Sandi Scannelli, President and CEO of the Community Foundation, provided historical highlights, including serving as a fiscal agent for the following organizations during their formation: Brevard Zoo, The Haven, Space Coast Early Intervention Center, Candlelighters of Brevard, Lead Brevard’s Leadership Brevard program, and the Henegar Center for the Performing Arts building renovation.

Guests previewed a new video of Joan Borders, a founding board member for Rolling Readers Space Coast, who recently created a designated fund to help support Rolling Readers through the Community Foundation. (see video below)

The Foundation gave a special thanks to James ‘Ivy’ Iverson, of YourSimple Media, who was generous in the creation of the video that helped to capture Joan’s story.

Gina Rall, Board VP, cited that under the current economic environment there are threats to the quality of life in Brevard County. She then announced the Foundation’s commitment to support two threatened areas – arts and recreation. By decision of the Board of Directors, $30,000 – representing 30 years – of unrestricted dollars has been repurposed to seed these two new endowment areas; “The Community Foundation feels a responsibility to anticipate community needs and not wait for a crisis in Brevard’s quality of life; to be proactive in preserving and enhancing Brevard’s quality of life.”

Gina described the Endowment for the Arts. “Nearly 1/3 of the grant applications received last year were for programs representing community arts and culture. Without sufficient grant funds to adequately fund this area of concern, the Board felt the ‘pull’ to fund the programs that address the hardships that families and social service organizations face. When the Foundation and the Urban Institute launched ConnectBrevard.org and, along with it, created a statistical profile of nonprofits in Brevard, the concern for the arts was underscored. It was the only area that experienced net loss in 2009. The Foundation Board feels we must be more proactive in supporting and preserving community arts to ensure that community arts – visual and performing – continue to be vibrant throughout Brevard – particularly as economic development and workforce services work to recruit and expand companies with new jobs.

The Community Foundation has supported the Arts since its first year in operation and now makes permanent its support through an endowment dedicated exclusively to supporting the Arts.”

Wendy Brandon, a long time Brevard supporter of the Arts, shared her remarks about the need to preserve the arts in Brevard County. Wendy remarked that, “children who participate in the arts do better in school and on their SAT’s and arts education strengthens student problem-solving and critical thinking skills.” She said, “Let me remind you all that it was creativity that brought us the iPhone, gave us the music of the Beatles and most importantly to our community – took us to the moon! And I truly believe that it is creativity that will eventually take us out of this financial malaise we find ourselves in.”

See Wendy Brandon’s Full Remarks

Gina announced the second endowment, establishing support for recreational facilities and upgrades throughout Brevard. “As the shrinking tax base is challenging governments to focus on core services, the Foundation Board feels this is the perfect time for philanthropy to step up and become a partner in preserving quality recreation facilities in Brevard County. Recreational facilities are vital in economic development, in tourism, raising families with safe and attractive facilities to encourage and support active, healthy lifestyles; to reduce the risk of obesity; and engage the community through participation in sports. The Board’s vision is that with an endowment – once grown – the Foundation can be a partner with the County to address the capital infrastructure needs in providing fields and courts, paths, and playgrounds and equipment. Acknowledging that this small amount might only buy the net on a goal past or one base on a ball field; the hope is that with the help of the community; our goal, is more goals.”

Gina added, “Many exceptional organizations have played a large role with investment in shaping and preserving the quality of life in Brevard – including our Corporations such as Harris and Boeing, and nonprofits such as United Way and more than 60 private foundations. Thanks to our donors, we have shared this space of community investment for 30 years…and we can do more; we will do more. More in making sure our County-wide quality of life portfolio is balanced and continues to be forward-looking and inspirational for all residents. No area of community development and engagement should become endangered. And we are making our commitment to the arts and to recreation.”

Following Gina, Sandi announced a new partnership in conjunction with Second Harvest Food Bank. When attending the United Way Hunger Summit, the Foundation learned of Second Harvest’s desire to map the gaps in food distribution (or food deserts) as a way to better match distribution with need. In a new partnership, Second Harvest, the Urban Institute, NCCS and the Foundation will be mapping the food gaps in Brevard County using the platform of ConnectBrevard.org. Connect Brevard’s current features already provide most of the mapping needs. The project is expected to be completed by late March of 2012.

