REVIEW RESULTS

Using the input from the Review Process and our own experience and expertise, Heron staff and Board engaged in rich discussions and detailed analysis of each program area, geographic cluster and key funding priority within our current guidelines. Based on this analysis, the Board approved some exciting new directions for the Foundation but also made difficult choices to end funding in child care and several geographic areas. Here is a synopsis of key changes resulting from the Program Review.

Key changes are:

• Add emphasis on preservation of wealth and access to wealth-building financial services.
• Add emphasis on sustainable development and green policy and practices within wealth creation strategies for low income families and communities.
• Highlight support for research and policy grants that complement direct service efforts.
• Reduce the number of geographic areas or "clusters" where the Foundation funds, based on the potential for Heron’s support to make a difference. The specific clusters are: Appalachia, Michigan, Mid-South Delta, New York City, and Texas. Click here to see the Report "Lessons Learned from Geographic Clusters".
• Wind down grantmaking in child care program area.

Key elements include:

• Initial focus will be encouraging foundations, institutional investors, and others to make Mission Related Investments – a key component of Heron’s best practices and its most recognized and distinctive strategy at this time.
• Serve as an educator, catalyst and provider of tools, products, and partnership opportunities to support expansion of MRIs.
• Further develop strategies to promote additional best practices including: core support, customer service, and impact assessment.

As we move forward, what has not and will not change is our deep gratitude to the Foundation’s customers – the grantees and investees who do the actual work to build wealth and assets for low-income people and communities. We are privileged to have the opportunity to work with so many talented and committed individuals and organizations.