Programs

2004 NCPC Program Highlights

The 2004 NCPC luncheon seminars provided valuable information and tips to help nonprofits survive and grow in today’s challenging market

January “Hiring trends and practices in the not-for-profit world”

Recognized as a leader in the industry, the national executive search firm of Paschal Murray, Inc. has placed many of the highest profile fund-raising positions in Southern California. At the luncheon, Mr. Murray offered insightful tips on how to become the “Architect of your Own Career.” If you’d like to know more about Paschal Murray, contact Dick Murray at 619.702.8881 or visit www.paschalmurray.com Presentation by Dick Murray, business manager and director of operations, Paschal Murray, Inc.

“How to stage a successful fund-raiser” March

This lively panel discussion featured JANICE EPHRON, retired executive who has had multiple leadership roles in many philanthropic organizations, KRISTINE ENTWISTLE, director of special events for Scripps Foundation who oversees planning of fund-raising and recognition events, and DAVID MIRISCH, president of David Mirisch Enterprises, an international promotional firm whose company has produced more than 1,000 celebrity events. Discussion was moderated by Jerry Buckley, director of development at the Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad.

“How to work with your local media” May

Panel discussion featured BRUCE BAUER, corporate development director of KPBS Public Broadcasting, KENT DAVY, editor of the North County Times, and DON WELLS, KGTV – Channel 10’s Creative Services Director. Discussion was moderated by CHRISTY WILSON, past president of the North County Philanthropy Council.

“Future trends in grant making” September

The North County Philanthropy Council thanks Janine Mason Barone and Mariano Diaz for their insightful presentation on “Future Trends in Grant Making,” at NCPC’s September luncheon seminar.

Janine Mason Barone, The Fieldstone Foundation Executive Director, and Mariano Diaz, Senior Vice President, Community Partnerships of the San Diego, Foundation discuss what they look for in grant applications at the NCPC’s September luncheon seminar held at Lake San Marcos Country Club. Following is an excerpt.

Focus your efforts on results, and you’re more likely to be funded. Be thorough in accountability and reporting, and your funders are more likely to stay with you. Propose projects that can be replicated. These are some of the present and future trends grantors will look for, according to Janine Mason Barone, Executive Director of the Fieldstone Foundation, and Mariano Diaz, Senior Vice President, Community Partnerships, San Diego Foundation.

Match your interests to those of the foundation. Ask yourself, what are the interests of the foundation to which you want to present a proposal? Both Janine and Mariano stressed a foundation’s focus on matching your organization and its work, with the foundation’s interests. The Fieldstone Foundation looks for collaborative nonprofit project partners. Representing a foundation highly involved with each of its projects, she encourages letters and phone calls early, to determine if there is a “fit.”

Mariano pointed out that at the San Diego Foundation, assets are primarily donor-advised funds. If you know someone who has such a fund, find out where that person’s area of interest lies and ask yourself if there is a match. In the competitive grants arena, Mariano says check the funding cycles. He stresses the importance of following instructions and procedure when applying.

Pay attention to accountability. Both Mariano and Janine underscored the importance of measurable outcomes. Citing increased scrutiny of charities by the public and government, each spoke of the importance of fiscal accountability, including audited financial information and close monitoring of results. Be prepared to describe — quickly and concisely — the numbers and type of people whose lives are positively impacted by a foundation’s contribution.

What will your project do for the larger community? Every foundation wants to know, “what’s going to change as a result of this money?” Foundations are interested in the future success of their investment made today. For Fieldstone, this translates to programs reaching out to children and families within the communities where Fieldstone does business. Janine also stressed Fieldstone’s interest in developing nonprofit leaders.

Donors at the San Diego Foundation want to know that their contribution is serving the larger community in a meaningful way. And funders are looking for ways of serving people that can be replicated throughout communities.