizational improvement. A strategic plan is recommended.

Touchstone Center for Crafts - awarded $1000 for sponsorship of May Open House and Pioneer Craft Day.

Uniontown Area YMCA – awarded a pledge of $5000, with first payment of $2500 this cycle, designated for student and family scholarships, with half of the award directed to assist children attending the East End United Community Center.

Uniontown Public Library – awarded $1000 for summer programming.

Wesley Health Center – awarded $2000 for general operations.

Yough River Trail Council – awarded $1000 for the installation of a cell phone antenna to be installed along the trail
AWARDS PENDING OR MADE FROM OTHER FUNDS include:

Fay Penn Economic Development Council - $2000 for a Fayette County Strategic Plan. Waiting for match money from Fay Penn. Original award made in 2007.

Fayette Friends of Animals - $385 from the Evelyn Hovanec Fund for Fayette Friends of Animals for the Spring fundraiser.

Foundation for Free Enterprise - awarded $1050 through the Robert and Elouise Eberly Fund for 2 students from Fayette County to attend the conference

Woman and Girls Foundation of SWPA - awarded $5000 for re-granting use in our Change Agents youth philanthropy program
David Hughes made a motion to accept the Spring Grants Cycle recommendations, seconded by Jim Foutz. The motion passed unanimously.
After a lengthy discussion, it was decided that the entire Board (or those that wish to participate) might review the Fall Cycle Grant Proposals, either two hours before or immediately following the scheduled October 27, 2009, 4:00 p.m. Quarterly Board Meeting. The grants meeting can begin at 2:00 p.m. or approximately 5:00 p.m., and all Board members will be invited to attend.
It was also agreed that the Board will continue the format of using the Executive Director’s recommendations as guidelines for the discussion. Pascoe completes extensive research, as Program Officer (part of her responsibility as Executive Director) in the grantmaking process. Each of her grant recommendations is given careful consideration, and the award and amount suggested are based on a variety of factors including the requesting organization’s budget and capacity to complete the project. Site visits and financial reviews are also conducted in order for her to become familiar with the applicants. In addition, award amounts must be governed by the amount available for distribution. All agreed that the grantmaking discussions will begin with the Executive Director’s recommendations.
It was stressed that CFFC Board Members, who serve on the Boards (or are connected in some way) of organizations seeking funding, will not be permitted to advocate (by offering information or opinions) during discussions about their agency’s proposal, and they will be required to leave the room during the discussion. This is required to maintain a fair and equitable process during the grants session.
Also, Board Members who choose to participate in the grants meeting will be strongly encouraged to visit the CFFC Office and review all proposals prior to the meeting, in order to have working knowledge of the project requests, budgets and any extenuating circumstances or capacity issues.
Next on the agenda, was the upcoming fundraiser. Pascoe reported on the progress of the “FORE! Fayette County” Golf Outing scheduled for September, 2009 at the Uniontown Country Club. The event may also include a performance by Chris Higbee with a limited number of tickets being sold. Marketing Consultant Susan McCarthy has been hired (on a retainer) to manage this event. David Hughes and Denise Martin have volunteered to assist. More details will be available at the July 28, 2009 Board Meeting. But, all Board Members are encouraged to golf, attend the dinner, volunteer or participate in some way.
Next, the minutes of the January 27, 2009 meeting were read. Jim Foutz made a motion to accept, seconded by David Callahan, and the minutes were unanimously approved.

The Financial Reports for period ending March 31, 2009 were presented by Finance Manager Janet Guthrie. Guthrie reported that Auditor Tom Ryan of Horovitz Rudoy and Roteman will continue the audit in mid May.

Guthrie also reported that progress has been made in getting the FIMS program fully functional. When the audit is complete, beginning fund balances will be entered and future fund statements will be printed. Val Bacharach made a motion to accept the Financial Report. The motion was seconded by John Fiesta and was unanimously approved.
Next, Clara Pascoe presented the Executive Director’s report. She started with a fundraising update.

Funds received:

• 
  $100,000 from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation for the Growth Fund
  
• 
  $20,000 from the Laurel Foundation (pass through for Western PA Conservancy, expenses $19.500)
  
• 
  $3200 for Fayette County All Stars Scholarship Fund
  
• 
  $3500 for Natalie Petrie Fund
  
• 
  $1000 for the CFFC Board Scholarship
  
• 
  $6746 for the Andara Project
  
• 
  $1435 for the Imagination Library Project
  
• 
  $15,000 for the EITC program
  
• 
  $26,837 for the Celebrity Chef Cook-off and Fayette County Colon Cancer Network (expenses $9472)
  
• 
  $15,564 for the Denise Martin retirement event and Martin Fund ($12,436 expenses and award designation)
  

Funds approved and pending receipt:

