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Nonviolence is absolute commitment to the way of love. Love is not emotional bash; it is not empty sentimentalism. It is the active outpouring of one’s whole being into the being of another.
—Martin Luther King, Jr., 1957
Monday is the day we honor the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. Hopefully you will find time to pause and reflect on the impact his life and wisdom had on this nation, this world and spread a little love. We could all sure use more of that.
Long ago and not too far away in 2008, OICF was trying to develop a sustainable model to carry our work forward. The national economy had just tanked and many Foundations stopped making distributions, as they were based on revenue generated by market growth. Just when the nonprofit sector needed it the most, grants dried up.
Fortunately, Joe Cohen and Martha Farish were active with the Jewish Community Foundation in San Diego. They had a Pillars of Light Program, inviting donors to contribute directly to the operations of the Foundation. Working with Joe and Martha, we developed the Community Cornerstone Program for OICF, launching in 2009 with 45 Cornerstones, many of whom continue to give today. In 2021, we ended the year with 110 Cornerstones, each donating $1,000-$25,000, raising over $200,000, and providing 2/3rds of OICF’s Operating Budget. The remaining funds come from administration fees and the Lundeen Endowment distribution.
Cornerstone support provides OICF with a very stable base and allows our Staff and Board to focus our efforts on raising funds for the community to address emerging needs and opportunities. It has been a remarkable success, and I am so grateful for everyone of our Cornerstones.
This year, Steve Jung and Susan McBain won the First Cornerstone of 2022. Thank you! John Carl has started a Cornerstone Endowment, providing an annual distribution that guarantees he remains a Cornerstone in perpetuity. So great!
If you would like to join the Cornerstone team, let me know. We would welcome you!
Unfortunately, I have no new news on the test kits. They have yet to ship, as far as I know. Hopefully, soon. I will send out a note when I have more information.
Have a good weekend. Looks like it will be dry- thank goodness!
Hoping to see you on the trail,
H