In November 2009, our Basic Needs Task Force commissioned local social service and research experts Wilder Research to conduct a Community Needs survey in Woodbury.
It was mailed to 4,000 households (approximate total of 21,000 households in Woodbury). Our goal was to obtain at least a 10% response rate. Incentives were offered by several local businesses resulting in an exceptional response rate of more than 900 surveys (about 24%).
In 2010, we released the results of the Wilder Research Survey in Woodbury.
Four key areas are now driving the direction of the Woodbury Community Foundation: YOUTH, JOBS, HOUSING, & FOOD.
Each Key Initiative Team is reviewing the challenges and concerns as introduced by Woodbury residents and doing further research to learn more about where gaps exist and what our impact can be.
We initiated the first Woodbury Citizens’ Academy in 2010 to expand the knowledge of our citizens in a way that encourages more involvement in our community.
Woodbury citizens will gain an understanding of how local public, private and nonprofit sectors work in their respective areas, as well as make the City of Woodbury a great place to live, work and play.
In 2011, we launched a networking and educational opportunity for local business leaders and owners.
This monthly gathering is connecting CEO-Level and other executives with like-minded leaders, who tend to live in Woodbury, but may work elsewhere. The focus of this unique program is to build relationships, learn from each other and connect with the WCF.
Our second year (2012) has proven to be more challenging as we work to bring in more members and continue to provide new speakers.
The Soirée Spooktakular is the premier event of the Woodbury Community Foundation.
Attendees dress in costumes and connect with each other over music, food and lots of fun at the end of October.
It is a unique adult Halloween party that brings together the whole community in the name of philanthropy.
Proceeds from this event are put back into the community in the form of programs and grants.
In 2010, the WCF partnered with the Woodbury Chamber of Commerce for the first Community Expo, a family-friendly event that showcases the best of businesses and nonprofits in Woodbury.
We also celebrated National Volunteer Week and recognized the great work that organizations in our community have accomplished.
Beginning in 2011, the Woodbury Chamber will manage this event with full support of the WCF.
In order to reach out to churches in our community and break down silos, the WCF has brought together local outreach pastors and mission directors to create this new group in 2012.
We are looking forward to sharing ideas and helping local organizations by working together for the benefit of our community.
There are three program ideas that we have attempted to start, but have not been able to maintain with our current situation. With additional staff or volunteers, these programs would have the opportunity to support the WCF significantly. For now, they are “on the back burner.”
Your contribution can impact organizations across the community through the WCF. Give Where You Live!
