2008 Annual Report

Genetic Counseling Foundation Report

The Genetic Counseling Foundation: Moving Forward

The Genetic Counseling Foundation (GCF) is positioned in the year 2009 to re-embark on its efforts to solicit donations for activities that will support NSGC’s strategic vision! Building on the success of the work done by the GCF Task Force in 2007, the NSGC Board appointed a Transition Task Force, comprised of representatives from both GCF and NSGC, to implement the Task Force recommendations.

The Transition Task Force members, NSGC 2008 President Angela Trepanier, Karen Copeland, Susan Dickinson and Jennifer Farmer developed the following recommendations, completing their task in early 2008.

• Revised GCF bylaws
• Staffing model and operating plan
• Process for aligning GCF’s funding priorities with NSGC’s strategic goals
• Recommendations for new members of the GCF Board of Directors.

The Task Force recommendations for GCF’s new structure and focus were approved by both the NSGC and GCF Boards in May of 2008.

The 2009 GCF Board of Directors is as follows:

Vivian Weinblatt, MS, CGC, President
Susan Dickinson, MS, CGC, Secretary/Treasurer
C. Thomas Caskey, MD
Joan Marks, MS, CGC
Theresa Natalicchio
Ryan Phelan
William Rusconi
Angela Trepanier, MS, CGC

The new mission of GCF is “To serve as the catalyst for the integration of genomic information and genetic counseling services into healthcare through philanthropic support of education, research, and public policy.” This statement mirrors NSGC’s mission statement and positions the GCF to provide support for genetic counselors in current practice settings and expanded roles.

In an effort to demonstrate their commitment to fulfilling the mission of the GC Foundation, as well as to ensure significant focus on fundraising, the GCF Board of Directors conducted an extensive search for a part-time development professional to lead this effort. After interviewing a number of qualified candidates, the GCF Board selected Beth Pollack as the new GCF Development Director. Beth brings to the position over 20 years of fund development experience, much of which was conducted in the health care arena. Since she began her work with GCF in December, Beth has been instrumental in working with GCF to establish a fundraising plan for 2009 and setting the stage for our ongoing success. As a result of this hiring, you will be hearing from us soon with additional information about GCF’s goals and planned activities in 2009.

In another exciting transition, in May 2008 the NSGC Board of Directors worked with the Audrey Heimler Special Project Fund to move the fund under the umbrella of GCF. This decision was made to enhance ongoing support for the fund, to provide 501©(3) tax exempt status for all donations made to the fund and to recognize the fund as an ongoing source of support for genetic counselors.

We are pleased to report that as a result of NSGC member support, the GCF has raised $20,925 since its inception in 2005. We are looking forward to communicating our fundraising priorities and progress in the first half of 2009 and we encourage ongoing support from the NSGC membership. This demonstration of organizational support is crucial as we begin to approach corporate and foundation sponsors. The support and involvement of NSGC and its members has positioned GCF for success as we move forward in 2009.

Vivian J. Weinblatt, MS, CGC, GCF Chair

GCF Annual Giving Levels:

The Genetic Counseling Foundation thanks the generous support of its 2008 donors.

*Indicates GCF Founding Member

2008 Audrey Heimler Special Projects Fund Donors

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