The Osprey Community Foundation recently had the chance to bring together 26 people from six different community foundations for a relaxed but really meaningful regional gathering on May 2nd. The Phoenix Foundation was excited to be a part of the day.
The goal was simple: connect with each other, share what’s working (and what’s not), and figure out where we can better support one another and in turn, our communities. With folks coming from six unique places, there was a great mix of perspectives and experiences in the room.
We dug into some big topics like capacity building, working together across regions, grantmaking and measuring impact, and how to better engage with our donors. But more than anything, it was about having honest conversations and learn. The group included staff but mostly volunteer board members, many of whom are juggling limited time and resources, so conversations around capacity were particularly helpful.
The big takeaway? While each of our communities are unique, a lot of the challenges as community foundations are the same, and there’s real value in staying connected and collaborating more closely. These conversations aren’t ending here either, they’re already helping shape a larger province-wide gathering planned for September in Kelowna, where the momentum can continue to build.
Huge thanks to Connect BC and Vancouver Foundation for supporting the gathering and creating the opportunity for these conversations to happen.
Everyone left with new contacts, fresh ideas, and a bit more energy for the work ahead, which is exactly what we were hoping for.
Thank you to the following organizations for their participation: Creston Valley Community Foundation, Salmo Valley Fund, Slocan Valley Legacy Fund Society, Le Roi Community Foundation, Phoenix Foundation.
