No-sweat Boot Camp for SDSVP Partners & Guests

By Cathy Yarbrough

No one had to perform pushups, drill or stand in formation at SDSVP’s first Boot Camp.

Instead the Partners and guests, including several San Diego nonprofit agency leaders, underwent eight hours of training in strategic and annual outcome planning, fund and revenue development, finance, legal affairs, information technology, marketing and public relations, and board development and governance.

The goal: to maximize Partners’ efforts to help SDSVP’s Investees and other San Diego nonprofits to become more effective and sustainable.

Partners who missed the inaugural Boot Camp can register for the repeat sessions on Saturday, Feb 7, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and Thursday, Feb 12, 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., at AMN Healthcare, 12400 High Bluff Dr. To register, please contact Mandy Sherlock at mandy@sdsvp.org or (760) 269-3836.

Boot Camp instructors were Partners skilled in applying the commercial sector’s performance standards, metrics and practices to SDSVP’s outcomes-based venture philanthropy.

At the inaugural Boot Camp, Duane Trombly reminded attendees that “SDSVP is leading the way” in applying strategic outcomes-based investment to nonprofit agencies. Philanthropic giving, Trombly pointed out, is shifting from giving based solely on the worthiness of a cause, to giving that holds nonprofits accountable for achieving long-lasting, measurable social change.

Outcome planning begins with the end in mind and defines success measurably and quantifiably through pre-defined performance targets and milestones.

In the commercial sector, success is measured by market share, revenue and profits, Trombly said. In the nonprofit world, it’s measured by impact: “what we boldly aspire to occur”.

Sherri Neasham emphasized the importance of “keeping what you’re measuring very simple” and adopting easy-to-use tools, whether they be Excel or Salesforce.com to track outcomes. “Milestones are clearly defined steps to achieve outcomes. They are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-driven,” she pointed out.

Neasham used Volunteer San Diego as a case study in developing a strategic plan with bold initiatives and measures that will enable the agency’s board to monitor its success.

Ray Ellis and Joyce Ross spoke about nonprofit boards. Members of these boards must “educate, motivate, be part of the sales team,” said Ellis. Ross reviewed the 10 key enablers for board performance, with number one being, “Board clearly understands its roles and responsibilities and acts upon them.

”Unfortunately, “most board chairs don’t know what their responsibilities are, and most board members don’t know either,” said Ross. Many attendees agreed.

A good board must have timely and accurate financial reporting. “In the quickly changing economic times we live in, it is critical to evaluate current information,” said JoAnne Berg, who spoke about the basic concepts, skills and assessment tools of accounting and financial management.

For attendees who might view information technology as a foreign language, David Lynn introduced the grammar and punctuation of his career. He emphasized the importance of IT support and security, and backups and disaster recovery to “business continuity,” the ability of the nonprofit – or the for-profit -- to maintain its momentum.

Based on the post-event evaluations, the Boot Camp helps Partners and other volunteers to firm up their volunteer muscles. The workshop, attendees said, provided "concentrated instructions in key nonprofit areas" along with a "good overview of subjects with good insights from experienced people in their field."

Meet Eva Parsons!

Eva J. Parsons has coached executives of Fortune 500 companies nationally and internationally for more than a decade. She views executive coaching as a means of providing customized learning to highly successful professionals. Eva specializes in leadership development for senior executives. In that capacity, she frequently consults with executive teams in order to develop, align, and integrate the organization’s vision and values. Eva also consults with executives of regional companies and not-for-profit organizations, primarily on a pro bono basis.

Eva works with clients in the areas of leadership development, executive performance, emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills and communication, influencing skills, and people development. She has led clients through organizational change that encompasses leadership transition, restructuring, and succession planning. Eva facilitates executive level, senior management board retreats and teambuilding sessions.

Eva has been affiliated with Executive Coaching Network (EXCN), a global executive coaching firm serving Fortune 500 companies, for 12 years. Prior to that, she served as Director of People Development for AT&T Wireless Services in Portland and Seattle. Eva is the past Executive Director of the Business Youth Exchange in Oregon. She served as Human Resources Manager for one of the largest law firms in the Northwest, Stoel Rives, Attorneys at Law. In addition, Eva’s career includes ten years as a communications consultant, college instructor, and psychotherapist.

Eva has held numerous community leadership positions throughout her career. She chaired the Portland, Oregon, Mayor’s Business Roundtable Workforce Development Task Force. Eva has been involved in numerous think tank projects for the City of Portland and the State of Oregon. Additional activities in the Northwest included Chairperson, City Club Education Committee; Vice-Chairperson, Business Youth Exchange; and member, Regional Strategies Board. Since moving to California Eva has provided pro bono services to the Business Volunteers for the Arts of the San Diego Performing Arts League, and consulted with Nonprofit Management Solutions.

