Incubator Project

Silicon Valley Planned Giving Council’s Incubator Project FY 2009-11

Purpose

Problem

While many nonprofit organizations believe a growing endowment fund will help to sustain them, and that a planned giving program is important, most are in need of help to get a program started.

Solution

The Silicon Valley Planned Giving Council (SVPGC) developed a model program to encourage, instruct, nurture, and support select local nonprofit organizations on their path to establishing and operating successful and appropriate planned giving and endowment-building programs. This is a mentoring program for the organization, rather than for an individual. Over the eight years of the program, we have worked with 31 nonprofit organizations, helping them overcome challenges and truly establish endowment-building activities.

Selection Process

Nonprofit organizations must submit a written request to the SVPGC by Wednesday July 8, 2009, and will be notified by the 22nd regarding acceptance.  Follow-up activities and services will take place throughout the two-year period, ending officially by June 30, 2011.

Nonprofit organizations will:

• Submit a completed application including approval from the governing body to engage in the program, with at least two volunteers, one of which must be a Board member, participating.

• Send a team of 3-6 people, including staff and board/volunteer leaders, to attend a half-day training session on September 17th from 7:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. Key people must be present.

• Spend at least four hours per month in such activities as discussing or planning with the internal team or implementing the program.

• Make this program a priority in organization and leadership activities for the two-year period.

• Develop reasonable goals for the year in conjunction with mentors.

• Pay an annual fee to cover expenses (upon acceptance - $1,000, including all materials, meals).

• Participate in an evaluation process to guide future program development.

• Have at least one person with a current membership in the Silicon Valley Planned Giving Council.

Silicon Valley Planned Giving Council will:

• Provide training sessions and group meetings per calendar.

• Guide nonprofit participants in developing reasonable goals for the year.

• Assign a team of Council members to each nonprofit organization to serve as mentors and assist in reaching the goals.

• Mentors will attend training sessions and provide at least two hours per month consultation over first year, and one hour per month in the second year.

• Maintain regular communication between Council and participants, and share results.