“Importantly, through this we are developing the platform of Connect Brevard to be used for a host of other needs assessments, with detailed maps that chart existing services and overlay any community indicator such as unemployment, poverty, education, housing, etc. This deeper use for Connect Brevard will again chart new ground and serve as a model throughout the state and nationally,” Sandi stated.

Kurt Weiss, Chair, closed the event with his appreciation, “To all who have supported the Foundation throughout its first 30 years – with wisdom and leadership that have developed this fine County. The Foundation looks forward to a lifetime of supporting Brevard County’s needs – in philanthropic leadership, in community engagement, and in service.”

Melbourne, FL –  The Community Foundation for Brevard launches a new web-based tool Wednesday that enhances community education about Brevard’s not-for-profit organizations. Then site –  www.ConnectBrevard.org – is designed to be a resource to community volunteers, organizations, and donors.  Brevard County is home to 2,074 tax-exempt organizations including 1,421 public charities dedicated to human services, arts and culture, health care, animal welfare, environment, education, recreation and many other public interests that contribute to Brevard’s quality of life.

“This free web-based resource is designed to increase community knowledge, which can guide community decisions,” says Sandi Scannelli, President/CEO of the Community Foundation for Brevard.

The Urban Institute, National Center for Charitable Statistics (NCCS) teamed with the Community Foundation for Brevard last year to shape and pilot the site in Brevard County. The site offers all the publicly-available information on every tax-exempt organization in Brevard County from the IRS tax filings and census bureau data. Local organizations can supplement information.  Tax-exempt organizations can be mapped, sorted by zip code and type of organization. Basic
census data is also available per zip code.  Residents can find volunteer opportunities and organizations can list resources to share.  While not designed for those seeking services, the site has direct access to the 2-1-1 Brevard web site.

Scannelli comments, “The site has so many features – all that help us learn more about the organizations that are contributing to Brevard’s quality of life. The more we know about what’s in place, the better able we are to identify trends and support needs, find ways to work together, and perhaps reduce costly duplication of effort.” Community Foundation Board Chair, Kurt Weiss, an attorney with Betten, Murphy , and Weiss, comments, “the information will help our grant committee develop its priorities and ensure that our grants help to maintain a balanced portfolio of services for diverse community needs and interests. We are delighted to be a partner with the Urban Institute in making this information readily and easily accessible to the community – and especially delighted to be the first in the nation to launch this resource.”

The software platform is being marketed and developed in more than 10 states and counties nationwide, but with the help of the Community Foundation’s advisory teams of local leaders, Brevard County is the first in the nation to launch the site. Tom Pollack, Program Director from the Urban Institute’s NCCS remarks, “The Brevard leadership has been impressive – clear on their needs, decisive and responsive to our questions. It’s been a great experience for us.”

Nonprofit organizations throughout Brevard County picked up more than 140 computers donated by Percepta at its facility in Melbourne on March 10 and  March 11.  The Community Foundation for Brevard teamed with LEAD Brevard to coordinate the outreach and distribution of Percepta’s community gift.

Percepta donated more than 140 computers to organizations serving children, youth, families, veterans and seniors as part of its community outreach efforts. In partnership the Community Foundation for Brevard and LEAD Brevard, Percepta is able to efficiently reach out and benefit a large number of organizations throughout Brevard County.  Many of the organizations benefiting from the donation are participating in Service Leadership Brevard, an effort coordinated by LEAD Brevard to build the capacity of nonprofits to address economic recovery on the Space Coast.  The computers will help the organizations expand services, manage databases, and train volunteers.

