
A Sample Countywide Foundation Goal Setting Workshop Agenda  
 
By   Mark A. Edelman, Director,  Community Vitality Center 
   Norm Riggs, ISUE Extension Community Economic Development   
 
This brief represents a sample goal setting process developed for use by Countywide 
Foundations.  Selecting a facilitator who is familiar with the institution and topics, but 
who has no biases or potential conflicts of interest can be important in conducting a 
successful workshop.   Some staff of ISUE Community Economic Development 
Programs have facilitated a variety of goal setting meetings for local governments, 
nonprofits and other groups.  They may be contacted through the local ISU Extension 
Office or by clicking on “Communities” information  on the ISU Extension website: 
www.extension.iastate.edu .  Availability for local goal setting workshop facilitations will 
depend on individual expertise, costs, and schedule.  
      
 
Meeting prep:  One week prior to the meeting, distribute copies of all countywide needs 
identification surveys that the Board wishes to distribute.    
 
Agenda 
 
1. Review and discuss the MISSION STATEMENT for the community 
foundation/affiliate.  
 
2. Review and discuss the community foundation role in promoting local culture of 
philanthropy, building prudently-managed endowments, and attracting donors interested 
in leaving legacies via wills and bequests to tap the transfer of wealth. 
 
3. Review and discuss projected revenues; legal authority and allocation requirements    
for endowments and pass through grants; limits for distributing funds; and any desired 
budget allocation for operations.  
 
4. Give each board member a 3 x 5 card and ask to identify a goal and/or desired outcome 
for the community foundation/affiliate to be achieved by the end of the first year and by 
the end of 10 years.  Have them write the one year goal on one side of the 3x5 card and 
the 10 year goal on the reverse side.   
 
5.  Ask  each board member to share their one year goal and ten year goal with the rest of 
the board.  
 
PRODUCT 1: FLIP CHART LIST OF SHORT-TERM GOALS  
PRODUCT 2: FLIP CHART LIST OF LONG-TERM GOALS  
 
6. Ask each individual on board to in turn suggest one item for consideration as their 
highest priority countywide need that will address the short and/or long term goals that 
they think are most important. List these items on a flip chart.  Ask clarifying questions to