Eva holds an MA degree in education and counseling from Portland State University and a BA degree, cum laude, in German literature from the University of Maryland. She was born in Prague and raised in Munich, where she attended American schools. She is bilingual in English and German and speaks French and Czech. Eva has lived and worked in the United States for more than 30 years.

Eva and her husband, Jim, enjoy traveling. They often visit their loft in Portland and spend time with their kids and 6 grandkids, all of whom live nearby. Eva is an avid hiker who loves being outdoors. She’s a current events “junkie”, and she and Jim love the arts.

Eva has been doing pro bono work with local arts organizations, and when she learned about SDSVP from her friend and Partner, Linda Bernstein, she was immediately interested. “It makes so much sense to be able to leverage my interests and abilities with other professionals to make a real difference in the non-profit world,” Eva says. Linda thought SDSVP was a good fit for Eva because “she has a great deal of consulting experience with non-profits, especially those in the arts, and is extremely passionate about these commitments. She is a clear thinker and a wonderful, compassionate listener.”

Thank you, Linda, for recommending SDSVP to Eva; and thank you to Eva to joining our team!

Investment Working Group Update - January 2009

Four of the final eight agencies made presentations. At the end of the meeting, we discussed whether to schedule the agencies for a site visit. However, no official decisions have been made. The other four agencies will be presenting to the IWG on Feb. 17. Afterward, the committee will make final decisions on site visits.

Philanthropy and the Economy – Part III

SDSVP is continuing to compile articles and resources showing how philanthropy can lead the way in helping nonprofits during these hard economic times. Click on the links below for the articles, then share your thoughts by commenting on the SDSVP blog.

Being Nonprofit When No Profits Are Being Made
By Nancy Jamison
Local San Diego philanthropy in the economic crisis

A Giving Recession?
From Economist.com
The downturn poses new challenges for philanthropy

Philanthropy and the Economy – Part II

SDSVP is continuing to compile articles and resources showing how philanthropy can lead the way in helping nonprofits during these hard economic times. Click on the links below for the articles, then share your thoughts by commenting on the SDSVP blog.

Strategic Philanthropy in Tough Times by Paul Brest
Thoughts on how the strategic philanthropist should respond to this nearly unprecedented situation.

How to Survive a Week of Moral Hazards by Peter Karoff, Partner SVP Santa Barbara
In these unprecedented circumstances, what will be philanthropy’s response, what could it be, and how do we avoid what economists call “moral hazards”.

Bank Releases Initial Philanthropy Findings from the Boston Globe
Study shows that attitudes toward philanthropy are evolving

Bank Releases Initial Philanthropy Findings

From the Boston Globe
November 24, 2008

"Nearly 60 percent of wealthy households who stopped giving to a charitable organization attributed their change in philanthropic behavior to 'no longer feeling connected to the organization,'" Bank of America Corp. said today.

That's one headline from initial findings of a new survey commissioned by the bank's global wealth and investment management unit, which is based in Boston; the full study is scheduled for release early next year.

The study, the bank said in a press release, reflects the opinions of nearly 700 respondents with household income greater than $200,000 and/or net-worth of at least $1 million.

One insight from the study indicates that "wealthy donors are giving more strategically and are increasingly turning to legal and financial professionals as primary sources for advice about charitable giving decisions," said the bank, which is headquartered in North Carolina.

A recent Globe story, which focused on young Jewish donors, noted how attitudes toward philanthropy are evolving. To read that story, please click here.

Getting Old Ain't for Sissies!

By Leane Marchese, Executive Director, ElderHelp of San Diego

I want to share with you a story of one of ElderHelp's seniors:

Mr. Paulson rode his bike for 20 years as a way to save money and keep fit in retirement. He lives on social security and a small pension and manages to keep independent and healthy.

Every couple of weeks or so he would come by the ElderHelp offices to make copies and to just say 'Hi!'. Last fall, each time he came in the office he shared that his bicycle was getting more and more rickety and he was worried he would not be able to ride it past the first of the year.

Immediately, the ElderHelp team began searching for a way to buy him a new bike. We gathered enough donations and parked a shiny new bike next to ElderHelp's Christmas tree awaiting Mr. Paulson's next visit. In he came bundled up with red cheeks glowing on a rather chilly (San Diego) December day.

We hailed all staff and volunteers into the lobby and presented Mr. Paulson with his new bike. Large crocodile tears welled up in his eyes and he shared that he had not received a holiday gift in over ten years! He was so surprised and excited and didn't know what to say!