The generous donation is consistent with the corporate values at Percepta, a North American contact center serving domestic and global clients.  As illustration, its employee programs focus on its local and global communities and include programs such as Percepta’s Passion and Percepta’s Planet. Bill Fillmore, Director of North American Operations, explains, “The Percepta’s Planet program helps promote environmental awareness at the company and highlights many earth-friendly practices of both the organization as well as its employees. Recycling computers taken out of service is but one example. We are delighted to be able to contribute to the community in a way that benefits so many organizations that serve Brevard.”  Coupled with Percepta’s Passion program – a forum for employees to highlight their volunteer activities in the community and to shine a spotlight on the valuable organizations they work so hard to support, Percepta models strong values for corporate citizenship. In picture, L to R, Bill Fillmore, Director of North American Operations; Bob Runk, Facilities Specialist; Barbara Hatch, HR Manager; Kymm Duran, Administrative Coordinator

The Community Foundation for Brevard serves as a leader, catalyst, and trusted resource for philanthropic individuals and organizations to grow, expand, enhance, and sustain Brevard’s quality of life.  An independent, 501(c)(3) organization, it also manages funds that benefit charities by protecting the investment, achieving growth, and providing a perpetual source of income through its grants.

Grant application briefing sessions will be held throughout the County for prospective applicants. While attendance at the briefing sessions is not required, it is recommended for not-for-profit organizations who are applying for grants, particularly those with little or no prior grant-writing experience.

Grant guidelines and the application may be found on the Grantees:How to Apply page of the Foundation website (www.cfbrevard.org). The deadline to hand-deliver completed grant applications is 12 Noon on  April 1, 2011 or postmarked no later than April  1. Grant awards will be announced before July 2011.

It’s a familiar story.  Brevard County has a culture of volunteering and charitable giving. It’s part of a deep-rooted tradition. In 2005, nearly 64,000 Brevard households reported charitable giving on their itemized tax return.

Nancy Dornbos passed away in June 2010.  Daily Bread lost a faithful volunteer.

But that’s not the end of the story…

Today and always, her memory will live on at Daily Bread.  As part of her estate planning, she made provision to establish an endowment fund with the Community Foundation for Brevard to benefit the community. Each year, the first $1,200 from the fund’s investment returns will be granted to Daily Bread.  The first check was presented Friday, November 19^th, to John Farrell, Executive Director, at a small presentation on-site.  Her son, Speed was on hand to share in the presentation.  He shared with the group, “I’m really proud of my Mom and what she did.”  Bill Harris, her investment advisor at Morgan Stanley reminded the group that Speed introduced her to Daily Bread. He also commented, “Nancy was a woman of great style and class, and yet she was never afraid to roll up her sleeves and help where needed. I greatly admired her for that.  I am very glad to have known her.”

Nancy Dornbos left a legacy that mirrored her heart for those in need. She gave her time generously during her lifetime…and generously remembered those in need beyond her lifetime.

Dale Dettmer, her attorney, added, “Nancy Dornbos raised a family of six  but  gave back to the communities in which she lived by the use of charitable remainder trusts, an estate planning tool that allowed her to provide for both family and community.  We thank her for her vision and foresight as her gifts have and will continue to help many people.  We respect her for raising a very fine family.”

A remarkable woman worthy of our community’s deepest gratitude and highest regard for her heart for her family and everlasting compassion for Brevard.

Nancy Dornbos…it is an honor to celebrate her life and her legacy.

Board Chair, Kurt Weiss, welcomed guests, thanked event planner Susan Echarte, and recognized Gary Lang who recently retired from the position of President/CEO.  Gina Rall, Vice Chair, recapped the grant-making history of the Foundation and thanked grantees for their important work and dedication throughout Brevard County.  Sandi Scannelli, new President/CEO, offered background on the changes underway and envisioned – citing collaboration as a key part of the new vision, to include private and family foundations.  She also encouraged agencies to consider establishing endowments enabling more time on mission and less time coordinating events to raise funds.

Recently, the foundation has focused infrastructure to position for growth, adding tools to help provide information.  A digital visual journal of 23 grantees was presented by Carolyn Wiloit, photographer.  Linda and Ryan Brandt displayed the new web site, also launched.

In closing, Scannelli illustrated the value of collaboration, inviting Arturo Echarte, founder of Acoustic for Change and Ellena Little of Club Esteem to the podium where Arturo presented Ellena with two donated student guitars to help launch Club Esteem’s student music program.  The opportunity emerged as a result of conversations the night prior to the event.  Acoustic for Change provides music at charitable events with all income donated to charity.   Finally, two mini-grants were raffled among guests for the charity of their choice. The mini-grants were largely underwritten by the Community Foundation’s board members and awarded to Central Brevard Humane Society’s Paws & Stripes program and the Children’s Center at Jess Parrish Medical Center.

