Client Experience
Solon E. Summerfield Foundation
An 85-year-old foundation initially hired Intentional Philanthropy for retreat facilitation services as the foundation revisited its grantmaking priorities, evaluated foundation operations, assessed desired levels of board engagement, and discussed succession planning. One year later, the Solon E. Summerfield Foundation hired Intentional Philanthropy to serve as outsourced staff, managing all the foundation’s administrative, operational, and grantmaking needs – reducing overall expenses by 20% in the first year alone. We have helped the board narrow the foundation’s grantmaking focus from five broad issue areas to a singular focus that engages the full board. We implemented a collective board learning agenda – including writing newsletters and conducting experiential learning exercises at meetings – to inform the board’s selection of grantmaking strategies within the newly selected focus. As strategies are selected, IP is building appropriate screens and impact measures into the grantmaking process to inform the board’s future decisions. IP is thrilled to be a part of this journey of transformation, and we understand the importance of maintaining excellent backbone operations while supporting the board in high-level strategic direction to optimize impact.
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