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WCF received a gift of talent earlier this year as five Winona State University students gave their expertise and time performing an organizational analysis of the Foundation to evaluate the health of the organization. A major project as part of their strategic management class, they spent many hours over four months doing researching, interviewing and listening to us talk about WCF in preparation for a full analysis.
As always, it’s wonderful to have fresh eyes take a look at the day to day operations to give input on how to create the most impact for those we serve. Great news, according to the report, staff and Board are being respectful stewards of the monies entrusted to WCF.
Pulling from the summary “the quantity and quality of granting is impressive, but there are many potential donors and grant recipients that are not aware of the benefits that WCF provides the community.” As a result of this detailed analysis report WCF will be using the report this as a guide for moving forward as we continue to share our mission with the community.
Acting on the recommendations, we ask for your help in sharing information about WCF within the community. Take time to share your experience working with WCF as donor or the recipient of a grant. Word of mouth has proven to be our best marketing tool.
This valuable connection and collection of information compiled by the students could not go unnoticed. Keeping in “pay it forward” mode, the WCF Board gave the students the opportunity to award $1000 to any local non-profits of their choice.
The students split this grant between the following organizations: Winona PTA ($500), Winona Area Learning Center/ Parent Teacher Student Association ($100), Friends of Winona Area Public Library ($200), Habitat for Humanity ($100) and the Winona Symphony Orchestra ($100).
We thank Julie Ihrke, Lori Ortega, Ashley Murry, Deb Skaalen and Mary Zimmermann for their fine work on the report, as well as their thoughtful community grant allocations.
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