1. CENTRAL ASIA INSTITUTE
Board of Directors Meeting
June 17, 2000
San Francisco, California
Final Minutes Approved January 20, 2001
CAI Board Members Present Guest Present
Julia Bergman, Nicholas Clinch, Fundraising
Thomas Hornbein, MD Geri Lesko
Andrew Marcus, PhD, Vice-Chairman
Thomas Vaughan, MD, Chair Staff Members Present
Jennifer Wilson, Secretary Greg Mortenson, Executive Director
Christine Slaughter, Assistant
CAI Board Member Excused
Gordon Wiltsie
Call to Order
Tom Vaughan called the meeting to order at 8:50am
Approval of Minutes
Tom Vaughan asked if there were any additions or corrections to the January 2000
meeting. Tom Hornbein commented on a correction about the term length of board
members on the board. He referred to the one-year gap in between two sets of three
years. The correction was board members will serve two consecutive three-year terms
with one year off. Andrew Marcus requested future minutes follow a more standard
format with less bulleting.
MOTION: Accept minutes with correction that board terms can extend for
two consecutive three year terms, with a required year off after six years
before rejoining the board. The Board can extend terms by a majority vote
if circumstances warrant it. Tom Hornbein moved minutes be accepted with
correction. Andrew Marcus seconded. Motion unanimously carried.
Andrew Marcus noted the draft budget imbedded in the minutes, but approving the
minutes does not mean approving the budget included.
Discussion
Status of the Budget: Greg Mortenson has all information from Pakistan to help devise
a budget and Pat Dunn will help get the Pakistan expenditures wrapped up. CAI funds
include $200,000 in CD's and $14,000 in the checking account. Tom Vaughan stated that
the 2000 budget was roughly $200,000 and wanted to know how much of that amount
has been spent to date. An estimated $100,000 of total CAI funds should be left at the
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2. years end. Greg Mortenson roughly estimated about $37,000 in stock transfers. The
$60,000 figure given to the board was from check and credit card donations. Nick Clinch
commented CAI should sell stock immediately upon receiving it. Greg raised the
question about teachParvi er endowments. Andrew Marcus expressed concern that CAI
does not have a definite budget.
Chief of Operations Position: Greg Mortenson had not made any headway other than
preparing the ad. Tom Vaughan stated this issue was important in the previous board
meeting and a solid administrative infrastructure is key to CAI's success. Tom Hornbein
commented much energy was put forth to create this ad and this is the basic life support
for Greg and wanted to establish a solution soon.
Business Liability Insurance: Greg Mortenson reported business liability insurance
costs about $1500. If approved, it covers each board member up to $1,000,000. Nick
advised CAI get business liability insurance. Tom Hornbein wants to see what $1500
covered and review the policy term details. Jennifer Wilson felt working in a dangerous
area created the need for insurance.
ACTION: Board tasked Greg to review insurance policy term details to
facilitate making a decision regarding this matter.
G.M. Parvi's Status: Greg Mortenson reported of the estimated $6,000 taken from CAI,
Parvi has paid back $1,800. Parvi is dedicated to CAI, meticulous with projects under his
jurisdiction and irreplaceable. Julia Bergman could make judgement on her upcoming
trip to Skardu.
Brent Bishop's Trip Expenditures: Greg reported Brent and others who worked on
Nike projects never produced a report on expenditures. Nick Clinch recommended CAI
compose a draft of itemized expenditures to Brent for successful latrine and porter
training projects. If Brent agreed with draft, have him sign it. Tom Hornbein and Tom
Vaughan agreed.
ACTION: Greg Mortenson will produce a draft of Nike project expenditures and
a one page draft report of project results and forward them to Brent for his edits
and signature of approval.