BEIJING — Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and billionaire investor Warren Buffett said Thursday they were impressed by the passion they saw among China’s super rich for giving back to society during a dinner for Chinese millionaires. The American businessmen said they will try to hold a similar event in India next year.

The dinner to discuss philanthropy — hosted by Gates and Buffett in a mansion on the outskirts of Beijing — initially sparked concern among some of China’s wealthy that they would be pressured into contributions. But the Americans repeatedly said they merely wanted to start a discussion about the best ways to give in China as the country develops mega-fortunes for the first time.

“Overall it was fantastic to see the energy and interest,” Gates told a news conference of predominantly Chinese journalists on Thursday in Beijing. He said that two-thirds of the rich Chinese who were invited to the event attended and that the discussions about charity were candid and broad ranging.

There are at least 875,000 U.S. dollar millionaires in China, according to Shanghai-based analyst Rupert Hoogewerf, who studies China’s wealthy. On Thursday, his Hurun Rich List announced that beverage billionaire Zong Qinghou, the founder of Hangzhou Wahaha Group, was China’s wealthiest person, with $12 billion.

The list also said China may now have the most billionaires in the world. But over the past decade, the distribution of wealth has grown increasingly uneven — incomes averaged just $3,600 last year.

One of the attendees, the co-chief executive of property developer SOHO China, Zhang Xin, gushed with praise of Buffett after the dinner.

“Buffett is 80 years old. He has a smiling face and speaks with gratitude and listens to each question carefully,” Zhang wrote on her blog. “He’s a wonderful person. He said, ‘I haven’t sacrificed anything for charity. I don’t need to save on food or other things for a donation.’ His humbleness is so moving.”

Another land developer who was at the dinner, Wang Shi, said on his blog that guests mainly discussed four issues over dinner: their attitude toward wealth, their thoughts on making donations, how to make donations more effective, and how charity impacts a family.

At the press conference, Gates and Buffett commented on how young fortunes in China were and how charitable habits were just being formed, creating a window of opportunity to encourage good practices.

“In terms of the rich people here in China, the thing that’s unusual is that 30 years ago there really weren’t people of great wealth so what you have is first-generation fortunes,” Gates said. “It’s natural that they are thinking through in this society in general ‘What do you do in terms of giving it away, creating a foundation?’”

Buffett said patterns of giving were much more solidified in places like Europe, where there is considerable old wealth.

“We did not pressure anyone obviously in China,” Buffett said. “We never had the intention to … It’s just not our style to do something of that sort.”

Gates said he and Buffett may hold a similar philanthropy event in India next year. He said it would also be aimed at generating discussion but gave no other details.

In the United States, Gates and Buffett have helped persuade 40 super-wealthy American families to sign what they call the “giving pledge” to return most of their fortunes to society, but Gates said that type of drive might not be the right model of giving for China.

“We don’t know if here in China they may create something similar,” Gates said. “They may not. It’s completely up to them. Of course things are quite unique here and philanthropy will take its own course.”

The private dinner, in a mansion modeled after the baroque 17th century Chateau de Maisons-Laffitte in France, drew 50 business and philanthropy leaders for a 90-minute discussion, said a news release issued Wednesday.

Gates said the list was not made public to protect the privacy of the guests.

Some of China’s super rich are skeptical about Gates’ and Buffett’s approach. China’s wealthy don’t have to “copy the U.S. charity mode,” billionaire Guo Jinshu told Xinhua in a story Wednesday. “In China, an entrepreneur’s top responsibility is to keep his own business sound, to fulfill taxation payments, and create jobs. This is also out of a philanthropist heart.”

