The Amherst H. Wilder Foundation has announced that, due largely to the current economic situation, it will be altering its strategic direction to ensure that it continues to effectively provide for the St. Paul, Minnesota community.
Looking to refine their programs to have the most effective impact and help the most people, the foundation announced that it will be refocusing its future work into three categories: Children and family, the elderly, and community research and leadership.
For children and families, the foundation will provide an additional focus on low-income households and at-risk youth by providing them with mental health services, educational reform and school services, social adjustment services for new immigrant families, and alternative services for children’s out-of-home placement.
The elderly will be assisted through the funding of health and wellness programs, caregiver services, and home-delivered meals. The community services funded by the foundation will include the Youth Leadership Initiative and the James Shannon Leadership Institute among other.
"Going forward, our more focused organization will continue to be a leading social services provider for those most in need of our assistance," said Tom Kingston, the foundation’s president. "We are committed to convening the community around critical issues and working with our partners to address the emerging needs of East Metro residents. Our decision to redefine our strategic direction will ensure that Wilder continues to address community needs today and for future generations."
The changes to the foundation come after a decrease in funding from sources over the last five years and an anticipated increase in funding based on an economic recovery that did not occur. The new focus by the foundation will reduce its endowment spending by $5.4 million, approximately 35 percent of its annual endowment use.