As befits what is already the largest philanthropic institution in the area, The Harvest Foundation (Martinsville, VA) has outlined bold plans in its early months as a public foundation, led by Executive Director Harry Cerino and Harvest's volunteer board of civic and business leaders. We are pleased to have advised the foundation in its recruitment of Mr. Cerino.

Among the announced initiatives, none is bolder than the foundation's eye-catching effort to persuade Virginia to establish a new four-year institution of higher learning in or near Martinsville and the surrounding Henry County. Responding to Harvest's $50 million challenge grant, the state legislature has authorized, and Harvest has funded, a study to explore the idea in depth. Not surprisingly, the challenge itself has already had an energizing impact on the community.

Launched in 2003 by a small group of community activists upon the suggestion by Atlanta Police Chief Richard Pennington, the Atlanta Police Foundation recently hosted its first annual breakfast--"Crime is Toast!"--for some 850 leaders and guests from across the community. The standing ovations for the 200+ police guests in attendance prompted one veteran cop to proclaim, "I've been on the force here 18 years, and I've never seen anything like this before!" BoardWalk Consulting is proud to have helped create the foundation, developed its entire board of directors, and recruited Executive Director Elizabeth Kelly and Marketing and Development Director Allison Ashe.

In his report on public safety, the Chief committed to specific reductions in crime rates over the coming years and challenged the community to a $10-million campaign for the foundation, of which the first 15% has been raised. Simultaneously, he released copies of "Fragile Momentum," a comprehensive report and plan of action resulting from a year-long study of the Atlanta Police Department by Linder & Associates, the country's preeminent law enforcement consultancy. Initiated by the Chief and funded by the foundation, "Fragile Momentum" outlines in detail the required steps - some underway, some to be funded - to ensure Atlanta's status as a truly safe city.

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation is well known for its focus on philanthropy and volunteerism. One of its key strategic initiatives, "Unleashing New Resources," is designed to nurture and connect philanthropic leaders among youth, women and communities of color. Last month, the foundation hosted its first Leadership in Philanthropy Networking Conference "to advance the mobilization, empowerment, and collaboration of this vital group." BoardWalk Consulting's Sam Pettway was honored to be one of the invited participants at the inaugural conference.

At the conference, Kellogg unveiled a new grantmaking program, "Expanding the Boundaries," to support new ideas and enhance existing projects at local and national levels and to promote collaboration on major national efforts. Deadlines for grant submission are set for June 1, August 30 and November 30, 2004. Grants will range from $50,000 for local initiatives to $1 million for national projects or programs requiring the collaboration of two or more organizations.