agenda for action 2014

GULF COAST COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONAGENDA FOR ACTION TWO THOUSAND FOURTEEN

Before there is a community foundation, there are the founders of a community.

AGENDA FOR ACTION / TWO THOUSAND FOURTEEN / 1

Not the history-makers, the favored few who sign on dotted lines, but the difference-makers, the passionate many who stand in line to help.

2 / GULF COAST COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

These are the women and men who endow their best moments with the exercise of service,


whether drafting plans in the boardroom, answering calls for help, or questioning the very limits of possibility.


In an age of instant gratification and individualism, they are patient, gracious, and inclusive.


They respond to the pull of forces larger than themselves. In moments that add hurt to hunger or subtract hope from the helpless, they see only an equal sign.


Within these pages, you will see the most compassionate, the most committed members of our community at work, as they approach our region’s most exciting opportunities and pressing obstacles from three strategic directions.


INNOVATION ECONOMY

OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL

FOUNDATION STRONG


A thriving community owes its dynamic energy to success in disparate areas. Three enterprising groups of women and men have banded together to address the issues most closely connected with catalyzing growth and progress.

INNOVATION ECONOMYITEM 1. CAREER CORPSITEM 2. CLASS FORCEITEM 3. CULTURE CREW


We need jobs here. Our region must create thousands of jobs just to return to where we were in 2007. We need to foster businesses that will not only create those jobs, but a community that will train, educate, and inspire the skilled workers to fill them.

They need to be high-quality jobs. Our workforce must be competitive. We need knowledge workers, entrepreneurs. We need STEM jobs in the sciences and technology sector. The kind of workforce that can drive economic growth, spur positive change, and create opportunity for all.

We can’t wait to innovate. It’s all too easy to get comfortable, to cozy up to “the old ways.” We need to emulate the example of leading innovation communities. Innovation leaders with vibrant arts and cultural scenes, quality places and living options, and thriving business climates like Austin, Boulder, Asheville, and Charleston. We too need to enhance while we enjoy.

We’re sitting on a gold mine...or a bird’s nest. More than 30% of Sarasota County lands—over 108,000 acres—are dedicated for conservation and recreational purposes. More and more residents are taking advantage of 400 miles of walking, biking, kayaking, and educational nature trails. And eco-tourism is skyrocketing.

To the opportunities of the innovation economy—to our children and theirs—we commit ourselves and our teamwork in 2014.

The Context

Our Commitment


GET GOOD WORK AND WORK WONDERS

ITEM 1. / INNOVATION ECONOMY / CAREER CORPS

OUR PLAN IN PLACE

• Train entry-level employees and the unemployed for skilled jobs in growing industries like healthcare and manufacturing• Engage employers through CareerEdge to identify skill gaps and help educators customize programs to fill them • Starting with area college students, connect entrepreneurs with support resources through BIG—Bright Ideas on the Gulf Coast


OUR AGENTS IN ACTIONPictured left to right / Suzette Jones, an entrepreneur herself, brings know-how to her role as project director for BIG, Gulf Coast’s entrepreneurial support network, connecting bright ideas with the right resources to launch new businesses. Emily Fleming, New College student and ambassador for BIG. Bud LaFave, “idea generator” from Venice who brought his invention to BIG and seeks to engage five students in developing it. David Nowak-Laird, New College student, BIG ambassador, and business-idea generator, wants to cultivate a Sarasota more attractive to young professionals. Todd Bowden, Sarasota County Technical Institute, launched a precision-machining program at SCTI based on skills-gap data from CareerEdge and direct input from local manufacturers. Jeff Maultsby, business and economic development director at Sarasota County, an investor in CareerEdge’s regional workforce-development model. Jennifer Behrens Schmidt, owner, Atlantic Mold and Machining, and president, Sarasota Manatee Area Manufacturers Association, has championed CareerEdge’s communitywide manufacturing plan.


TAKE BUSINESS LEADERS BACK TO SCHOOL

ITEM 2. / INNOVATION ECONOMY / CLASS FORCE

OUR PLAN IN PLACE

• Continue the transformation of local math and science classrooms, equipping them with interactive technology through our STEMsmart initiative

• Make classroom learning more “real-world relevant” by connecting business leaders with students and teachers• Align preschools through colleges with future business needs via Talent4Tomorrow, a partnership with the Greater

Sarasota Chamber of Commerce


OUR AGENTS IN ACTIONPictured left to right / Sherry and Tom Koski , Gulf Coast donors who have invested in STEMsmart technology for Sarasota County middle schools. Lin and Bob Williams, also STEMsmart classroom donors, built their own manufacturing business and now invest in tools to help students become innovators. Dr. Page Dettmann, Sarasota County Schools executive director of middle schools, has worked hand-in-hand with Gulf Coast to implement a bold vision for STEM education. Jason Sharrock, Sarasota Middle School science teacher, says STEMsmart technology and teacher training have transformed learning in his classroom. Lisl Liang, board chair, Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, which is connecting businesses, educators, and government to ensure tomorrow’s workforce is labor-ready. Jeff Hazelton, chief technology officer of STEMsmart Innovation Award winner BioLucid, has hired many local college graduates and now shares his expertise with middle-school students and teachers.


LEVERAGE DIVERSE ASSETS TO BUILD A DIVERSIFIED ECONOMY

ITEM 3. / INNOVATION ECONOMY / CULTURE CREW

OUR PLAN IN PLACE

• Expand access to recreational assets that attract young knowledge workers and active retirees alike• Redouble support for our region’s world-class arts organizations to help them draw new audiences and strengthen

coordination of their infrastructure and outreach


OUR AGENTS IN ACTIONPictured left to right / Danielle Brown and Edward Gonzalez, The Sarasota Ballet, dancers in a high-flying company that brings international attention to Sarasota. Dr. Joseph Thro, former Gulf Coast Board chair and—like a growing number of residents and visitors—an avid cyclist. Cassidy Marryott of Sarasota Crew and Nathan Marshall of Sarasota Scullers, two competitive rowing teams united in making Sarasota an aquatic-sports destination. Nicole Rissler, director of sports, Visit Sarasota County, who works to ensure that sporting activities here finish second to none. Brian Hersh, Any Given Child, a Kennedy Center-backed program designed to give all Sarasota County students access to arts education. Nicole Rawley of the Venice Symphony, whose new home at the Venice Performing Arts Center will let this popular orchestra expand its schedule, seating, and educational programs. Warren Coville, Gulf Coast donor and arts champion, helps promote Sarasota’s cultural treasures to a national audience. Paul Blackketter, Suncoast Aquatic Nature Center Associates, led the effort to bring the 2017 World Rowing Championships to Sarasota County. Randy Benderson, president, Benderson Development, is building Nathan Benderson Park into the country’s premier rowing facility and a fitting legacy for his philanthropic father.


A community cannot be said to have laid a proper foundation if it can count among its members even a few for whom the most basic needs are not being met. A pair of brave and enterprising groups have pooled their resources and inspired even more in the way of funds and assistance to change things, quickly.

OPPORTUNITY FOR ALLITEM 4. TEAM HUNGERITEM 5. HOME BUILDERS


Families are hungry in our community—for nutritious food, for proper housing, for adequate medical care. Shockingly, 14% of all families in Sarasota County live below the government’s poverty threshold. The repercussions are huge, not only for present well-being but also for the future stability of the region. For example, hungry students who can’t concentrate in school will clearly require more support in the future.

For many, there’s no place like home. More than 2,500 homeless persons were counted recently in Sarasota County. That included 637 children and youth during the first two months of school. Homeless families and schoolchildren “under the radar” are most in need.

There’s food for thought but not to eat. The number of residents receiving food stamp benefits is up more than 200% since 2007.

Unemployed = Unacceptable. More than 10,000 area residents are out of work. Many others have stopped searching.

It doesn’t help just to throw food or door keys at the problem. We need to execute more data-driven, long-term, systemic solutions.

To these heartbreaking challenges facing the most vulnerable of our neighbors—to this generation and the next—we commit ourselves and our teamwork in 2014.

The Context

Our Commitment


A HEALTHY DIET OF DATA, DONORS, AND IDEAS

ITEM 4. / OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL / TEAM HUNGER

OUR PLAN IN PLACE

• Fund the most comprehensive study of hunger and nutrition in our community, ever, through All Faiths Food Bank• Engage Gulf Coast donors to analyze the findings• Invest in the best ideas to transform our region’s emergency food distribution system• Fill gaps now by supporting local food pantries and programs


OUR AGENTS IN ACTIONPictured left to right / Michael Nemser, chair, Venice Yacht Club Charitable Foundation, led yacht club fundraising to purchase a truck that delivers fresh food to low-income areas. Elaine Crouse, Gulf Coast Community Foundation Hunger Design Team, a group of 10 philanthropists who are analyzing Gulf Coast-funded studies on local hunger and nutrition and investing in solutions. DuPont Snowden, vice chair, VYCCF, helped spearhead a focus on hunger and nutrition at the yacht club’s foundation, whose fund is housed at Gulf Coast. Sandra Frank, CEO of All Faiths Food Bank, the hub of our region’s hunger-relief system, is digging into hunger-study data alongside Gulf Coast donors. Pauline Joerger, Hillary Steele, Ashley Kozel, Sally Yanowitz, more Hunger Design Team members.


MAKE HOMESCOME TRUE FORCHILDREN AND FAMILIES

ITEM 5. / OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL / HOME BUILDERS

OUR PLAN IN PLACE

• Build a system of care for homeless families and children that graduates them from the streets to self-sufficiency• Invest in homelessness prevention through job training, financial literacy, and life skills


OUR AGENTS IN ACTIONPictured left to right / Milli Stepanek, Erin Romer, Ellen McLaughlin, Sarasota Family YMCA’s Schoolhouse Link program, the “quarterback” of social services to help Sarasota County’s hundreds of homeless students stay in place at their home school. Karin Barbito, Community Assistance Ministry, whose Venice agency stepped up to help Schoolhouse Link provide emergency hotel stays to homeless families in southern Sarasota County. Elton White, Gulf Coast Board member and donor, who memorably said “no child in this community should be sleeping in a car”—and has led Gulf Coast’s efforts to ensure none has to. Sheriff Tom Knight, wants to keep the homeless out of jail beds and get them into permanent homes.


The measure of a community is the faith it puts in just that: measurement of the community. We recognize that the accuracy of data must be prerequisite to action based on it, along with adherence to powerful systems, strategies, and alliances. Gulf Coast, which specializes in convening energetic experts, commissioning visionary research surveys, and uniting skills with need, has overseen the creation of three clear-sighted teams poised to set the tone for learning and leadership in this critical arena.

FOUNDATION STRONGITEM 6. COMMUNITY CONNECTORSITEM 7. PROACTORSITEM 8. ACCOUNTABLES


Local with a national reputation means the world to the beneficiaries of our leadership. We have been confirmed in compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations since 2006.

Connect the donors. It’s not a game; it’s a strategy employed by our community foundation consistent with one of our core beliefs: that two or more heads are better than one, especially if they are (or were) the head of a successful business or organization. Our donors are doers, and they do things well. Particularly when they work together with neighbors of like values and complementary skill sets.

Gulf Cast. Our staff boasts an impressive and varied professional background across the board of public policy, finance, the arts, education, and philanthropy. A community unto ourselves, we’re always setting up internal task forces and playing to each other’s strengths.

Bright lights in our cities. Donors get a lot of press, but our teammakers do not limit themselves to this august group. Anyone who makes their home (or one of their homes) here knows: We are a vibrant lot. However you deploy us, we rarely disappoint. The Gulf Coast seems to be a magnet for the mighty.

To a uniquely inquisitive and restless, data-driven mode of information-gathering and problem-solving, we commit ourselves and our teamwork in 2014.

The Context

Our Commitment


GROW SOCIAL CAPITAL ASSETS

ITEM 6. / FOUNDATION STRONG / COMMUNITY CONNECTORS

OUR PLAN IN PLACE

• Invest in technology tools like GulfCoastGood.org that link community organizations with local citizens to fill urgent needs• Match nonprofits with customized, professional consulting to operate at their full potential• Support activities that build social capital and a culture of community philanthropy that will sustain our region


OUR AGENTS IN ACTIONPictured left to right / Judith Keeler , Gulf Coast donor, community supporter, and volunteer, helps Venice Area Beautification Inc. build partnerships to improve public spaces. Betsy Steiner, consultant for our Invest in Incredible initiative, helped two historic-preservation groups merge into the stronger, more effective Venice Heritage Inc. Kelly Dowd, volunteer, is bringing youthful energy and tech savvy to community service clubs and events, including raising funds—and friends—through GulfCoastGood.org. Don Hay, volunteer and former Gulf Coast Board member, dedicates experience, resources, and deep community knowledge to countless activities that enrich the Venice area. Monty Andrews, VABI volunteer who is publicity shy despite his very public service, has (reluctantly) seen his name placed on the Venice arboretum he helped bring to life. James Hagler, director of historical resources, City of Venice, is leveraging rich local history, dedicated volunteers, and gifts from Gulf Coast donors to expand the Venice Museum and Archives and help the community move forward by looking back.


ENGAGE THE ENTERPRISE: A DONOR’S WORK IS NEVER DONE

ITEM 7. / FOUNDATION STRONG / PROACTORS

OUR PLAN IN PLACE

• Ask donors what moves them and then offer our best ideas of organizations and projects that can make a lasting difference• Engage donors in Gulf Coast’s catalytic community initiatives, which are research-based and designed to create

long-term, systemic change• Partner with donors and nonprofits to build endowments that enable our region to address emerging issues• Educate donors and their legal, tax, and financial advisors about the smartest, most effective ways to customize their

philanthropy and secure their legacy


OUR AGENTS IN ACTIONPictured left to right / Keith and Linda Monda, Gulf Coast donors who always look to maximize impact on issues like hunger, education, and children’s causes. With their Kids SWIM Fund, for example, they worked with us to transform a grassroots water-safety program into a sustainable, countywide opportunity for students. Chris Crites, financial advisor, and Salli Struble, paralegal, just two of many professional advisors whose stewardship of clients’ interests leads to wonderful gifts for our community. For several of their shared clients, we provide the philanthropic guidance to complement their financial and legal expertise, completing a team that can meet clients’ personal needs while fulfilling their charitable goals. Susan and Randy Mallitz, donors who are active with strong nonprofit partners of Gulf Coast, have leveraged their giving to support favorite agencies while connecting through us to new interests, such as funding scholarships for local students.


EXCEED GREAT EXPECTATIONSITEM 8. / FOUNDATION STRONG / ACCOUNTABLES

OUR PLAN IN PLACE

• Adhere to the most rigorous standards in philanthropy for operational quality, financial security, and accountability• Commission independent evaluations of our regional initiatives to identify what works and measure impact• Entrust volunteers to review the performance and success of our grants, so Gulf Coast and our nonprofit partners can

learn from and build on our shared investments• Continue to conduct objective regional scans to identify emerging issues and future opportunities for our community


OUR AGENTS IN ACTIONPictured left to right / Cory Reeves, vice president for finance, Gulf Coast, led our independent audit for several years with Kerkering Barberio and now oversees Gulf Coast’s financial stewardship. Dr. Shelley Robertson, Robertson Consulting Group, independent evaluator of several Gulf Coast initiatives. Jim Kuhlman, volunteer, reviews Gulf Coast grants and judged business applicants for our STEMsmart Innovation Award. Barbara Brizdle, Cheryl Loeffler, Kathy and Tony Zumbano, Gulf Coast donors and volunteers who review grants and scholarship applications.


THAT’S SO GULF COAST.


It’s a phrase that we hear around town, a term of wry and admiring endearment, and though so far we have been unable to proffer an official definition, we can definitely point you to the folks who embody the phrase. They’re our Board of Directors, our Donors, and our Advisors. These women and men just have a way of doing things, and of getting things done, of making numbers add up to powerful effect—that sometimes makes jaws drop open, and at others inspires a quiet “how’d they do that?” Together and as individuals, they conduct an orchestra of transformation in our community, demonstrating a unique ability to offer support and inspire it in others.


BOARD OFDIRECTORS


If Agents for Action stand behind the Agenda for Action, who stands behind them? At Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the answer is our Board of Directors. They’re a band of talent congruently bound by their belief in the power of their community— to overcome any obstacle, and exclude none from its opportunity and beauty.

Pictured left to right / Tommy Taylor, Pauline Joerger, Jay McHargue, Bayne Stevenson, Judy Cahn, Norbert Donelly, Teri A Hansen, Scott Collins, Lisa Carlton, Elton White, James Gallogly, Michael Saunders, Phil Humann, Janis Fawn, Benjamin Hanan

SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS

The Gulf Coast Board appreciates the service of these individuals on the boards of our supporting organizations:

GULF COAST STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS

CHARLES AND MARGERY BARANCIK SO FOUNDATION

David DignamKirstin Fulkerson

Teri A HansenPauline Joerger

Karl KokomoorTommy Taylor

Jon Thaxton

Charles BarancikMargery BarancikRebecca Barancik

Wendy DemingMike GronliTeri A Hansen

Dave MasonMark PritchettJoe Thro


OUR DONORS


Our Agenda is already in progress. Our Agents are already deployed. But it’s all set in motion by inspired donors impatient to make a profound impact on their community. To donate, after all, begins with to do—the mantra that has always seemed to describe our donors best, not gift by gift, but investment after investment—of time, expertise, and resources.

Pictured left to right are just some of the donors in our Gulf Coast family / Julie and Scott Pinkerton, Peggy and Jim Stuelke, Steve and Joann Stein, Malcolm and Jasmine Candlish, Arn and Bette Hoffman, Toby Deutsch, Betty and Ed Campbell, Steve, Rogers, and Beth Knopik, Karen and Tom Bernstein, Bart and Joan Levenson, Chris and Aimee Cogan


OUR ADVISORSAND YOURS


To the trusted professional advisors who team with us in building philanthropy, it’s not just the thought that counts when it comes to a gift to their community foundation. Our donors work personally with these expert individuals—wealth managers, accountants, estate-planning attorneys—who take every variable into consideration when providing counsel and compassion.

The professional advisors pictured left to right recently made charitable referrals to Gulf Coast / Bruce Haltinner, Don Hay, Sydney Young, Andy Britton, Donna-Lee Roden, Dean Dancer, Jay McHargue, Chris Crites, Kelley Corbridge, Salli Struble, Scott Collins, Steven Ledbetter, Lori Emery, Rich Williams Kathy Francoletti, Scott Pinkerton, David Yarletts, Merrill Wynne, Greg Lee, Benjamin Hanan, Karin Grablin, Peter Mason, Debra Smith, Brian Zeitz


FINANCIALREVIEW

For a list of grants awarded by Gulf Coast Community Foundation during our 2013 fiscal year, go online to GulfCoastCF.org.

2013 GRANTS $19.6 MILLIONJULY 2012 - JUNE 2013

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES 40.9%ARTS & CULTURE 29.6%

EDUCATION 19.6%CIVIC AFFAIRS / ENVIRONMENT 9.9%

GRANTSAWARDED

CONTRIBUTIONS

RETURN ON INVESTMENTS

TOTALASSETS

FISCAL YEAR IN REVIEWJULY 2012 - JUNE 2013

$19.6

$19.9

$21.8

$232.6

IN MILLIONS

GC 2014 Agenda For Action HERO.indd 38 12/16/13 4:58 PM


To access the June 2013 independent auditor’s report, Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s IRS Form 990, and our most recent investment results, go to GulfCoastCF.org.

FY’10

$173.3

FY’11

$206.9

FY’12

$210.0

FY’13

$232.6

TOTAL ASSETS IN MILLIONS

CUMULATIVE GRANTS $153.3 MILLION1996 - JUNE 2013

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES 38.1%CIVIC AFFAIRS / ENVIRONMENT 23.3%

EDUCATION 21.3%ARTS & CULTURE 17.3%

Even amid a rebound in sectors like tourism and construction, portions of the Gulf Coast still reel from the Great Recession. Our region stands at a pivotal point in its recovery, poised to consider what will drive future economic growth with more opportunity for all.

If Gulf Coast Community Foundation is a bellwether, last year’s performance heralds cautious optimism (or inspired pragmatism, as we like to approach it). Gulf Coast’s assets grew to $232.6 million, with investment returns of 11.1 percent. Contributions to the foundation increased by $1 million over the prior year, to $19.9 million, as donors invested in philanthropy and we leveraged funding from beyond our region. Together with our donors, Gulf Coast invested $19.6 million in grants, initiatives, and scholarships.

In addition to the figures below, we invite you to visit our website at GulfCoastCF.org to review our audited financial statements as well as quarterly updates on our assets, grantmaking, and investment performance.

GC 2014 Agenda For Action HERO.indd 39 12/16/13 4:58 PM


THIS IS OUR TEAM. THIS IS OUR PLAN.


Everything we do has the bigger picture in mind: to live in the best world we can.

We are achieving real change. Change in our community, transformation in our region, optimism to renew our strength for tomorrow.

Busy at work, never too busy to dream.


Joining forces.


When a region is rent by inequity, a just community builds a bridge, crosses it with purpose, then helps its neighbors to safety.


The responsibility of rejoicing.


The hard work we accomplish is cheapened if we do not pause to reflect, to enjoy the beauty of our surroundings and the blessing of each other’s company.


Take wing.


It is always bracing to remember the strength of each individual, buoyed by love of community. It feels good to know you have the power to contribute—your vision, your energy, your gifts.


AGENT FOR ACTIONYOU TOO CAN BECOME AN

Act on what moves you by calling us today. We want to hear how you can help us make our community the best that it can be. For those of us who live here now, and for those in whose honor we dedicate our hard work.

Together with our donors, Gulf Coast Community Foundation transforms our region through bold and proactive philanthropy. Gulf Coast is a public charity that was created in 1995 through the sale of the Venice Hospital. Since then, we have welcomed more than 600 charitable funds established by generous donors, and we have invested over $160 million in grants and initiatives in the areas of health and human services, civic and economic development, education, arts and culture, and the environment.

941.486.4600 | GulfCoastCF.org

Give Donate to any of our initiatives or make your gift unrestricted to address emerging issues. Just log on to our website or call us—it’s that easy.

Establish a Fund Partner with Gulf Coast to achieve your philanthropic goals. Your fund can support the causes of your choosing or be flexible to meet changing needs.

Leave a Legacy Through a bequest or other planned gift, you can ensure that future needs are met for organizations and causes important to you and your family.

Get Informed Sign up for Gulf Coast publications and e-news to receive our latest research, updates on our initiatives, and invitations to community events.

Volunteer Donations can be more than dollars. Let us help you find meaningful ways to share your talents, experience, and hard-earned time.

Gulf Coast Community Foundation has been confirmed in compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, the most rigorous standards in philanthropy for operational quality, integrity, and accountability.

Gulf Coast Community Foundation 601 Tamiami Trail South, Venice, Florida 34285

941.486.4600 / GulfCoastCF.org

WHAT’S YOURAGENDA?TWO THOUSAND FOURTEEN

GULF COAST COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

agenda for action 2014

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