Roy, I can offer a bit of insider on this. I don't think it is any surprise that I have received Grants for my foundation the last 3 years. For some reason KCBS does not want to advertise that. I am not sure why? But I would think that they would want ot be out there telling people that we are trying to cure cancer, trying to cure hunger, trying to take care of inner-city youths.... KCBS is not just about Extreme Makeover and whatever else they can get the name in lights. All of these other well deserving requests for Grants should be highlighted and shown brightly for all those to see.
If I am shooitng myself in the foot for discussing this. Then so be it. I am not in anyway taking away from KCBS, just would rather they promote what they are doing and trying to assist others. But I am not on the Board and I can only appreciate and thank them for the support over the years. KCBS does a lot of good things, giving out Grants and scholarships is a tremendous thing that they do. Could they add more funds to Philantrophy and take away some of the "slush" funds that they have created? I'll let others decide on that...
My understanding is that they are going to changing their application process around a bit. I don't have any problem with that, just don't freeze out some of the 501c3's that they have supported over the years because they want new blood. I want to be awarded Grants because of what we do, not because we were a token for that year and not the next.
When we submit our application, I know personally I give them more information than is required. I do not want anyone to come along and say that I got favortism for whatever reason. If I am a legit 501c3, then as a foundation I have nothing to hide. So when the board or Philantrophy Chair requests more information from me, I don't have a problem with that. So I know that they do go over the Grant Requests with a fine tooth comb.
I am proud of what we as a foundation has done in trying to assist others. Just as I would hope KCBS would feel the same. I hope that I am allowed to apply for another Grant next year from the Board. I hope that they realize what we are doing is to try and make a difference. Granted we are tiny compared to other national cancer research foundations. But I like to look at it as we are tailored for BBQ. It effects us all and if it hasn't, it will.
So thanks to the KCBS Board of Directors. They receive a lot of heat. Even from me... :icon_blush: But in the end, I truly believe that they want what is best for KCBS and us cooks. They are disfunctional at times, but so is my family. Doesn't mean at the end of the day that we don't support each other.
Cancer Sucks!
Scottie Johnson
KCBS # 7644
Corliss Johnson Memorial Foundation
If we're going to remain a charitable, non-profit organization then we need to keep a very close eye on where our money goes. Dispersing money always has the chance to corrupt both the giver and the taker of those funds.
I think that each and every charitable disbursement should get a complete top to bottom review every time a request for funds is submitted. Just because we have donated in the past does not guarantee a check this year.
I think it was more about the fact we had too much money for a non-profit in the bank. Not up to date on all of that but I guess you can only have so much in the bank and we were approching that limit.