Council of Trustees
The St. Croix Foundation, until 1999, received operating support from the Ford Foundation. In 1998, however, Ford mandated the completion of a strategic planning process to facilitate the procurement of financial support from the local community. Under the direction of a private consultant, the Foundation established the Council of Trustees to replace the Ford Foundation’s operating support.
While part of the St. Croix Foundation’s operating budget is funded through fiduciary management services and grant awards, funds must be raised every year to keep our doors open. Through a minimum, tax-deductible contribution of $10,000 per year for a multi-year period, Council of Trustees members provide resources for organizational support. The Foundation looks to the Council for advice and direction to the Board of Directors and the management of the organization.
Doing more than just writing checks!
The Foundation sincerely appreciates our special trustees and donors who are doing more than simply writing checks. In 2005, Linda Appleton organized a group of women interested in education to come together under one name: the St. Croix Women’s Initiative. In just one year, this very active group expanded from one woman with a vision to over 80 strong. These generous women are on the move, as Linda says, and are only just beginning. After providing a TIME for KIDS weekly reader to every child in St. Croix’s public elementary schools, the Women’s Initiative now helps address needs at all public elementary schools on St. Croix.
Likewise, Trustee and former SCF Board Member Jill Ramsey and her husband Scott began their relationship with the Foundation through the establishment of several donor funds in the areas of beautification and education. Thanks to their efforts we all enjoy cleaner roadsides, and students and teachers in our schools’ Gifted and Talented Programs have the tools needed to make significant progress. Jill also spearheads the “Kiddie Carnival”, an event held in the Sunday Market Square for young children, which keeps downtown Christiansted alive with the laughter of children and the smiles of happy parents.
Ultimately, the long-term goal of the Foundation is to build an endowment to cover operating expenses, allowing for the expansion and addition of programs as well as the ability to issue community grants.