2006 Annual Meeting - Philanthropy: Art or Science?
President's Report 
Welcome.
I offer my appreciation to all of you for coming to AGM’s
37th Annual Meeting, Philanthropy: Art or Science.
To begin my report, I want to offer my thank yous: first, thank
you to all the Board members – especially, Beth Smith and
the other board officers, and to the various board committee chairs.
Second, thank you to the Staff – Miki, Ann, Mona, Jamila,
Martha, Gail, Georganna and our intern Becky. We will be saying
farewell to Huy in August as he ventures out west to attend graduate
school. I also want to introduce Dayna Antenucci, the new Summer
Fund Manager.
And Finally, to all our Supporters – we could not accomplish
our goals without the additional funding support we receive from
you.
As usual, the annual report in your packet will provide a general
overall of the activities and accomplishments of AGM since the
last annual meeting. My report, therefore, is to share with you
my thoughts about the role of the regional association and where
we seem to be heading.
The world of a regional association for grantmakers is both exciting
and frustrating. At various times we receive lots of very positive
feedback from our constituents and then are moments when the criticism
is harsh. Managing a membership association is to understand that
you can not get complacent, cannot meet everyone’s needs,
and when things go wrong, you cannot take it personally. There
are four areas of managing a membership association that must
be achieved: provide personalized member services, offer ongoing
training and education, be attentive to public policy matters,
and finally perceived value
Member Services
• If you seen one foundation, you have seen one foundation;
everyone wants and needs something different.
• The best moments are when a member calls with a question,
needs information, or has something they feel AGM can help, and
we are able to deliver.
Training/Education
• We offer lots of programs throughout the year. Many are
well attended. Yet, many of our members are not able to participate
because they are simply too busy, too far away, or they do not
feel the program relates to their work/foundation.
• The region is crowded with other organizations sponsoring
events on all kinds of topics, which provide additional learning
opportunities
• We continue to receive ideas from members and many of
these we are able to put into action. For AGM, it’s about
being responsive.
Public Policy
• AGM has done a lot the past two years – locally.
• We have not participated nationally – maybe this
is the year to get everyone to the Foundations On The Hill even
that is held each March in Washington, DC.
Value
• We must compete harder and smarter; a blend of economic
and social components
• Provide quality at low-cost – something we have
been able to achieve with the nonprofit community
• Ensure alignment of services and programs with member
needs
• AGM will be taking a more in-depth look at our pricing
policies and seeking to achieve value
To conclude, as members you need to know that we are working
hard, giving you the best we can, always seeking to improve, and
because it comes with the territory ready to listen to what you
have to say.
Thank you.
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