Cascade Community Foundation Minutes

Cascade Community Foundation

February 20, 2003

Cascade Township Conference Room

7:30 a.m.

Members present: Carpenter, Julien, Parrish, Robinson, Roeder, and Vredevoogd.

Absent: Lewis

The fund statement ending 12/31/02 was reviewed. Chairperson Robinson commented that any size donation should be encouraged, not just those over $400. The Cascade Community Foundation surprised the Grand Rapids Community Foundation (GRCF) with the smaller gifts. GRCF is required to do much more work than usual. They are more accustomed to fewer large gifts.

Susan Roeder questioned the control and identity issues with GRCF. She wondered if Cascade should create a separate foundation and if other communities were going to get on board and create foundations thus creating more work for GRCF.

Sandi Parrish responded nothing stops Cascade from setting up its own foundation. There are over 2,000 non-profits in Kent County. The process is not difficult but the professionalism and expert management with GRCF is a wise choice. Most smaller communities are a component of a larger foundation. Cascade just needs to keep GRCF apprised of any events, activities and mention them in future mailings.

Michael Julien related he prefers to stay a component fund and leave the decision to change until later.

Chairperson Robinson asked what is the next step. He is very concerned with the people who can’t make a large donation but still want to be a part of the community.

Sandi Parrish commented the period from April through June is the second best time of year for fundraising. The focus during the year should be on major gifts. The end-of-year mailing went exactly as expected. A 1% return was received.

Pat Vredevoogd thought the mailing was very rushed. People in the community are excited and asking questions about the foundation.

Susan Roeder suggested everyone on the board carry donation envelopes with them and make them available when questioned.

Sandi Parrish related people are trained to expect an end-of-year plea for money. Most mailings come in then and if request is not there no money is given. A spring mailing will capture about ½ of the end-of-year total.

The next step will be to identify some major donors. We need to take a look at people who are capable of giving more than $400. A goal should be set and announced to the community that the goal must be reached before any grants are made. At the next meeting we should look at a list of the 500 homeowners of properties with the highest SEV.

Mary Carpenter will request the list from the assessing department.

Pat Vredevoogd is against a spring letter appeal. More are likely to give at year-end. Since the 4^th of July is a big event in this township the Community Foundation should have a small booth manned by board members.

Susan Roeder suggested a personal letter in every newsletter with information on how to give.

Michael Julien related he has received a gift and request from the Pedestrian Pathway Committee to install a drinking fountain at the Buttrick Fire Station. Perhaps a plaque can be added saying the fountain is a gift from the Pathway Committee.

Sandi Parrish suggested a few guidelines need to be established governing what sorts of donations will be accepted.

The next meeting is scheduled for March 27, 2003 at 7:30 a.m.

The meeting adjourned at 8:45 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jeanie Neve

Deputy Clerk

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