Strategic Framework

An adaptive planning philosophy guides our grant-making and areas of focus. We recognize that today’s problems often require collaboration and learning. There is not one solution or even one organization that can solve every issue. Finding solutions to tough social challenges requires listening deeply to our community, curiosity, commitment, partnerships, and perseverance. Our adaptive philosophy gives us the flexibility to find solutions with the biggest impact.

We have adopted a compass as a metaphor to help explain the shift in our approach to adaptive planning. Using a compass, travelers are able to determine the correct direction and take detours using real-time data from their current location. Similar to a compass, our adaptive planning philosophy analyzes outcomes against our goals and helps us adjust course as needed. Because of this flexible approach, we are able to achieve significant results.

Guided by our mission, vision and values, we are uniquely positioned to aggregate and grow private and public resources to improve life in the Valley.

Untitled design

    

Mission

Mission

To connect people, resources, and ideas so the community we know and love thrives.
Vision

Vision

A community leader in education, health, and civic engagement -supporting equitable access to opportunity with special attention to those who are frequently left out and left behind.
Values

Values

Results. Capability. Excellence. Transparency. Collaboration. Inclusion.

Goals

We play a trusted role in identifying and responding to the challenges and opportunities facing the Valley. Our donors, partners, grantees, and the general public expect the highest level of professionalism, stewardship, and integrity from our staff and board. We will take all necessary steps to deliver on those expectations, ensuring we remain a trusted and valuable voice for the community, on sound financial footing long into the future.

We believe by focusing our resources in specific areas of interest we will be more effective. We and our donors have a strong commitment to advance access to quality education and increase attainment, which we view as an important measure of thriving communities. Dramatic changes in the state's health care system create important new opportunities for us to continue our legacy in health and wellness. Community and civic engagement is the “glue” that sustains the effectiveness of our strategic investments.

We are committed to inspiring and attracting financial resources, intellectual expertise, and citizen engagement to deal with the most pressing issues in the Valley. We want to continue building on that core competency and to reach new donors, as well as new philanthropic and public partners.

We strive to break down barriers and bring nonprofit organizations, community members, and other stakeholders together to address critical issues in the Valley. We want to increase civic engagement and collaboration because we believe it will improve the likelihood of developing enduring solutions for issues facing the Valley. We play a unique role because we can listen to all parts of the community, collect data, share information broadly and engage thought partners.