President’s Comments
I am pleased to present, on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Pillars Trust Fund, a report on the activities for 1999-2000.
This has been a particularly active year.  The Pillars Trust Fund operates in a rapidly changing and dynamic environment.  Fund-raising is an integral part of this environment and presents new challenges at every turn.

For the past five years, Pillars realized its fundraising objective of $250,000 only once, in 1997-1998 our 25th Anniversary year.
 1995-96  $241,000
 1996-97  $230,000
 1997-98  $250,000
 1998-99  $226,000
 1999-00  $228,000

This year’s campaign included the parish campaign, two direct mailings and a phonathon carried out over two evenings.
Additional revenues from Foundations and an endowment fund permitted The Pillars Trust Fund to distribute $325,000 to twenty-seven organizations within our community.  This represents an increase of $22,000 over last year.  We were particularly pleased to be associated with the newly created Youth Ministry project in the West Island.

Pillars consults with Community Leaders
Sensitive to its commitment to support activities, services and institutions of the English Catholic community of Montreal that are not financed by the Archdiocese of Montreal, the Board of Directors undertook a number of initiatives.  One such initiative brought together business leaders from our community to advise the Board on directions it should take in today’s environment.  Their most valuable advice would see the next campaign focus more on beneficiaries (the product: for example, youth) and less on the corporation (the trade name: Pillars Trust Fund).  No less important would be a commitment to greater visibility and transparency.

Pillars Consults with Pastors
A second initiative launched the Board on a series of parish visits.  Representatives of the Board of Directors met with nine parish pastors over a period of several months beginning in October 1999.  With each visit it became clearer that this exercise would greatly benefit The Pillars Trust Fund and that these visits should continue over time to include all parishes serving the English Catholic community.  The outcome of these visits would influence the Board’s focus on vocations, youth, the elderly and communications.  The English Catholic community must be informed on Pillars service to its community.  Visibility and transparency were reoccurring themes during these discussions.  Another very important outcome from these meetings dealt with the timing of the campaign.  The Board representatives learned that it would be more appropriate to launch a campaign in later October and run through November rather than in late September and October as has been the case in past years.
The advice received from the above activities led the Board to a third initiative.

Pillars takes Action
The Board of Directors has a daylong session in late February or early March each year to review beneficiaries’ requests for funding and set budget projections to meet the needs.   Added to this past year’s agenda was the formulation of an action plan for campaign 2000-2001.  With all the constructive feedback in hand, the Board revised the campaign organization chart, identified priorities, decided on measures to highlight beneficiaries, to revise the Case for Support and set the second half of October and November as a time-frame for the campaign.  Further, it was recommended that the Board have a brainstorming session to include persons with expertise in campaign strategies.  Such a meeting was held and the most significant recommendation dealt with the need to update the Pillars potential donor database.  With the support from our Honorary Chairman, Bishop Anthony Mancini, parishes were approached for their cooperation in updating Pillars information.  Parish response to date has been encouraging.  This initiative will continue into the new year.

Pillars thanks its Members and Corporate Support
This has been a rewarding year.  I thank Bishop Mancini for his leadership, encouragement and availability.  I thank the members of the Board of Directors for their commitment to the English Catholic Community of Montreal and for their generosity in accepting the many responsibilities which constitute the fabric of a dynamic team.  The many initiatives would not have moved forward without the expertise and ongoing efforts of Richard Brisebois, campaign and office manager.  I thank all the volunteers, especially those who participated in the annual phonathon, for their time, expertise and commitment.  To Umberto Delucilla, a past president, who left the Board effective June 30 after years of generous service, I extend the Board’s gratitude.  Mr. Delucilla was always one to promote and encourage the goals and aims of Pillars before the Board as well as the Catholic community at large.

In closing, I wish to extend our appreciation to Samson, Belair, Deloitte & Touche whose members have provided our Board with professional guidance over the years.  This same firm places offices at our disposal for our annual phonathon.

Don Myles
President