Community Foundation
To provide ongoing funding to build the capacity of the community to prepare for ‘chronic stresses’ and ‘episodic shocks’.
Capacity to Deliver - LP021-032
The issue
It is envisioned a Community Foundation would provide ongoing funding to build the capacity of the community to prepare for ‘chronic stresses’ and ‘episodic shocks’. Chronic stresses are slow moving stresses such as drought or the effects of National water reform processes on irrigation dependent communities (a regionally specific issue) that weaken the community on a day to day, or cyclical basis. Episodic shocks are sudden, short-term events that threaten a community such as fires and floods. A Community Foundation would enable funds to expediently hit the ground to support self-reliance and a community-led recovery from the impact of an adverse event. The Community Foundation Scoping Document provides an overview of the structure of community foundations, governance models, current NSW resilience policies, and University of Sydney modelling and overarching general themes that were stated as community desires for the development of community foundations.
The solution
A literature review was conducted to inform the Community Foundation Scoping Document. Considerations arising out of the Scoping document were incorporated into the Community Foundation Business Plan. WMLIG has included the Community Foundation opportunity in the 10 year MRC Community Strategic Plan for consideration to support an establishment resource in future funding programs. It is proposed that a ‘two-entity’ governance model is established in the future. WMLIG would provide the overarching governance and administrative support for an independent Community Foundation that develops its own business structure, mission and governance. This separate community-led entity (Community Foundation or Co-operative) could broaden community programs wider than WMLIG mission in supporting NRM, sustainable agriculture and community capacity building outcomes. WMLIG however is scoping social enterprises that can provide funding to the Community Foundation, as well as for existing Landcare focused activities. WMLIG can convene action-oriented groups, remove barriers and prevent duplication and assist with economic, social, cultural and environmental development funding. In the future, WMLIG would welcome funding (estimated cost $80,000) to establish and support a skilled working party that would examine the most appropriate legal entity for a Community Foundation – one that can deliver on a determined mission and publicly agreed goals. The working group would aim to have developed a full business plan, including funding options, within this timeframe and be in a position to hold its first Annual General Meeting.
The impact
With a clear business plan, the most effective and skilled governance structure in place; an in-depth understanding of its mission and community demographics; a consultation process that has already determined priorities and can continue to do so; and strong risk management; such a foundation could be positioned to be a key player in community resilience-building and growth. It is planned that the foundation would have reserve funds ready to hit the ground to support self-reliance and a community-led recovery in an adverse event.
Key facts
- This project was supported by Murray River Council’s Building Our Communities in Advance Project, via funding from Local Government NSW.