NSAC Foundation Board

 Meeting Minutes

July 24^th, 2002

CA Douglas Boardroom

1:30 PM

  Attendance

 Presentation by RBR Development Associates

 Rosalie Courage and Adrienne Malloy of RBR Development Associates gave an interesting presentation on the current state of fundraising in the University sector in the region . They offered advice to the Foundation board members about planning for a Major Gifts/Capital Campaign. With the current trend in giving indicating that 90% of gifts would come from 10% of donors, the need for a systematic approach to major gift donor cultivation was indicated.

 The potential for partnerships with industries was also highlighted.

 RBR suggested that the Foundation do a new feasability study to update the 1998 study, prepare a campaign plan and retain on-site council for a capital campaign. They also suggested that we should establish a major gifts process using the moves management system leading up to the Capital campaign.

 Business Meeting.

 Agenda

 The Foundation business meeting began with Dick Huggard acting as Chair. He called for approval of the agenda.

Moved by Margaret McCain/seconded by Sherry Porter. Carried

Minutes of Last Meeting.

 The minutes of last meeting were not available. It was decide to circulate them with the minutes of the current meeting and review both sets of minutes together at the next meeting.

 Old Business

 Jim Goit gave a brief update on the search for new directors. He reported that one person had applied through the official process and we had been told that approval was pending at the end of August. Jim was still searching for an additional candidate.

 There was discussion of other potential directors. It was noted that we were bound by rules as set out under the Foundations Act and there was not a lot of flexibility or autonomy for the board in this regard. We needed someone who was both capable and interested in NSAC and would be helpful to our objectives.

 The Executive would continue to search for the additional member.

 New Business 

 Donations and Financial Summary

 Jim Goit presented a brief summary of the donations made in the last fiscal year and the amounts to-date for both the Foundation as well as the Alumni Association. An update from the fund manager was also included. Because of our asset mix, the fund had remained positive despite very tough economic times.

 The audit of accounts was not yet complete but would have to be approved before the end of September.

 It was noted that a meeting of the Investment committee should be held before the end of the next meeting. Action: S. Rogers would be asked to arrange that.

 Campaign Needs

 Dr. Coffin outlined some of the challenges and needs for the NSAC and agreed with the assessment of RBR that NSAC to move forward into the next stages of fund raising. The College had made significant investments in the development infrastructure on campus and the whole fundraising process and we are now more institutionally ready to handle the next stages in a professional manner.

 There was discussion around the recommendation for a new feasibility study and an update of 1998 study. There was a need to test waters for what is doable now as compared to then and to identify people as both potential donors and as leadership for campaigns. There is also the need to update perceptions on many of the old issues like governance and perception of NSAC.

 It was pointed out that we would need help to develop strategies and to physically do the work and would therefore need additional assistance in this regard. We might best be served by a phased-in approach following the approach suggested by RBR who recommend the moves management system for major gifts and the updated study for a capital campaign. We might consider a capital campaign in light of our two or three major capital projects.

 It was felt necessary that NSAC needs to move aggressively to persuade government to resolve issues that are preventing us moving forward. Linkage with government is still felt as being barrier to some people and organizations. Dr. coffin outlined some of the ongoing and current initiatives to move us in the direction. Progress is being made.

Moved by Porter/McCain that the Foundation should move ahead with RBR to update feasibility study for capital campaign. Carried.

 It was pointed out that any contract over a minimum amount would be subject to normal procurement requirements for tendering etc. College staff would investigate how this could be implemented based on proposals and funds available and would bring it back to the Board.

Moved by McCain/Porter to move forward proactively and continue discussions with Government to explore impediments in the path of NSAC on fund raising issues. Carried.

It was agreed that NSAC staff would identify the top 2 or 3 funding priorities for NSAC and build it into an RFP directed to the fundraising consultant community including RBR. A proposal would be brought back to the Board. Action: J. Goit.

It was requested that the 1998 Feasibility study report be circulated to new members for their information. (Action: S Rogers to Circulate prior to next meeting.

 Thank you to Retiring Board Members

David Martin and Dr. Nancy Crowe had retired from the board as their terms had expired. Peter Hamilton had resigned as Secretary and has been replaced by Jim Goit. Dr. Coffin thanked David and Nancy for their hard work on behalf of the Foundation.

 Next Meeting

It was agreed to have the next meeting toward the end of September, 2002 when the accounts would be fully audited and could be approved by the Board in the required time and results from the investigation by staff into the consultant engagement process would be available.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned. Board members remaining shared a cake with outgoing members.