The Marshall Fund Story How One Philanthropist Transformed Aging Services in Genesee County
Session Overview History of the Muriel H. Marshall Fund Operationalizing a legacy Grant program Retrospective study Partnering with philanthropy
Roxanne s Legacy
Operationalizing a Legacy
Operationalizing a Legacy Planning Team Created to develop strategy for grant-making 12 local older adults in the know regarding Senior Services and Community Needs Volunteer Chairperson and Staff Program Officer, Appointed by The Community Foundation Recommend needs to be addressed, potential grantees Reviews grant applications & recommends grants to The Community Foundation who authorizes grant awards Represents the Marshall Fund within the County
Operationalizing a Legacy Needs Assessment Grant-making determined by needs assessment first, then grant development based on the needs Comparing Roxanne Marshall s list with current unmet needs
Operationalizing a Legacy Key Decisions Transportation initially largest unmet need, but determined not to exceed 50% of funds Pilot Projects followed by evaluation & long term grant making for successful initiatives Occasional short term grants to meet a specific need Involvement of Planning Team Members as Community Ambassadors for Marshall Fund & funded initiatives
The Marshall Grant Program
The Marshall Grant Program Grantees Genesee County Office for the Aging PathStone Genesee Senior Foundation Community Action of Orleans & Genesee Richmond Memorial Library Catholic Charities of Buffalo Lifespan of Greater Rochester
Genesee County Office for the Aging Transportation Coordination One call to find out about all transportation services available for older adults & assistance accessing Planning for older adults transportation needs Handyman Intake Info, screening and referral for the Handyman Program Marketing Coordination Promotion of Aging Services provided through Marshall Fund & OFA with emphasis on rural
Genesee Senior Foundation Recreation Mini-Grants Funds provided to 23 Senior Groups to enhance recreation and social opportunities Emphasis on reaching out to new participants Social Transportation Funds to pay for transportation to social, recreational and cultural activities Groups of 4 or more older adults
Community Action of Orleans & Genesee Door-through-Door Transportation Assisted Transportation for Medical, Shopping, Visits to NHs/Hospital, Personal Business, etc. Primarily within the county, but some service to medical appts in Buffalo/Rochester areas Handicap Accessible & Assistance provided in getting in and out of home and destination
Richmond Memorial Library SAGE Library Services for Homebound Elders Book-mobile to Senior Housing/Assisted Living Book Club discussions at Senior Housing Large Print Books, DVDs, Books on Tape, Magnifier, DVD Players, etc. SAGE section at Richmond Memorial Library Paid coordinator with volunteer delivery
Welcome to SAGE!
Catholic Charities of Buffalo Home Visitation Program Primarily Volunteer Home Visitors for once weekly visits, activities and light chore service for homebound older adults Special training on Falls Prevention home safety for volunteers Pairing Veterans for friendly visiting Paid coordinator with volunteer visitors
Lifespan of Greater Rochester Financial Management Program Has been available in Monroe County and recently expanded to Genesee County Provides assistance with budgeting, bill paying, balancing checking acct, completing insurance forms, filing for benefits, etc. Paid coordinator with volunteer counselors
A Closer Look: Handyman Program
PathStone Handyman Program Services Install handrails, grab bars, smoke detectors Window, electrical repair, minor plumbing Gutter cleaning and porch, stair, and other repairs Falls Prevention Program
PathStone Handyman Program Coordination With OFA With other resources With other Marshall-funded programs Relationship with Community Foundation
PathStone Handyman Program Meet Joe!
Retrospective Study
Retrospective Study Study goals 1. Assess the Muriel H. Marshall Fund s impact on Genesee County s residents Genesee County s aging services network the Genesee County community at large the Community Foundation 2. Ensure optimal impact of future grantmaking
Retrospective Study Findings Who is being served? Handyman (e.g.) about 50% 80+; 62% frail; 72% live alone Homebound (SAGE) and active (recreation & socialization) Geographic distribution Different programs have different patterns of use
Retrospective Study Findings What is the impact on service recipients and caregivers? Outcomes Stories My husband is now blind, 80, confined to bed and using a wheelchair Though the service had a field-trip atmosphere, it was obvious that the driver also used the outing to check up on passengers.
