HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - ASSET Joint Funders Meeting March 26, 2026Minutes
ASSET Joint Funders
March 26, 2026 @ 5:05 p.m.
City Hall-Room 135 @ 515 Clark Ave, Ames, IA 50010
In Attendance: Bronwyn Beatty-Hansen, Gloria Betcher, Emma Cassabaum, Donna
Gilligan, Pa Goldbeck, John Haila, Nick Hoffman, Sandra King, Sarah Mansell, Linda
Murken, Jess Peebler, Amy Shaw, and Ashley Thompson
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 5:05 pm by Pa Goldbeck.
PUBLIC FORUM
None
REPORTS
Joint Funders
None
Funder Staff
Goldbeck reported that Jeramy Neefus will be leaving the City of Ames soon to take a new
position in Michigan, where he has previously lived. Goldbeck acknowledged that although
Neefus is not often seen at the ASSET meetings, he plays a major role behind the scenes
supporting the City’s ASSET work.
Goldbeck also reported that the ASSET Admin Team has been looking into new software
systems to utilize for the ASSET process.
The City of Ames is securing dates/time for non-profit trainings: April 15, 2026 from 1 p.m.
to 3 p.m. at the Ames Public Library Auditorium— “Conflict Resolution” and April 22, 2026
from 1 p.m.to 3 p.m. at the Ames Public Library— “Getting your Board on Board with
Fundraising.” Additionally, the City will contract with Canary Consulting Group to pilot a
nonprofit assessment with ACCESS.
Additionally, on May 27, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ames Public Library, an event will
be held to update the community on steps taken from the Homelessness Action Plan.
Thompson reported that the UWSC has partnered with Story County Community
Foundation to target agencies and partner agencies to find volunteers . A total of 31
individuals graduated from their training this February. The goal is to help place willing
volunteers on agency boards. Women United Breakfast March 27, 2026 announcing
changes: evolution of financial education in literacy program— “hub nights” with
education on credit counseling and tax prep. New “matched savings program” where
individuals or families may meet financial criteria and could receive assistance for various
needs (including transportation, housing, schooling). UWSC will match savings 1:1 start ing
at $2,000. Food Drive coming up April 27 th 2026 to May 7th 2026; the plan is to collect and
be able to distribute May 8, 2026. Last year over 20,000lbs of food we collected. Childcare
Feasibility Study: receive initial/final report. Hoping to have a final launch to board
representatives within the next few weeks.
Shaw reports that inauguration will be April 6th 2026, and new elects will be present soon to
this ASSET group.
NEW BUSINESS
SWOT Analysis-Donna Gilligan
Murken asked if Gilligan would share the next steps following the activity, to which Gilligan
responded yes. Gilligan summarized the SWOT meaning, process, and plans for activity.
Explanation was also given as to why individuals were separated into smaller groups to
hear all the voices of the ASSET process. Gilligan urged participants to be honest so that
true responses are collected to solve real problems. After the analysis, Goldbeck
explained the next steps before hearing the final report's findings. Goldbeck proposed a
Joint Funder Meeting to share results and to form ideas or goals from the results. There was
a group discussion on ideas to determine the best way to share the results/themes of the
SWOT analysis. Gilligan and Goldbeck confirmed they will communicate to participants via
email the next steps.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS
None
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Thompson, seconded by Cassabaum, to adjourn the meeting at 6:53 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously.