Jasper Endows Today & Tomorrow (JETT) held its annual kick-off meeting February 5th at the Jasper Engines & Transmissions Training Center. Over 30 people were in attendance to hear a recap of 2017, and get an opportunity to hear from a guest speaker. The night began with a review of the 8 grant recipients that received over $28,000 in 2017. One of the recipients, Mentors For Youth, submitted a status report for the two matches that their grant had helped to initiate. The membership also got to hear about the current JETT endowment total, $166,000, and what legacy that will leave on local communities.
The guest speaker was Jamie Levy, President and Chief Vision Officer of JD Levy & Associates. Jamie is also a faculty member at Indiana University, where he teaches graduate and professional programs in not-for-profit management and development through the IU Center on Philanthropy, School of Public and Environmental Affairs, and the Fund Raising School. His primary message a the meeting was 3-fold;
“Each organization must know its vision,” said JETT Facilitator, Mark Balsmeyer. “Jamie’s example of the Rockefeller Rule explained that strategic planning (99%) doesn’t always align with the vision (1%). Many organizations lose momentum this way.”
“His second point of emphasis was, as a grant maker, not to be afraid to ask questions to non-profits,” said Balsmeyer. “They need to be asked ‘What does value look like’, and understand the difference between outputs and outcomes.”
“His last take away revolved around the 3 R’s (Relief, Rehabilitation, Restoration) and identifying what JETT’s footprint looks like from previous grant making,” he added.
The meeting concluded with a listing of opportunities for JETT members to get involved by use of time, and talent, in 2018. It was also mentioned that JETT will host its 2nd Live/Silent Auction April 28th at The Schnitz Brewery & Pub. “The inaugural 2016 event raised $13,000 that went towards supporting non-profit organizations,” said Balsmeyer.