Retrospective Study Findings Are needs being met? Example of what we know: # receiving Transportation Coordination service represents 5% of older adult population What we don t know: What proportion of the population needs this service? However
Retrospective Study Findings 2008 Needs Assessment Need for transportation services: #28/30
Retrospective Study Findings What is the impact on service planning and delivery? Permanent, ever-increasing source of funding Addition of services not supported by public funding Services that enhance quality of life
Retrospective Study Findings To what extent are Marshall-funded services integrated into the larger service delivery system? Fully integrated and coordinated through OFA Transportation coordination Handyman intake Marketing coordination Grantee meetings promote networking and referrals
Retrospective Study Findings What effect has the Marshall Fund had on public policy, the local economy, and civic engagement? Policy -? Local economy Average $319K in grants/year Civic engagement significant effect Planning Team: one-of-a-kind opportunity Volunteer opportunities through funded programs
Retrospective Study Findings Alignment with the field Health, economic security Transportation Enrichment, quality of life, self-direction Aging in place ahead of the curve, but in alignment with current thinking
Retrospective Study Findings Lessons learned for grantees: Attention to donor intent Willingness to take on difficult issues Focus on needs, desired outcomes, barriers to utilization
Partnering with Philanthropy
Partnering with Philanthropy Funding sources Government Corporations Foundations
Partnering with Philanthropy Fundamental difference in approach to funding decisions: Government Fairness Corporations Stewardship Foundations Stewardship
Partnering with Philanthropy Why Do Corporations Give? Good corporate citizenship; positive image Self-interest (need for educated workforce motivates support of education) Leadership initiative (CEO, senior leader priorities) Civic participation (often give to communities in which they operate) Quid pro quo ( What s in it for us? ) John Feather, GIA
Partnering with Philanthropy Why Do Foundations Give? To honor the donor To meet community needs To gain prestige or visibility (sometimes) Because they have to (IRS 5% rule) John Feather, GIA
Partnering with Philanthropy Foundations Decision-makers may be families, trustees, staff Strategic focus; priorities Legal requirements Spending policy Eligible grantees: other charitable organizations
Partnering with Philanthropy Community Foundations Tax-exempt public charities Serve people who share a common interest: improving the quality of life in their area Individuals, families, businesses, and organizations create permanent charitable funds that help their region meet local challenges
Partnering with Philanthropy Community Foundations Grantmaking Leadership
Partnering with Philanthropy Ultimate goal of any funder: make a difference An organization that helps a funder reach that goal is a valued partner How are you at communicating your potential value to a funder?
Partnering with Philanthropy What do you communicate to a funder? What picture do you paint? deficit vs. asset What do you propose to do? outputs vs. outcomes: What you ll do vs. the effect of what you ll do
Financing Not Fundraising: The Message of Social Impact www.socialvelocity.net
Organizational vs. Societal Focus Help us raise $25,000 for a handyman van. vs. Invest in our work to support the safety and independence of older adults in our community. Adapted from Social Velocity www.socialvelocity.net
Partnering with Philanthropy The importance of vision Example: Aging in Place Paint the vision Provide menu of opportunities Enjoining others in the vision
Partnering with Philanthropy You re the expert You have something funders need Knowledge Insight Relationships and connections Funders need to partner with you
Partnering with Philanthropy Build relationships Share your vision Create a shared vision With your community With funders Others?
Partnering with Philanthropy It s not just about getting a grant It s about honoring the agreement Accountability Communication with funder Quality programming Achieving outcomes Integrity
Partnering with Philanthropy Integrity Trust Partnership
Questions?
Contact Us Pat Campbell, Senior Program Officer Rochester Area Community Foundation pcampbell@racf.org (585) 341-4355 Pam Whitmore, Director Genesee County Office for the Aging pwhitmore@co.genesee.ny.us (585) 344-2580 Ext 5917 Sue Boss, Director Homeownership Programs PathStone sboss@pathstone.org (585) 442-2030 Ext 203
Links and Resources Genesee County Office for the Aging www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/officefortheaging Click on Muriel H. Marshall Fund for the Aging Grantmakers in Aging www.giaging.org/resources Foundation Center www.foundationcenter.org