AMES, Iowa – The Community Vitality Center (CVC) will co-host the fifth annual Iowa Community Philanthropy Academy on Monday, Feb. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Hotel Fort Des Moines in Des Moines. Participants will learn about successes and innovations in creating a culture for community philanthropy and building endowments from local and regional community foundation experts.
“This Academy is important for community leaders interested in learning how community foundations and county endowment entities can enhance the quality of life and economic vitality of Iowa communities” said Mark A. Edelman, director of the Community Vitality Center.
Keynote speakers Nancy Straw, President and CEO of the West Central Initiative in Minnesota, and Maxine Moul, Endow Nebraska Coordinator and President Emeritus of the Nebraska Community Foundation, will share best practice ideas for using philanthropy to support entrepreneurship and community vitality.
“Both of these speakers have been involved in the community philanthropy movement from the ground up in their respective states and they have a wealth of experience and practical ideas for strategically using foundation and philanthropy assets in support of local entrepreneurship, small business development, and community vitality,” Edelman said.
The Academy program agenda includes several topics. Philanthropy Award winners will share their success stories and best practice ideas for building endowments and creating a stronger local community culture for philanthropy. Ellen Huntoon, rural development director for U.S. Senator Tom Harkin, will discuss programs involving philanthropy and rural development that are being considered in the 2007 Farm Bill debate in Washington.
Mike Miller, Iowa Department of Economic Development, and Angela Dethlefs-Trettin, Iowa Council of Foundations will present highlights of activities and impacts from across Iowa as contained in the 2007 Philanthropy Report to the Iowa Legislature and governor. Johnny Danos, Greater Des Moines Community Foundation, and David Adelman, Brick Gentry PC, will provide legislative updates on issues of interest to community foundation leaders. A legislative reception at the Finkbien Mansion will follow the Academy.
The Academy is sponsored by the Community Vitality Center, Iowa Council of Foundations, Iowa Department of Economic Development, Iowa State University Extension, Iowa Area Development Group Community Foundation and the Iowa Nonprofit Resource Center.
The registration fee is $25 per person until Jan. 30. Registration includes lunch and materials. Conference registration information is available on the CVC Web site www.cvcia.org or by calling Becky Johnson (515) 294-3000. The registration fee after Jan. 30 and at the door is $30.
For additional information about the CVC or Philanthropy Academy, contact Edelman at (515) 294-6144, medelman@iastate.edu or Christine Pardee, program coordinator, at (515) 294-5273, cpardee@iastate.edu
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