Over the past two years we’ve learned that the program must always be flexible, and capable of adapting to the needs of the third generation associates (G3's) as well as to subsequent generations, as they become more involved in the work of the Foundation at various stages of their lives.
Associates Grantmaking
The most successful component of the Associates Program has become the opportunity for the Associates to direct their own grantmaking. Although first offered in 1999, the program has engaged more G3’s in grantmaking over the past two years than ever before.
Following their 2001 grant decisions, the G3’s decided they wanted the flexibility of identifying their own areas of interest, whether or not those interests fit into the existing focus areas of the larger foundation. Consequently, the G3’s continue to explore grantmaking outside of EHTF’s three focus areas and recently decided to make grants in the context of school enrichment, with which they all felt a personal connection. The G3’s remain focused on the city of Bridgeport, Connecticut and have committed to funding programs in the city until 2006.
In 2002 a second grant was made to the Maplewood School, the inner city Bridgeport elementary school that was the Associates' 2001 grantee, to purchase laptop computers for use by the fifth and sixth grade students. This accomplished the goal that the Associates set out to accomplish in 2001, to equip the school with wireless technology. After working at one school for two years, the Associates decided that they wanted to continue working with students in Bridgeport but they wanted to reach students throughout the system. Although Maplewood was therefore not selected to receive a grant, the Associates thought it was important to ensure that the technology purchased for the school would not become obsolete and they devised an exit strategy that would keep the foundation at least indirectly involved with the program’s success over the long term.
In 2003, the Associates decided to make a one year grant to Groundwork Bridgeport for the Butterflies Are Teachers program, which focuses on enriching the Bridgeport elementary school math and science curriculums by organizing elementary and high school students to work together to design and maintain a butterfly garden at various public elementary schools.
The Associates’ grantmaking is proving to be a great way to engage the younger generation in philanthropy, to educate them about the issues facing communities, and to connect them with the tangible impact that their family foundation can make.
Associates Meeting
Since its inception, a key component of the associates program has been an annual multigenerational retreat. This has given an opportunity for the Associates to gather, learn to work together, interact with the members of the Board and learn more about the Foundation. It has also provided an opportunity for the first and second generation to share their knowledge and wisdom with the third generation as a collective group.
At the end of 2002, the Board elected to change the format of the retreat and to a one-day meeting focused on the Associates grantmaking, Foundation updates and with only limited representation from the Board and staff present. The format was a success.
However, as it was still critical to maintain the multi-generational connection that the retreats in past years had fostered, the Board therefore decided to invite and encourage the G3’s to attend the regular Board of Directors meetings throughout the year. This provides them with an opportunity to witness the structure of the Board meetings and let them begin to consider their potential future role on the Board. During 2002 and 2003 two Associates took advantage of this opportunity and it accomplished the goals set out by the Board. Evan Stanley shared “I am grateful that the Board welcomed my participation … I have always had general uncertainties about the operation of the Board… By coming to the November Board meeting, I was able to see for myself how the ‘big picture’ of the Foundation was developed, and had a great time”.
Return to the 2002-2003 Biennial Report Table of Contents.