Associated Press researcher Xi Yue contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

As the new president and chief executive officer of Community Foundation for Brevard, former businesswoman Sandi Scannelli wants to ramp up growth of the three–decade–old organization and increase its visibility in the county.And Scannelli seems to be equipped with the skills to do it, based on her business experience and successes at similar organizations over a career that has spanned 20 years. Certainly, she knows what community involvement is about, having served on roughly 35 nonprofit boards in various positions. “That is where my heart has been for a very long time throughout my career,” she said.

Scannelli succeeds Gary Lang, who led “Community Foundation of Brevard” for the past 13 years. The board of directors recently changed the name to “Community Foundation for Brevard Inc.,” which will mark its 30th year of operation in April. Community Foundation manages funds held in trust, donated by individuals, organizations, and businesses. Most funds are permanent endowments, similar to saving accounts. These funds are pooled for investment purposes and their income is used to make grants for a variety of charitable purposes.

Currently, the foundation has a $12 million endowment. “Community foundations are all about endowments and asset–building,” said Scannelli, a graduate of Mary Baldwin College, a private women’s school in Staunton, Va., in the Shenandoah Valley. “So the larger the assets, the more the foundation can give back to the community.”

She says a $20 million endowment invested in a local community will generate “about $1 million a year. It will put $1 million back into the community and the community benefits forever. That is the remarkable thing about community foundations.”

The Community Foundation for Brevard helps to promote local philanthropy by offering “legacy and tax–beneficial tools to donors,” Scannelli said. “We have strong leaders on our board of directors. Together, we hope to facilitate more collaborative initiatives to address community needs.” Scannelli, who studied biology, chemistry, and business in college, founded and built a work force and organizational development company in Virginia before selling the 20–year–old venture and becoming a national consultant in the field.

At its peak, the business employed 25 people and catered its expertise to both government and private–sector markets. “It was a very full 20 years.  We wrote grants for organizations. We did strategic planning, we did outplacement, and helped organizations with downsizing,” she said.

Scannelli moved to Brevard two years ago and continued to run her consulting firm. She has family members living here. She also did some work for Lead Brevard, an organization that is committed to leadership development and citizen engagement.

As a consultant, Scannelli worked closely with the board of directors of a community foundation in Virginia. That institution wanted to set a new strategic direction and asked Scannelli if she would come aboard as the “long–term interim CEO,” while a search was under way to fill the position. “Did I want to leave consulting and work inside the organization? I decided I did, and I worked with them for about two years. The foundation was undergoing a transformation. I love community foundation work. I am passionate about it.”  In Brevard County, Scannelli made contact with Lang, who was the CEO of Community Foundation at the time. She offered to help the foundation “in any way she could,” and kept in touch with him. Last year, when Lang announced he was planning to step down as Community Foundation CEO, Scannelli was one of the candidates who applied for the position. The Community Foundation for Brevard board, chaired by attorney Kurt Weiss, chose her to succeed Lang.

Scannelli, a native of Jacksonville, Fla., said she plans to build on the work of previous Community Foundation CEOs. Her agenda includes stepping up the foundation’s communication efforts in the region. “That is one of my goals — to elevate the visibility of the organization.” Additionally, the foundation will focus on enhanced education and service to its fund partners, businesses, and individuals to assist them in fulfilling their charitable goals, she said. Measuring and reporting the impact of these charitable dollars in the community is another focus of the foundation, Scannelli said.

She researched the local nonprofit sector and found that Brevard has 1,754 such organizations. “This is a very giving county. That’s why I believe there is a great opportunity in Brevard to grow the endowment and establish more legacy funds. Vibrant communities are those with a strong culture for philanthropy. Brevard is very vibrant.”

Community Foundation has awarded roughly $7 million in grants in the past five years, “which is significant,” she said. “The foundation is comprised of about 40 individual funds. So it’s kind of like having a lot of private foundations under one roof.” She added, “A number of the funds are donor–advised funds. Each year, these donors advise us on where they would like to see the proceeds of their gifts invested. They can change the direction of their field of interest any time. A great portion of the dollars that we give is through donor–advised funds.” Scannelli said the Community Foundation board considers the donors recommendations as to where they would like to see their dollars invested. “Often, the board will agree and support their requests. It’s a way for individuals to make gifts to the foundation and to continue to have a hand in where their dollars go.” Community Foundation awarded grants in 2010 to a wide range of groups, organizations, and institutions, including the Brevard Symphony Orchestra, Brevard Zoo, Rolling Readers of the Space Coast, Brevard Neighborhood Coalition, Florida Tech, Jess Parrish Medical Foundation’s Children’s Center, Surfside Players, Special Olympics, Space Coast Volunteers in Medicine, and United Way.

