Shevchenko Foundation Strategic Direction

Shevchenko Foundation

Strategic Action Plan 2020-2023

Leadership. Stewardship. Partnership

In 2019, the Board of Directors of the Ukrainian Canadian Foundation of Taras Shevchenko (Shevchenko Foundation) began a strategic planning process that culminated in 2020 with a Strategic Plan for the years 2020-23.

Our goal was to build on the many accomplishments and milestones reached throughout the history of the Shevchenko Foundation and develop a roadmap for the next three years.

In the process, we asked our many stakeholders where we should focus our efforts and have listened to your recommendations for strengthening the Shevchenko Foundation.

It is important to note that the strategic plan was developed on the eve of the imposition of nation-wide restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Although it became more challenging to maintain “business as usual”, the Shevchenko Foundation Board of Directors and Management continued activities, both raising and distributing funds, as per the Shevchenko Foundation’s mandate.

Maintaining and protecting the strong financial position of the Shevchenko Foundation during an unprecedented time remained a priority. The Shevchenko Foundation also responded to the needs of its community. Eliminating grant deadlines and launching a Covid Relief Grant program were among the initiatives intended to help alleviate some of the immediate concerns of stakeholders.

The Shevchenko Foundation is proud to be part of a strong and resilient community, and we will continue to focus on the priorities that will further strengthen the Ukrainian community in Canada and enrich the Canadian experience with the beauty, passion and diversity of Ukrainian Canadian culture.

Our Objectives

Enhance the Shevchenko Foundation’s role and relevance in the Ukrainian Canadian community.

The Shevchenko Foundation has been since its founding, and will continue to be a pillar of the Ukrainian community in Canada. We remain committed to the advancement of a flourishing Ukrainian community for the enrichment of Canada.

Goals:

  • Launch a national community outreach initiative in the Ukrainian Canadian community to share our stories.
  • Strengthen the Shevchenko Foundation’s core community and external organizational partnerships and nurture new mutually beneficial relationships.
  • Work with partners to organize, convene, and facilitate a national dialogue about the future of Ukrainian Canadian arts & culture.
  • Build out the Foundation’s communications capacity to better engage our many stakeholders.

Bolster the effectiveness and impact of the Shevchenko Foundation’s revenue development activities.

The Shevchenko Foundation is a philanthropic institution and as such, focuses on building and sustaining a permanent endowment fund. It is our intent for this fund to equally support community initiatives and large-scale projects with broad reach, fully understanding the immeasurable value both bring to the Ukrainian Canadian experience.

Goals:

  • Strengthen donor relations with the goal of securing the Foundation’s consistent long-term growth and financial stability.
  • Instill a philanthropic spirit in our youth with unique programming.
  • Foster mutually beneficial relationships with grantees.
  • Engage Ukrainian Canadian philanthropists in community building partnerships..

Ensure the security and prosperity of the Shevchenko Foundation for the ongoing benefit of the community it has been established to serve.

The Shevchenko Foundation takes pride in the values and principles which characterize its philanthropy and community building. The continued growth of the organization over nearly 60 years is testimony to its accountability, transparency, effectiveness and inclusiveness.

Goals:

  • Strengthen the governance of the Shevchenko Foundation to secure its readiness to adapt to change and address challenges without compromising its vision, values and principles.
  • Develop a Board succession plan and nomination process that is transparent and encourages community engagement.
  • Support learning, individual development, and build leadership capacity.

Celebrate the Shevchenko Foundation’s 60th anniversary

In 2023, the Shevchenko Foundation will mark its 60th anniversary – a milestone which calls for a celebration. But it’s not just about the institution. It’s a celebration of all of the components that make us a strong, dynamic and evolving community.

Goal:

  • Unite Canadians in a celebration of the Ukrainian Canadian experience.