Any doubts that technology has changed the way the world operates were erased in December when Time Magazine anointed "you," the members of the new digital democracy, as its Person of the Year.  

• 69.4% of North Americans are internet users, a figure that has grown 114.7% since 2000. (Internet World Stats)
  
  
• 65% of donors visit the Web sites of charities they support and 40% always go online before making a giving decision. (Kintera/Luth Nonprofit Trend Report) 
  
  
• 42% of Americans use email daily and 7.4% of Americans now keep a blog. (USC-Annenberg 2007 Digital Future Project)

"We are hearing more from our patrons that the Internet is the way they do business," said Kelly Pollack, general manager for COCA. "As a result, we've significantly ramped up our technology efforts, including online donations, ticket purchases and membership renewals."

COCA and others aside, many organizations still view their Web sites more as electronic brochures than as an integrated component of their fundraising and other programs. Limited resources and even fear of technology often hinder agencies' abilities to leverage the Internet fully.  

Less than two weeks after joining Lutheran Foundation last September, Ann Vazquez found herself hosting more than 7,000 guests at a gala 20^th anniversary celebration at Scottrade Center.  Recently, she took time to talk with Insights about that exciting day and her new role as the head of this $100 million foundation.

Describe what the Two Decades of Grantmaking celebration event was like for you.
"It truly was a blessing to be a part of it. I really didn't have anything to do with planning the event, but it allowed me to jump instantly into what this foundation is all about and what we do. To have so many people there on that Sunday afternoon to honor our 430 agency partners was really special."

You raised a lot of money for those agencies that day, didn't you?
"We did.  The guests at the event contributed about $700,000 to 250 partner organizations and Lutheran Foundation matched that amount. In all, Lutheran Foundation has granted $60 million over the past 20 years.  Our goal is to grant another $60 million in just the next decade."

Many people in this community know and respect Fred Bleeke.  Does that make it hard to follow in his footsteps?
"Fred is truly a person of this community, one who is so well respected.  He's left me a well-run, well-oiled machine, which makes the transition easier. Of course, Fred's still around to help as a mentor and advisor, at least until his official retirement at the end of April and I'm sure after that if we need him."

You spent 21 years as a banker. How do you think that experience will help you in your new role?
"I still use many of thee same skills. I ask a lot of questions and spend a lot of time on a grantseeker's financials. Even if we decide not to grant them any money, I think I can serve as a consultant to agencies to help guide them."

What are some of the issues you think agencies need to address?
"We probably review 120 or more proposals a year, so we get to see a lot of what is going on in the community. I always urge agencies to focus on the 'Who Cares' model. By that I mean that they need to demonstrate that they have built a strong base of supporters who care as much about their mission as they do. We need to foster more dialogue among groups to help them learn from each other and find ways for everyone to be more effective."

The Foundation also has a focus on boosting volunteerism, doesn't it?
"We do. There are 100,000 Lutherans in this area. We need to find ways to get people out of the pews and into the community.  We're working with churches and with agencies to find better ways to connect willing volunteers with community needs. We've funded lots of volunteer coordinator positions at agencies as a first step, but now it's time to try to organize the community in a broader fashion."

What can you tell us about yourself on a personal note?
"I grew up in Iowa but came to St. Louis after college and have been here ever since. With four kids, including two under age 9, I guess you could say I'm definitely a working mom."

Thanks, Ann.

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