The Community Foundation of Greenville inspires giving by bridging philanthropy and purpose, making Greenville County an inclusive and vibrant community.
by Bob Morris, CFG President
Originally Published in the GREENVILLE JOURNAL on December 19, 2019
At our November meeting, the board of the Community Foundation of Greenville adopted a strategic plan for the next five years.
In preparation for this endeavor, Addy Matney of TM Public Relations led us through an intense effort to understand the priorities of our clients, our peers in the Greenville Partnership for Philanthropy and community leaders. From this feedback, we created three bold goals with a revised vision statement. I’m excited and proud to present to the community the results of the work of this dedicated, forward-thinking group of individuals.
Through a combination of surveys and one-on-one interviews, we discovered broad agreement among all categories of stakeholders as to the biggest issues impacting our community — housing, transportation, the impact of growth, and economic mobility. Community Foundation fundholders have a desire to engage more strategically with CFG and each other to find and promote solutions.
“CFG stakeholders rallied around the idea that it is these big systemic issues that offer the greatest opportunity to have meaningful impact right now and for the future,” Matney said. “Improving these systems will take a collaborative effort, and the Community Foundation is uniquely placed to work across sectors to solve problems. Because of its longevity in the community and demonstrated impact, it has earned a high level of trust as a steady voice for investment in positive change.”
Both Matney and Sue Priester, CFG’s immediate past board chair, were impressed with the enthusiasm among fundholders who want to become more educated about significant community issues. We’ll make this easier by hosting or sponsoring educational forums to promote informed philanthropy, and providing opportunities for interaction between board members, fundholders and potential donors.
These efforts will strengthen CFG’s unique leadership and catalytic role and deepen the connection between fundholders and donors and the evolving needs of our community. CFG’s second goal calls for growing foundation assets and diversifying fund options to offer more investment strategies for current and potential fundholders. The plan’s third objective is to foster an environment of organizational excellence by building the capacity of both staff and board leadership. Priester, whose involvement with CFG spans several strategic plans, believes these goals will be met.
“One thing the Community Foundation does very well is to follow through on its own plans,” Priester said. “It’s more than just checking boxes; this is a living document and active guide to how we will focus our efforts. Conditions in the community and society have changed and philanthropy is being called on to do more than it ever has to improve people’s lives. The demands are different, so our response has to be different. Stakeholders want to know how they can have a meaningful impact, so we’re getting the word out about what the Community Foundation can do. It has been here for over 60 years, and will continue to be guided by a concerned board and an informed staff. By engaging with the Community Foundation, Greenvillians can leave a legacy for this community that will promote progress long after they are gone.”
Community Foundation of Greenville
Vision statement: Greenville County is a thriving community where everyone can reach their full potential.
Mission Statement: The Community Foundation of Greenville inspires giving by bridging philanthropy and purpose, making Greenville County an inclusive and vibrant community.
