Minutes: May 12, 2010

Minutes of the Board of Directors, The Special Hope Foundation

>After receiving proper notice via e-mail on April 27, 2010, a quorum of the Directors named either by the Incorporator or listed in the Articles of Incorporation, constituting the Board of Directors of this Corporation, held their meeting at this time, on the day, and at the place set forth as follows:

The following Directors, constituting a quorum of the full Board, were present at the meeting:

• Lynne O’Hara, President
• John O’Hara, Vice-President
• Mary Wilson, Treasurer
• Tracie Sloat
• Carrie Jones

Excused:
Ed Hoskins

Minutes Approved

The first order of business involved the review of the minutes from the previous Board Meeting on September 22, 2009. All reviewed and accepted the minutes.

Review of Existing Business

Old Business

• Lynne reported on a course she took through Stanford on Autism and Aspergers.
• New membership with Northern California Grantmakers – Lynne will have Carrie added to the email list

Updates from Previous Grantees:

• Kidpower – They have experienced some delays, as their current program does not translate easily to a nonverbal population. They have developed some ASL signs specific to their program. It is now coming along nicely.
• Abilities United – Nice networking connection forged between Clausen House and Abilities United as a result of Forces for Good.
• Teach Social – Trying to adapt program to school, and found that classrooms were receiving inappropriate placements for the settings. Completed staff and parent training workshops.
• Best Buddies International – We funded them to put on leadership training for disabled students. 50 participants, 27 trainings around the country, sent links to videos… 
• Northstar – they were going to evaluate at least 50 of their placements, and Lynne has had a hard time getting info on that. They have a “95% success rate.” Lynn saw a Northstar dog in San Jose and was impressed with the interactions that took place.
• Benetech – is doing awesome and had tons of research on what they’re doing. They’ve exceeded all their goals.
• Hope Technology School Challenge Grant – was given $50K up front and challenged to match that. The director reports that the short grant period and a bottoming out of the economy was a bad combination, but what did come of it was that they were able to identify several people in their parent community who have a background in grantwriting and they are mobilizing them. They have a fundraiser on the 22nd scheduled (bike-a-thon).
   

Committee Reports

Finance & Investments Committee – Mary Wilson

• Change to the evaluation report process – in the evaluation materials, Lynne put some questions on ranking impact to public perception… results are on the whiteboard.
• Elections – Lynne moves to vote for the slate, Tracie seconds, unanimously passed as John O’Hara, Carrie Jones, Tracie Sloat, and Mary Wilson were reelected for another three year term.
• Tracie showed interest in seeing a budget comparison for the last 3-4 years. While early foundation financial records are skewed due to the irregular funding and releasing of the endowment, this type of comparison could be of value as we approach our ten year anniversary. Different measurables were discussed that might be of value to analyze as we go forward to determine funding trends and future goals.
• Tracie moved to approve budget for next fiscal year, John seconded, unanimously passes.
• Mary: budget v. actual – we only funded for one cycle plus the challenge grant. Explanation of the 109K: accounting fee and investment expenses. The only thing that’s over budget is the conferences, but Lynne says they were GREAT conferences.
• Mary: investment report – everything on the pie chart is within our parameters.
• Lynne: grant distribution sheet – the first page is correct, and the second page needs to be corrected… subtitle not $800K, it should be $600K
   

Grant Review

The board was asked if anyone has any personal connection to any of the following organizations: Coalition for Compassionate Care of CA, Community Mainstreaming Enterprises, House Ear Institute, Kids Included Together, SEEC, Adult Skill Center, UCP North Bay, and Vista del Mar Child and Family Services.  No one had any connection or had been contacted by any of these organizations

Corrections were updated on the 2009-2010 in the recommended amounts.

Coalition for Compassionate Care of CA – video –

Tracie motioned for full funding, John seconded, passed unanimously for granting $25K

Community Mainstreaming Enterprises – we never anticipated getting a second request because last time they said they would be self supporting. Their budget revealed a much greater business investment than the board was comfortable with…

Tracie moved to decline, Carrie seconded, passes unanimously to decline ($30K).

House Ear Institute – discussion of innovation of the project… missing link between medical and school community is apparent, and this could help. The organization seems committed to the position with or without the funding. The passion was there. Tracie moved to grant, Carrie seconded, passes unanimously to grant $25K.

Kids Included Together – passed unanimously

SEEC – discussion on capacity grant… Mary moved to fund for $25K, Tracie seconded, passes unanimously at $25K

The Achievable Foundation – Lynne visits and speaks with the board president… this organization has been in touch with Dr. Kripkey on the medical model for disabled… recommendation is $0. How does this challenge public perception? No really good answer. Tracie moved to decline, John seconded, unanimously passes to decline.

Adult Skill Center – Carrie moveed to fund for the recommended amount $25K, Tracy seconded, unanimously passes to fund for $25K.

UCP North Bay – approved for $50K

Vista del Mar Child and Family Services – approved for $30K

We have a carryover from last year so falling short of this years grant budget is acceptable.
 

New Business

ASF is having their annual meeting, which they have every two years Oct 10-13, 2010 in Austen, TX.  Lynne was selected to be a part of the Philanthropy Workshop West… idea is to refine and create strategies around philanthropy. Menlo park, Africa, DC.

Confirmed upcoming meetings: 9/21/10, 1/18/11, 5/17/11, 9/20/11
 

Adjournment

There being no further business to come before the meeting, upon motion duly made, seconded and unanimously carried, the meeting was adjourned at 8:23 p.m.

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Lynne O’Hara, President

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Ed Hoskins, Secretary