• 
  $20,000 from the RK Mellon Foundation for the Growth Fund
  
• 
  $125,000 from the McCune Foundation for the Growth Fund (second half of $250,000 award)
  

Funds proposed or requested:

• 
  $250,000 from Washington and Jefferson College for endowment
  
• 
  $20,000 for the Growth Fund from DCED
  
• 
  $399,000 from Chatham University for endowment
  
• 
  $7500 from Equitable Resources for Imagination Library
  
• 
  $5000 from Verizon for Imagination Library
  
• 
  $5000 from Columbia Gas for Imagination Library
  
• 
  $5000 from Chesapeake Energy for PCA program support
  

Funds denied:

• 
  EITC support from Greene County Savings and Loan
  
• 
  EITC Support from Consol Energy
  
• 
  $250,000 from St. Vincent College for endowment
  

Funds in discussion:

• 
  $300,000 from Richard King Mellon Foundation for endowment (2009)
  

Pascoe continued her report. Since the last Quarterly Board Meeting on January 27, she met with or participated in conference calls with the following:

• 
  Tom Scott (United Way, PANO workshop)
  
• 
  Ed Franczyk and Sally Bryan (CFFC credit card)
  
• 
  Seth Smiley (National City Building Manager)
  
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  Maureen Hogan (Growth Fund)
  
• 
  Tom Hay and Richard Reed (SWPA CF partnership project)
  
• 
  Candyce Petrie (fund creation)
  
• 
  Ron Sheba (EITC support)
  
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  Tom Ryan (Horevitz group audit)
  
• 
  Will Dando (Senator Kasunic’s office/ stimulus package)
  
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  Donna Holdorf (National Road debate series)
  
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  Doug Sharp and Sandi Anthony (fund creation)
  
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  Fran Zajac (newspaper articles)
  
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  Denise Martin (fund creation)
  
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  Nancy Decker, Val Bacharach, Larry Bush (Imagination Library project)
  
• 
  Jeremy Burnworth, John Baker (State Theatre)
  
• 
  Lynda Waggoner, Donna Holdorf, Annie Urban (stimulus package)
  
• 
  Uniontown Country Club Golf Pro and Banquet Manager (fundraiser)
  
• 
  Penn State Fayette Planning Committee (strategic planning for Fayette County)
  
• 
  Jamie Dolish (PA Council on the Arts program stream funding)
  
• 
  Stacey Papa (grantwriting seminar)
  
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  Cindy Stirling (American Heart Association)
  
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  Banquet Manager and Golf Pro (Uniontown Country Club – CFFC fundraiser)
  
• 
  Andi Palmar (CFFC fundraiser)
  
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  Susan McCarthy (CFFC fundraiser)
  
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  Cathy McCollum, Amy Camp (Progress Fund)
  
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  Scott Hilliard (Touchstone site visit, photo opp)
  
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  Steve Cooper (YMCA site visit, photo opportunity)
  
• 
  Barbara Chandler Wright (East End United Community Center, site visit )
  

These meetings involved fund creation, audit review, partnered funding opportunities, funding questions, development strategy, site visits, Growth Fund support, economic stimulus package, the Imagination Library project, County wide strategic plan, and a fundraising event.
Pascoe also met with the following Foundations – in some cases more than once:

• 
  Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation (Dr. Jim Denova, Growth Fund)
  
• 
  Richard King Mellon Foundation (Brian Hill, matching endowment support)
  
• 
  Women and Girls Foundation (Tara Simmonds, Heather Arnet, Change Agents)
  
• 
  Community Foundation of Greene County (Bettie Stammerjohn)
  
• 
  Equitable Resources Foundation (Chris Hamorsky, Imagination Library)
  
• 
  Mylan Foundation (Christina Matlick, funding and partnering opportunities)
  
• 
  Chesapeake Energy (Stacy Brodak, arts funding)
  
• 
  Verizon Foundation (Bill Carnahan, Imagination Library project)
  
• 
  West Virginia University Foundation (David Foreman, funded projects)
  
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  WVU College of Creative Arts (Bill Coates, special event)
  
• 
  American Liver Foundation (Suzanne Masartis, Fayette outreach)
  
• 
  Heinz Endowments (Mary Navarro, PCA supplemental funding)
  

Topics included the Growth Fund project planning and support, funding opportunities, the Girls as Grantmakers Change Agent Program, Imagination Library project, special event planning, PCA program Advisory Panel meeting, PCA supplemental funding, and endowment creation and support.
The Imagination Library recently organized a Board of Directors, and Pascoe will serve on the Board as CFFC representation. We hold both an endowment fund and advised fund for this group. Pascoe has submitted proposals for funding from various agencies for the Imagination Library.
A series of workshops featuring information on the PA Council on the Arts and other funding opportunities will be presented between April and June. Workshops will be featured in each county managed through our partnership with PCA (Washington, Greene and Fayette). All workshops are free and open to the public.
The schedule and participants are as follows:

