financing green nonprofit centers – commercial real estate with an attitude

FOSTERING SUCCESS IN THE NPO SECTORDrummond PikeCEO and FounderTides

May 2009

3rd Trip to Japan

Objectives• Importance of the

Independent Sector and how Tides helps

• Examples of NPO contributions to social development in the U.S.

• How intermediaries help and what makes them effective

The Independent Sector

History: Public Welfare in Colonies before Government existed

Basic quid pro quo:Exempt from Taxation

In return…NPO’s contribute to social development

Economic Development for the poor

Education of society

Experiments to solve social problems…here a soup kitchen

A Voice for the Disenfranchised

The NPO Sector & Tides

Advance Social Justice & Environmental Sustainability

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A Home for Social Entrepreneurship

Our Purpose

• Social justice

• Broadly shared economic opportunity

• A robust democratic process

• A sustainable environment

The Tides Vision – Based on Principles of:

Real EstatePhilanthropy New Programs

• Donor advised grantmaking

• Management of small foundations

• Funding collaboratives

• Global giving

• Program design & advice, and much more…

Philanthropy

• Nation’s largest full-service fiscal sponsor

• Over 200 Tides projects

New Programs

• Includes financial, human resources, risk, and contracts management

Real Estate• Operates green nonprofit centers

• Buildings in NY & SF w/ over 85 nonprofit tenants

• Community convener and public education

• Leverage social investments

• Cutting edge intersection of real estate, finance and social mission

Nonprofit Centers in Japan

An International Phenomena

Tides Connects Strategies, Issues, Resources, and Movements

September 7 -9, San Francisco

About Tides

• 135 employees in SF and NY offices• Total activities in 2008: $200,000,000• Ranks around #100 among US NPO’s

Tides and The “For Profit” Sector

Environmental Working Group www.ewg.org

• Public Interest Research and Education• Decreases use of toxic chemicals • Uses the power of public information to protect

public health and the environment

Phases of Development

1. Exploration

2. Proof of Concept

3. Getting to Scale

4. Building for Long Term Success

5. Sustainability and Independence

The List Project www.thelistproject.org

• Supports Iraqi refugees who worked with U.S.

Iraqis who helped US are targets…

Many are hiding in Jordan and Syria

The List Project

• Strategy• Needs:

>Short Term – 2 to 3 years>Financial Support>Connections

• Tides’ Response

We Are America Alliance www.weareamericaalliance.org

• A coalition of community organizing groups working to increase immigrant civic participation

• Increased voter turnout from 15% to 60% in targeted areas

NPO Activities impacting political systems are closely monitored

• Though a nation of immigrants, US is often reluctant to welcome new populations into political system

• Tough rules – importance of compliance• Need for quick action with elections just months

away• Working with a coalition

Principles for Effective Intermediaries• Self financing• Highest standards of accounting• Empowering, not controlling• Train in the design of the services• Set boundaries• Facilitate independence• Values driven • Always innovate – carefully• Never shy away from controversy

Q&A

Questions???

THANK YOU! ( どうもありがとう。 )

Drummond Pikedpike@tides.org

www.tides.org