Who would know that receiving a bicycle at the age of 85 would be as magical as when we were 8!

Just this past October, Mr. Paulson had to permanently give up riding his bike due to his impaired vision, but ElderHelp continues to be there for him and provide a valuable connection to services and people who care.

Together we can make such an amazing impact on the life of seniors in need!

CSH Marketing Initiatives Underway with SDSVP Resources

By Simonne Ruff, Associate Director, Corporation for Supportive Housing – San Diego

Lead Partner: Sherri Neasham

With the help of SDSVP, the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) has focused efforts on understanding why less than 25% of funds available to San Diego to develop supportive housing have been used locally. The rest of these funds, which could have created new projects in San Diego, have been used on developments elsewhere in the state. It is clear that a lack of understanding of supportive housing has been a significant barrier to the development of new projects.

To bolster the capacity of CSH San Diego, a marketing plan was developed with SDSVP resources and expertise. With target markets clearly identified, the action plan is guiding the plan’s implementation. SDSVP has also enabled CSH to partner with the SDSU Entrepreneurial Management Center and engage a master’s level business intern to assist in this work.

Tenant profiles are being collected to form a dossier of success stories which highlight the profound impact of supportive housing on people’s lives; documenting the path that has enabled them to permanently exit life on the streets. In addition, a speaker’s bureau is being formed, enabling community leaders, business owners, faith communities and the like to stand up in support of projects. This speaker’s bureau will be available to all partners involved in supportive housing projects and will provide critical and timely support as we work to ensure people have the chance to permanently leave homelessness.

CSH welcomes SDSVP Partners with marketing, communications, or public relations expertise to expand on the work that is currently underway. CSH is continuing to build its marketing expertise in order to meet the three year vision of enabling 250 homeless individuals with disabling health conditions to exit the streets and remain housed for one year in sustainable permanent supportive housing.

Meet Partner, JoAnne Berg!

By Paul Thiel

After years running her own business and raising a family, JoAnne Berg is finally seeing some free time…and so she’s filling it by joining SDSVP. “My youngest just left for college and my employees are mostly running the company now,” she says. “I knew I’d always get more involved on a philanthropic level because I really enjoy it.”

A CPA by training, Berg ran her own firm catering to closely held companies when she and her husband formed their own manufacturing firm, Spectrum Concepts Inc., to make the plastic injection-molded pieces that fit inside furniture to hold DVDs, CDs and the like. Spectrum’s pieces can be found in fine furniture such as that made by Drexel Heritage and Ethan Allen.

Berg’s husband, Tom Hunt, is still deeply involved in the business, while her children are building their own futures. Step-son Josh Jones, 31, is a professional bass player in Las Vegas, while daughter Sara Hunt, 18, is in her first year as a creative writing major at Chapman University in Orange County. That leaves Berg with capacity to give back to the community through SDSVP.

Berg’s background, in addition to accounting and manufacturing, extends to purchasing, logistics, real estate development, finance and risk management – all areas of expertise she hopes to bring to bear for SDSVP’s clients. She expects her biggest impact will be in helping non-profits advance their financial acumen.

“No one knows how to manage the books,” she jokes. Seriously, she says, “financial management for non-profits is twice as difficult as it is in the for-profit world. You think it’s a simple little business model, but it’s anything but that.”

The challenge, Berg says, is in tracking a matrix of revenue streams and expenses that provides accountability for both the non-profit itself as well as for its various constituencies – the state and federal governments, foundations and other grantmakers, etc. – many of whom have very specific requirements.

“Even for the $350,000-in-revenue groups we work with, it’s really hard because everything they do have different requirements,” Berg says. “It is much more complicated than my business, and my business is built to do $10 million to $20 million. But we do one thing, so it’s much more scalable.”

“Those people have a lot to offer for-profit executives, and vice versa,” says Berg. “I see a convergence of business models coming. We really have a lot to learn from the non-profit sector, and them from us,” says Berg. “There is a huge learning curve on both sides, but we are all in this together.”

JoAnne came to SDSVP when a friend introduced her to Alan Sorkin, knowing that she had done a great deal of ad-hoc work for non-profits over the years. Berg says the aspect she enjoys most about working with non-profits is meeting people who have a much different view of the world than she does. “It’s pure joy, just in terms of enhancing your life, to meet these people who have given their lives to making the world a little better place,” she says. “They have a whole different perspective. So many wonderful people.”

Come meet JoAnne as she leads the “Finance and Legal Affairs” session at SDSVP’s Partner Bootcamp!