Spend-Down Communications

S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation

Opportunity

Established by Stephen D. Bechtel, Jr. in 1957, the Foundation became a limited-life philanthropy in 2009 and proceeded to spend down all assets and conclude operations at the end of 2020. During these spend-down years, Foundation leaders increasingly viewed strategic communication as a vehicle to amplify the enduring impact of the organization’s investments.

Approach

The Foundation engaged Williams Group in 2013, initiating a strategic communication partnership that continued through its conclusion eight years later. Williams Group consultants, writers and designers collaborated with Foundation staff as they worked to share knowledge about their grantmaking priorities, publish research that could improve nonprofit and philanthropic practice, and document their own experience to benefit other grantmakers that are spending down or exiting program arenas.

EDUCATION PROGRAM SNAPSHOTS
ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM SNAPSHOTS
PROGRAM STAFF REFLECTIONS

Results

Foundation teams packaged and disseminated core Education Program and Environment Program strategies and lessons learned, spotlighted the successes and innovations of nonprofit partners, created tools and resources that addressed gaps in philanthropic practice, and captured and shared the Foundation’s journey as a limited-life grantmaker. A revamped website and email campaign system expanded audience engagement. Williams Group also supported Foundation staff as they created a Legacy Collection with Candid to ensure ongoing access to Foundation products.

VIEW FOUNDATION WEBSITE

Our partnership with Williams Group has been very rewarding and meaningful. Because of our great teamwork, the Foundation is leaving behind a tremendous amount of well-documented information that can serve other grantmakers and nonprofits for years to come.

– Lauren B. Dachs, President, S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation