Cascade Community Foundation Minutes

Cascade Community Foundation

March 27, 2003

Cascade Township Conference Room

7:30 a.m.

Members present: Carpenter, Julien, Lewis, Robinson, Roeder, and Vredevoogd.

Absent: Parrish

Chairman Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m. An outline of agenda items was presented.

1. Change the time of future meetings.

2. Discussion of planning future fundraising events.

3. Re-visit the partnership structure with Grand Rapids Community Foundation.

4. Discussion of approach to fundraising.

5. Discussion of next letter to community for soliciting funds.

Listings of the homeowners in Gatehouse and Heathmoor Condos were distributed. A second listing of the 500 highest SEV properties was also presented.

Chairman Robinson suggested evening meetings would allow more time to accomplish our objectives. Morning meetings do not work well with everyone having to rush out in 45 minutes. The next meeting will be at 7:00 p.m. on April 15^th, 17^th, or 23^rd. Location will continue to be the conference room in the Township office.

The Board agreed that Michael Julien should be the one to contact the Grand Rapids Community Foundation for a schedule of transaction fees.

There is a feeling that we should be looking at other options to manage the Cascade Foundation. Jack Lewis has looked at other communities and suggested a possible connection to a State Foundation. Jack thinks maybe the State is not so willing to give out a 501 status if there are several in the area already.

Susan Roeder wondered if an accounting or CPA firm could administer the foundation.

Pat Vredevoogd commented she thinks all the facts should be gathered and we should have as much knowledge as possible before a decision is made. Some people will be put off by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation name on everything and there will be others put off by not seeing it. We need someone to manage the money. This Board does not have the manpower to do big events. There will be a need for volunteer committees.

This Board needs more information and input from Sandi Parrish with regard to changing the partnership structure.

Pat Vredevoogd expressed her thoughts on a July 4^th booth. When you think of a foundation you think of building with rocks. She envisions a booth set up near rocks or have some rocks engraved with Cascade Community Foundation or the logo.

Susan Roeder suggested a rock used for a paperweight. The focus for the 4^th of July should be on marketing and awareness.

Mary Carpenter commented on a pocket rock and suggested a booth operate the same hours as the Library book sale.

Pat will look at booth location possibilities and where to get rocks engraved. A booth can be as simple as a table and maybe a canopy.

Chairman Robinson suggested postponing the discussion of planning future events until the next meeting when Sandi Parrish is present. This is really her area of expertise.

Chairman Robinson feels the next letter should be directed at the donor who may be able to give a smaller amount.

Susan Roeder and Jack Lewis will concentrate on a multi faceted approach and put together a letter for review at the next meeting. The first mailing sent a message that we wanted at least a $400 donation. This letter should give an example of a $50 donation and say something like "we’d love for you to be a part of the Cascade Community Foundation". A more targeted effort will be at the donors who are capable of giving a $10,000 gift.

Jack Lewis questioned the possibility of expanding the Foundation board. The Gatehouse Condo community has a very strong organization. A member from that community could be a great asset to this board. Susan Roeder agreed one or two more key people could be very beneficial. Find some members who want to be involved in the community and let them do what they do best. Michael Julien commented he has been very pleased with this board and the progress made so far but certainly the structure of the board could be re-visited. There is probably no need in the long run for this board to be government controlled. There may be a time to turn the foundation over to the community.

Mary Carpenter suggested an article in the next newsletter telling about the 4^th of July booth and inviting all to stop by to learn more about the Community Foundation.

A decision on the date of the next meeting will be made as soon as Sandi Parrish can be contacted.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jeanie Neve

Deputy Clerk

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