Date: April 29, 2009 Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Location: Greene County Educational Center, Waynesburg, PA (Greene County)

Programs and Presenters: PA Partners in the Arts Project Stream, Clara L. Pascoe

PCA Folk and Traditional Arts, Julie Throckmorton-Meunier

Community Foundation of Greene County, Bettie Stammerjohn

Date: May 7, 2009 Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Location: Washarts Inspiration Café, Washington, PA (Washington County)

Programs and Presenters: PA Partners in the Arts Project Stream, Clara L. Pascoe

PCA Folk and Traditional Arts, Julie Throckmorton-Meunier

Washington County Community Foundation, Betsie Trew

Date: May 12, 2009 Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Location: Log Cabin, Greensboro, PA (Greene County)

Programs and Presenters: PA Partners in the Arts Project Stream, Clara L. Pascoe

PCA Folk and Traditional Arts, Julie Throckmorton-Meunier

Community Foundation of Greene County, Bettie Stammerjohn

Date: May 21, 2009 Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Location: Bud Murphy’s Community Room, Connellsville, PA (Fayette County)

Programs and Presenters: PA Partners in the Arts Project Stream, Clara L. Pascoe

PCA Folk and Traditional Arts, Julie Throckmorton-Meunier

Community Foundation of Fayette County, Clara L. Pascoe

Date: June 11, 2009 Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm (4:00 p.m. Tour of Fallingwater - $18 fee)

Location: The Barn at Fallingwater, Mill Run, PA (Fayette County)

Programs and Presenters: PA Partners in the Arts Project Stream, Clara L. Pascoe

PCA Folk and Traditional Arts, Julie Throckmorton-Meunier

Mylan Foundation, Christina Matlick

Community Foundation of Fayette County, Clara L. Pascoe
The CFFC’s final packet of information for national accreditation confirmation was sent to the Council on Foundations in February. Notification of results is forthcoming.
Over $42,000 has been donated for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program for this year, and press releases have appeared in all local papers. Numerous applications for assistance have been received, and the awards, based entirely on financial need, will be made in May for the 2009-2010 school year. In addition, we have applied for acceptance into the Pre-kindergarten EITC program, and we would be one of only two organizations in Fayette County (in addition to the AG Montessori School) to provide awards for Pre-kindergarten. We currently provide assistance to grades kindergarten through high school.
On April 24, we partnered with Fay Penn on an informational seminar at Penn State Fayette Campus detailing how businesses can become involved with the EITC program.
The CFFC Office has received more scholarship requests than in any past year. The scholarship committee will meet on April 30 for those funds managed by the CFFC. Additional scholarship committees for funds held here will be meeting throughout May.

The CFFC will be partnering with the Women and Girls Foundation of Southwestern PA on the Change Agents youth philanthropy program (formerly known as Girls as Grantmakers). This youth philanthropy program will feature teams of teen-aged girls and professional women from each participating county working together to identify and respond to the issues facing women in their counties. The teens will award grants to non-profits based on an agreed upon criteria. Recruitment of participants has taken place across Fayette County, and the Women and Girls Foundation will interview and select participants. The goal is to have 6 teens (one from each Fayette County school district) and 5 professional women from Fayette County.

In March, the CFFC co-sponsored (along with the United Way) the Pennsylvania Association of Non-profit Organizations seminar held at Community Action Agency. This workshop attracted 45 people from Fayette County non-profits. The topic was standards and practices for non-profits. All groups were encouraged to apply for state-wide accreditation through PANO. (The CFFC remains under review for national accreditation through the Council on Foundations, but statewide approval may also be considered.)
On April 2, the PCA Partners in the Arts Program Stream Advisory Panel Meeting was held. Decisions were made on funding awards for agencies designated for program stream funding. The following individuals participated on the Panel: Jamie Dolish (PCA); Barbara Chandler Wright (Fayette County); Donna Holdorf (Fayette County); Dolly Throckmorton (Greene County); Sandee Umbach (Washington County), Scott Hilliard (Regional) and Jessica Hajek (Regional). Award amounts are pending state PCA budget approval.
We are in the process of producing a commercial with Comcast and Kingfish Worldwide. The commercial was filmed on April 7 and features a series of vignettes detailing our programming and highlighting our one million mark in grantmaking. It will feature a donor, a grant award recipient, a leadership component and a scholarship recipient. It will air on Comcast channels in May and June.

With no additional business, Scott Whyel reminded the group that the next Quarterly Board meeting will be held on July 28, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. at the Fayette County Community Action Agency Building.

Jim Foutz made a motion to adjourn the meeting. David Hughes seconded, and the meeting was adjourned by Scott Whyel at 4:59 p.m.

_______________________________

H. Scott Whyel, Chairperson

_______________________________

Valerie Bacharach, Secretary