Annual General Meeting, 19th November 2009
On reflection, from the Executive Directors view, 2009 has been a highly successful rebuilding year for the oldest Community Foundation in Australia!
The rebuilding Program can in no small way be attributed to the endeavors and energy of Board member Madeleine Ogilvie. Madeleine brought a fresh approach to the organization which was a legacy she had created in her role with Philanthropy Tasmania. It was through Madeleine’s vision and work ethic, and in the spirit of unity is strength, that the principles of both organizations could be upheld. TCF is the beneficiary of this prudent approach to philanthropy in Tasmania.
Following this period, which was now later in 2008, without approach or delegation, The Myer Foundation/Sidney Myer Fund (Myer) offered the TCF an opportunity to be a partner in their ‘Celebrating Our Partners’ Commemorative Grants Program.
TCF formalized an application for the $100,000.00 on offer. This was made available for only a select group of organizations in the not for profit sector in Australia. TCF, in accepting this golden opportunity, was invited to engage in research in Myers ‘strengthening and sustainability’ grant making program. Research was commissioned by Myer and conducted by the Centre for Philanthropic and Nonprofit Studies at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT).
The grant proved to be the catalyst to proceed with reinvigorating the TCF after a protracted period of dormancy.
In October 2008 The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) invited Australian Community Foundations to express an interest in being involved in their ‘Community Foundations Sustainability Program’. TCF successfully applied for a $30,000.00 challenge grant over three years.
The need for the provision of an administrative service to the TCF was clearly an essential ‘missing puzzle piece’ for the Foundation. Negotiations with Colony 47 commenced early in 2009. This was focused on securing a professional ‘back of office’ capacity which would enable TCF to reach a new level. A letter of agreement was approved and signed by both parties in March 2009. This relationship, with Heather McCallum at the helm as Administrator, has proven to be the most significant factor in the Foundations Renewal Program.
The highest priority of the ED’s time during the 12 months has been the necessity for the organization to renew the Board. Company Secretary Madeleine Ogilvie and the ED, together with Colony 47, made up the task force to pursue this goal.
Catherine Browns ‘skills matrix’ document was the bedrock for deliberations. Recommendations included membership diversity for a renewed Board. A ‘Responsible Persons’ requirement of the Australian Tax Office for Community Foundations was also an important consideration.
The ED’s role this year has also included the development and support for the creation of the first subcommittee of the reinvigorated TCF -‘Youth in Philanthropy’. Funds for this purpose were due to be returned to FRRR unless a strategy could be developed to satisfy the original intent of a 2005 grant ($10.000.00) - to create a Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) Committee.
A formal application procedure was adapted from the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA) and appointments to the YIP Committee of eight young people (18-23) were approved. Ruth Sinclair and Bonnie Butler agreed to be mentors for the young people engaged in the program ‘Have some Fun in Philanthropy 2009’.
In March a TCF Luncheon was held with gracious and generous hosts Gillian and Ray Groom in their home in Battery Point, Hobart. This proved to be a highly successful function preceded by a special training for the YIP Committee conducted by FYA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr.Adam Smith. Also attending the Luncheon were special guests, FRRR’s Chairman the Rt. Hon Ian Sinclair AC, and his wife Mrs. Rosemary Sinclair and Chief Executive Officer of The Myer Foundation/ Sidney Myer Fund, Ms Christine Edwards. The Mayor of Glenorchy Ald. Adriana Taylor and Colony 47’s Chairman, Ms. Tracy Mathews were also among TCF’s special guests.
Excellent progress was made during the year by YIP. Regular meetings culminated in a grant making recommendation to the TCF Board for seven successful applicants. Thirty-five were received. Details of their decision making and progress toward 2010 can be found on the TCF website after 1st December. The quality of YIPs performance has attracted a further $20,000.00 FRRR Challenge Grant.
Perhaps the most important event of the year for the Board was the Strategic Planning Day. This was held on the 15th May at the Law Society, Murray St. Hobart. Catherine Brown conducted this day which was very well attended by Board Members.TCF is indeed fortunate to have someone of Catherine’s caliber and experience who guided the discussion. This led to a comprehensive and thorough Plan for 2009-2012.
The Australian Community Foundations Forum, conducted in Mt.Gambier, SA in August, was attended by the ED and Jo Richardson (representing the Board) and Jess Jacobson representing YIP. The special Youth in Philanthropy session conducted on the first day of the Forum provided Jo and Jess with the opportunity to present outcomes and experiences. TCF’s YIP Committees success was widely acclaimed by delegates as the most positive outcome for this National Program of all participating Community Foundations.
The Board renewal program is almost complete with eight new Board Members joining during 2009.
Dr. Chris Moorhouse has expressed his wish to step down as Chairman, after three years in the position. Chris initially accepted the role at a very challenging time for the organization, but was undaunted by the significant hurdles that needed to be overcome. The fact that the TCF can now move forward and has a bright future is in no small way due to the resilience and tenacity of both Chris and recently retired Company Secretary Mr. Mark Temple-Smith. I am very confident all Board Members will join me in expressing sincere appreciation and gratitude to both, for their unswerving dedication to the TCF.
The year has been a rich and rewarding one, particularly with a now fully functional and dynamic Board accepting responsibility and subcommittee involvement.
The Foundation can look forward to 2010 with renewed vigor. There is a significant body of work to be approached with passion and good timing in the New Year. How to grow TCF’s voluntary capacity and to find the resources required to engage part-time staff, to run the business, is a part of the equation. Succession planning in this area will be an essential agenda item for the Board to contemplate.
Optimism and momentum have now returned to the organization, which in itself is a great result for a committed team of volunteers. Many challenges have had to be met along the way!
As I observe a full Board table at the AGM, I am excited by the considerable talent that has signed on and engaged in community philanthropy in Tasmania, through the TCF. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Directors (both past and present), the YIP Committee and Colony 47, for their time, energy, support and enthusiasm in 2009.
Scott Marshall. Executive Director. 19.11.09
FOOTNOTE. Mr. Clyde Eastaugh has accepted the Deputy Chairman’s role for 2010 and has agreed to act as interim Chairman until such time that a candidate for the Chairman’s position can be secured.