As we all know, communities need support to function effectively for the good of us all. At times, meeting all needs can be a challenge. This is where a community foundation steps in: the Bermuda Foundation has exemplified philanthropic leadership and support over its first 9 years in operation, most notably during the pandemic. We talk to its CEO and Managing Director, Myra Virgil, as it is bestowed with this prestigious title in the LUX Global Excellence Awards 2022. Best Community Support Foundation - Bermuda across the sectors. Our strength is in our flexibility and nimbleness to respond to arising needs.” In order to ascertain those needs accurately, the Foundation designed and launched the country’s first ‘Vital Signs Report’ creating metrics based on community feedback. The report identifies key social indicators and their consequences for vulnerable people and the community at large. “We keep our fingers on the pulse in terms of social outcomes by managing a standardised year-end reporting system for fund holders and grant committees that can represent the public, private, philanthropic and nonprofit sectors,” says Dr. Virgil. To ensure that Bermuda has a best-in-class public grantmaking institution, the Foundation staff and board are all CF certified. In addition, the Foundation itself is one of just 48 community foundations worldwide to have been granted accreditation by the highly respected UKCF. “We have been honoured by the trust placed in us to both protect and build families’ legacies as well as undertake the work involved in dispersing emergency funding for the community throughout the pandemic. We don’t take this responsibility lightly and are committed to ensuring we meet and maintain the highest standards of governance.” The nonprofit sector in Bermuda, like everywhere else, has been affected dramatically by the events of the past three years. Although the Foundation’s primary purpose is to manage philanthropy, it also makes it easier for donors to support nonprofits by hosting GiveBermuda, a designated online giving platform. WinningBest CommunitySupport Foundation, Bermuda, theFoundation has received even further recognition for its insights, leadership, and innovative services within this sphere – and we are sure to see it grow and thrive as it continues to deliver on its mission: • to build an enduring source of funds for the community, • to assist grantmakers to build and leave a legacy for Bermuda, and • to ensure the focus remains on meeting priority local needs. Reaching its ninth anniversary is a notable milestone for the Foundation, and we are sure to see it blossom well into the distant future. A very sincere congratulations to Bermuda Foundation! Contact: Myra Virgil Company: Bermuda Foundation Email: [email protected] Web Address: https://www.bermudacommunityfoundation.org/ ermuda Foundation (the Foundation) was formed to build a permanent community asset to support the work of local nonprofits that provide critical services and improve quality of life on the Bermuda Islands. It establishes tailor-made philanthropic funds for individuals, families and businesses that want to create a legacy of giving by “easing the burden of administration that typicallyaccompanies setting up private foundations or trusts to enable charitable giving,” says the Foundation’s CEO and Managing Director, Myra Virgil. Community foundations like the Bermuda Foundation, represent philanthropy of the future. Says Dr. Virgil, “We work directly with donors to understand their philanthropic vision and create funds to support causes that are most important to them. Funds from different donors are aggregated, invested, and managed to achieve greater returns for Bermuda’s non-profit sector.” “We are the only community foundation for the jurisdiction. We are primarily focused on the local community's needs, with a broad reach B
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