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Karen

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1 reviews

Review for The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, Harrisburg, PA, USA

Rating: 5 stars  

This is a large community foundation covering many counties in Central Pennsylvania. It manages over $70m in donor accounts and has been very successful with its investments to grow the funds-- although with the recent downturn of the economy, things are not as successful. The Foundation has gone through a strategic planning process- this has resulted in several areas of focus to tackle the highest level of unmet needs in our communities. Healthcare access and workforce initiatives are at the top of the list. The board consists of movers and shakers in the community and are a very dedicated group of professionals. The staff are equally qualified and dedicated.

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

the funds that The Foundation has been able to disperse has a significant positive effect in the community-- not only because the grantmaking is focused on the greatest needs, but also because the foundation tracks outcomes and looks for sustainability after the funds are granted for future years.

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

continue to manage with the same values that have sustained this growing organization.

What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...

my experience has been most enjoyable because of being able to give back to the commmunity and being able to work with the professional staff and board members who are highly motivated to make differences in the communities we serve.

The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...

professional, innovative, motivated, and dedicated.

Ways to make it better...

we had more money to grant to community needs. We currently are viewing over 50 grant applications and there is not enough money to fund even the greatest needs.

In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...

surviving the economic downturn.

One thing I'd also say is that...

If the budget would permit, I would add more staff since the staff are very extended right now.

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

2008

Role:  Board Member & I have been involved for several years as a member of the grantmaking committee and a member of the board, working with the Women's Fund and the health care initiative.
 
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