When opportunity knocks
As leaders, we are trained to seek opportunities. But sometimes these opportunities don’t need to be sought. They present themselves at your front door when you aren’t expecting them and knock so loudly you must greet them with open arms, ready or not.
At the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, it is fitting that our current office space is a home built in 1890 because when opportunity knocked on our wooden front door, it was loud and clear. For the last few years, we have considered how to best address the good problem of outgrowing our current office. As the Community Foundation has grown, our need for a meeting, nonprofit training, community convening and office space has grown along with the organization. Frankly, the Finkbines would be amazed by the resourceful ways we have maximized space as we continue to call this beloved community building home. In a case of good fortune, the Community Foundation was presented with the opportunity to purchase the building directly adjacent to us, making possible the opportunity to build out a campus. The decision and next steps sound easy enough, but there was much along the way to consider, learn and reflect.
First, a little about the opportunity that has become the Community Foundation Campus and C3 Center. The Community Foundation Campus will serve as the heart of our city, where connections are made, collaborations form and community is built. The space is designed for convening, training and leadership development and will serve as a hub for the 501(c)(3) sector – or as we call it, for-impact, sector – to grow and thrive together. The first floor of the new C3 Center will feature a boardroom and training space. The second floor will house a conference room and office space to create synergy and build social capital. The outdoor plaza will provide an opportunity for reflection and appreciation of our city by including a Nature Sacred urban sanctuary, collaboration deck and outdoor connection space.
The project is exciting, but as we opened the door to opportunity, I was unprepared for how much work, planning, communication, collaboration and dedication it would take to see it through – and we’re not quite at the ribbon-cutting. In hindsight, there were some steps I’d encourage leaders facing new exciting and creative, yet sometimes terrifying, endeavors to take.
Never underestimate the value of communication
Over the years, I’ve learned you can rarely over-communicate. When you think you’ve said it enough, you should say it five more times. And different audiences need different communication strategies. Working alongside a board of directors, I learned how integral it is to communicate early and often with not only board leadership, but the entire board. I learned the value of having “the meeting before the meeting” to offer the space for detailed questions and information-gathering so our board members could walk into the boardroom ready. We also had to be sure to keep those we serve, our charitable giving fund holders, well-informed. They want to see and feel the impact made through their investment in us. And there is no greater investment than our staff. Our team of professionals comes to the office each day focused on our mission. They needed project updates as the organization sought to support them in their efforts. Yes, we are building physical infrastructure for the future, but none of it matters if we don’t celebrate and inform how it will enhance the work of our expert team and those they serve today.
Teamwork makes the dream work
When taking on new, significant endeavors, it is critical to have a strong team behind you. Start with board members who can be advisers, idea generators, challengers and supporters for you as the leader. It’s critical to have their buy-in and advocacy. You’ll need a solid staff team behind you. Now is the time to divide, conquer and trust your teammates. Set the vision, delegate the work and let them soar. Our project is still underway and it’s all hands on deck. We each know the areas we’re leading and when we come together to share progress, we support one another, cheer for one another, lean in for one another and live out our “better together’’ mantra. This project would never have come this far without a strong board and staff team collaborating to make it happen.
Everything is figureoutable
This has become my mantra. When facing something new, I guarantee wrenches will be thrown, and challenges will seem insurmountable. But I’ve learned with a strong team, creative spirit, grit and determination, nearly everything is figureoutable. You may need to alter the project. You may need to raise more money. You may need to cut the budget. You may need to go back to the proverbial drawing board. But, trust me, you didn’t get where you are without being smart, resourceful and gritty. Get your dream team around you and figure it out. I know you will.
I couldn’t be more excited about the future of the Community Foundation and our community.
The Community Foundation Campus and C3 Center realize the dreams of the many leaders and community members who have long believed in the organization’s mission and how it propels Greater Des Moines forward. While this dream sets the stage for the future of the Community Foundation, it is, at its essence, a dream for the entire community. We look forward to sharing it with all of you.
Why is philanthropy important to our community?
Creating community requires collective contributions and investments. It requires a spirit and belief that we are better together. Philanthropy is commonly considered giving money to support a cause, but it is also the power of people. Philanthropy is volunteering to mentor a student in our schools. Philanthropy is lending your professional expertise in service to a nonprofit board. Philanthropy is recognizing and supporting our community’s amazing nonprofit, for-impact, organizations as they meet critical needs. Needs that would otherwise go unmet. Philanthropy is important because none of us are as strong as all of us. We are better together.
