Page 13 - 2025 February report

LOI Reviews
Subject: Southern Scholarship Foundation
From: David Blaikie <david.blaikie@icloud.com> Sent: Thursday, January 9, 2025 1:18 PM
I looked at this. I’m okay with our initial decision.
Looks like a fine organization.
This is an organization that provides rent free housing for students. I would favor funding things that are more closely connected to the student, such as mentoring programs. That being said, housing costs are certainly an obstacle to success for poor kids.
It is a small ask of a big budget.
The organization is already well supported by big corporations: Publix, Whirlpool, Walmart. In 2023 they had revenue of $2.6 million and expenses of 2.2 million. They’ve been in business for over 70 years. If we are looking for opportunities to have a transformative effect on an organization and who they serve, this is not it.
Subject: Foundation for Deaf Children
From: kingjordan@comcast.net <kingjordan@ comcast.net>
Sent: Monday, January 13, 2025 3:31 PM
I reviewed the LOI submitted by the Foundation for Deaf Children and spent time on their website.
The LOI was submitted 9/12/2024 and the request was for a program named SOAR: Success, Opportunity, Advocacy, Responsibility. Request was for $25,000 for a program with a total cost of $150,450. The foundation stated that they would match the JSF grant. For SOAR, the foundation raises the money for the program virtually every year. They apparently cast a wide net of applications to various foundations. They learned about us from an online search for foundations that align with their mission.
SOAR is a 9 month “transition” program and applicants are required to be active clients with Vocational Rehabilitation Services. The program can include 1:1 in person or virtual meetings and is specifically designed to “prepare for future careers.” There is little in the SOAR program that is geared toward preparing clients for college. Interestingly, the foundation does have a program called “College Prep (high school)” which potentially is more aligned with our mission. This program, however, is only 5 weeks and is offered in person and lists the fact that it includes visits to Arizona State University.
I would still decline their LOI. The ask is very specific to “growth in self-confidence, real-world experience and a plan for the future.” It is career focused, not education focused and therefore not well aligned with our mission.
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