One of the best decisions we have made since starting BetterWorld has been to join the Full Circle Fund in San Francisco – Matt and I were at the annual FCF retreat this past weekend in Monterrey, seeing lots of old friends and making many new ones. The one standout for us is how this organization, which is approaching 10 years own has grown its impact and reach every year.
The basic framework is that the 175 members determine are coordinated by an amazing staff led by ED Amy Lesnick towards an annual grant process to a group of non profits that are vetted over months. There are four “circles” of focus, Education, Environment Technology and Global Economic Opportunity and the members are divided between these areas of focus – – each area hands out a small number of grants to organizations each year, but then goes way beyond where most organizations stop. The members, who are both for profit and nonprofit leaders and change makers from around the bay area, then form teams and spring into action, working on specific projects within each grantee and ensuring that more capacity is built, a true hands-on model with deep purpose.
In addition, FCF is a heavyweight in the effort to reform California education – and the project is called EACH. The “EACH” approach was created to support leaders at the forefront of education improvement, beginning in 2010 and for years beyond. This is an important new way of thinking about what success means in education. Education cannot be merely effective on average. It must be designed to work for each student, each teacher, each school, and each community.
Back to the Annual Retreat: Kudos to the FCF staff who always do a great job with all their events and just running a tight, accountable ship in general. Also to Jeff Camp for writing and singing the new Full Circle Fund theme song, which I'm sure will be around for years to come! For more information on joining or donating – www.fullcirclefund.org
In Service,
Jacob