The officers of Community Foundation for Brevard include Weiss, as chair; Gina Hall, vice chair, Hoyman Dobson; Todd Starkey, secretary, Merrill Lynch; and Michael Cerow, tresaurer, Cerow & Company, CPAs. The directors are: Ronald Bray, Linda Coleman, Wayne Cooper, Dale Dettmer, Brian Fisher, William Harris, Linda May, Charles Ian Nash, Todd Russell, Erik Shuman and Mick Welch.

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Mark – when I first walked into Bridges, there was Mark in his wheelchair cheerfully greeting me “May I help you?”  Honestly, I thought he was “just a student taking a break from class.”  Mark ended up being my tour guide introducing me to all his friends & teachers. I watched him maneuver his wheelchair through the doors, past any obstacles…only Mark never saw them as obstacles. He kept the same big smile you see in his pictures. I’m sure Mark has his bad days, but I felt joy radiate from his being. He was just happy to be alive & well enough to be my tour guide proudly showing off where he spends his days. And it didn’t matter to him that he doesn’t walk.

Kelsey – a Rainwater girl at Crosswinds Youth Services, she caught my eye. As I was taking pictures of the Luke & Jasmine and the students, Kelsey stared straight into my camera. I felt her soul through my lens. We were walking outside and I noticed her “shooting star” tattoo under her forearm. She said, “Make a wish.” I did after noticing the tattoo covered her numerous scars. I felt so happy she found a home at Crosswinds and felt safe.

Frankie – What would it feel like to walk? Ask Frankie and he would probably describe what he feels when he rides his horse at Harmony Farms. Except Frankie can’t talk. And it takes at least 4 people to help Frankie from his wheelchair onto his horse. But it’s a ride that Frankie looks forward to every week. I was moved at the patience it takes to wheel Frankie up the handicapped ramp; lift him from his chair; carefully place him on his side/backwards on his horse so that Frankie‘s head is toward the horse’s bottom.Frankie is then taken for a gentle trot through the pasture, never saying a word, but taking in everything the volunteers tell him. But most importantly, Frankie gets as close to walking as he can get. Because the horse’s gait feels to him what it would be to walk.

Angela, Charlie & Courtney – Connected by 25 students who have aged out of foster care and have completed Linda Wiggin’s class at RelatioNSync – I was eager to meet them prior to taking their pictures. I don’t know much about the foster care system, but I felt a desire to get to know these people before I asked to take their pictures. I’m glad I did. We met at the Florida Tech library. When I first approached them, I felt a wall go up. I didn’t take it personally. I understand their reluctance in trusting new people. We quickly warmed up to each other, especially after Linda (RelatioNSync Director) and Julia (Connected by 25 Director) joined us. Angela & Charlie are newlyweds expecting their first child 2 days after the shoot. Courtney & Angela are friends thru RelatioNSync. They are success stories of the foster care system. In fact, it is only by Community Foundation funding that they’re able to complete Linda’s class which teaches them relationship & marriage skills.

Jackie – Intake Coordinator/Victim Advocate at Women’s Center – I walked into the South Brevard Women’s Center and instantly felt a connection with Jackie. There weren’t many clients available for the photo shoot on my visit, but without hesitation she asked 2 women who entered the center. They were reluctant at first, but within minutes we were all in the director’s office for the photos. Despite a “stranger” taking pictures, Jackie made the potential clients feel so comfortable that they began opening up about their situation without regard to me being there with my camera. Jackie’s passion about victim advocacy is so immense, YOU KNOW SHE HAS YOUR BACK! I left there knowing that, God forbid I, or someone I know, were ever abused and needed help, I would immediately call Jackie.

The Community Foundation…focusing private dollars to benefit the community and making a difference each day, every day…and changing lives, including Carolyn’s.