Barry VanderKelen, Exec. Dir. SLO CC Foundation

Posted by Richard L. Roberts 
 

            Sandy Nichols introduced Barry VanderKelen, Executive Director, SLO County Community Foundation. VanderKelen has 27 years experience working for non profit organizations. He has a PhD in Education from UCLA.

            The Foundation's Mission Statement: "...is a public organization established to assist donors in building an enduring source of charitable funds to meet the changing needs and interests in the community"

            Barry said that the Foundation's main job is to gather funds. It is a not for profit organization that helps connect donors with causes. It provides donors with a variety of options to turn their philanthropic passion into community action. In 2006, the Foundation awarded 257 grants totaling $3.3 million and presented 75 scholarships worth $102,000 to deserving students.

 

            Barry emphasized that money collected in SLOCounty stays in the county for community projects and activities. When first organized in 1998, the Foundation had $60,000 worth of assets. Now the asset growth has reached over $28 million to help improve the quality of life for people in the County.

            The Foundation serves as a partner to donors who may designate where, to whom and how their funds are to be distributed. Endowments and trusts have been around a long time according to Vanderkelen. A trust established by Ben Franklin still exists in Boston and Philadelphia that supports local educational programs. He likened an endowment fund to a "Pay It Forward" program.

            They have a broad based, diverse committee that reviews grant applications and decides how money each year is to be distributed to the community. The Foundation also has access to people who can help manage complex charitable gifts, such as investments, property, art, valuable collections, etc. They work closely with financial advisors, attorneys, estate planners, etc. on how best to gather and use the funds donated.

            For questions on donations, endowments, gifts; and, applications for grants and grant categories, contact Barry VanderKelen, 543-2323, barry@slocf.org , www.slocf.org .