Teacher Training Institute Text: Greg Mortenson reported CAI bought plane tickets
for three master teachers who will work on the creation of the Balti workbook as a part of
the Teacher Training Institute. Julia Bergman said those participants whose tickets were
financed through CAI would fundraise upon their return to try to reimburse CAI. The
ticket will come out of $20,000 Jinnah Library Project budget. Tom Hornbein suggested
Julia produce a proposal and budget for fund allocation of $20,000.
MOTION: Andrew Marcus moved to approve $20,000 workbook project pending
budget from Julia. Jennifer Wilson seconded. Motion carried unanimously, Julia
Bergman abstained.
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3. K2 North Ridge Expedition Situation: Greg Mortenson briefed the board on the
situation with Heidi Howkins and brought up the idea of drafting a resolution not to help
expeditions. Nick Clinch recommended Greg not do anything he does not want his and
CAI's name attached to.
MOTION: Andrew Marcus moved CAI not provide material or personnel help to
anyone not associated with CAI., unless it is necessary to protect human health and
safety. Tom Hornbein seconds. Motion carried unanimously.
ACTION: Greg Mortenson will work with Bill Dowkins to send a letter to the
K2 expedition demanding the K2 Expedition write a letter stating CAI did
not receive compensation for help given to the K2 Expedition and has no
associated with the K2 Expedition, Mountain Zone, and Quokka.
Addition of Robin Houston, MD, MPh to the CAI Board of Directors:
MOTION: Jennifer Wilson moved to nominate Robin Houston to the CAI board
of directors. Julia Bergman seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Start Date of Board Members:
ACTION: Andrew Marcus will develop a template for terms of board
membership.
Debby Law's School Donation: Greg Mortenson reported the Law's want to give CAI an
administrative fee but want a directive from the board on allocation of fees associated
with the project. The Board was in favor of Greg working out appropriate administrative
fees for the project and making sure the money is kept just for this project and not
diverted to other projects in the region.
Board of Directors meeting recessed for fundraising seminar at 11:00am.
Call to Order
Tom Vaughan recalled the meeting to order at 4:20 pm.
Action Items Discussed in Fundraising Seminar
Discussion about fundraising was led by Nick Clinch and Geri Lesko. As a result of this
discussion, 5 action items were adopted.
ACTION: Mail date for Summer 2000 Ikat newsletter set for July 15, 2000.
An envelope will be included in the newsletter to send to all CAI donors and non-
donors. Fall newsletter to be mailed on November 15, 2000. Newsletter to be
sent to all CAI database without an envelope. Upon Charlie's approval,
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4. newsletter will be sent to all AAC members with an envelope. CAI will send out
direct mail appeal letter to CAI donors with envelope on December 1, 2000.
ACTION: Compile new files for all major donors, on computer and hard copy.
ACTION: Compile a donor calendar for Greg Mortenson to send out a biannual
letter.
ACTION: Jennifer Wilson and Tom Hornbein take donor Scott Tweedy to lunch.
ACTION: Have a master donor database system that works for CAI.
Adjournment
There being no further business, Tom Vaughan adjourned the meeting at 5:50 pm.
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5. Fundraising Seminar
Below is a brief summary of key points discussed in the fundraising portion of the June
2000 board meeting, facilitated by Nick Clinch and Geri Lesko.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Stable and strong to help CAI grow and flourish. Without a strong infrastructure, CAI
risks burnout. A key part to a solid infrastructure is a full-time, on-site administrative
assistant.
FUNDRAISING AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN
A strong fundraising and development plan would sustain the organization.
One year plan to include the following:
• Mail existing newsletter
• Insert envelope
• Fall newsletter
• Fall direct mail appeal
• Gift acknowledgements
Fall newsletter and direct mail appeal to be designed, written and produced before Greg
returns to Pakistan in September. Continue solicitations to foundations and corporations.
An established Donor Profile sheet will become part of a permanent file. Put on hold
researching new corporations, foundations, and planned giving programs. Look at donor
list to examine major donors and where they are coming from.
GREG MORTENSON & CENTRAL ASIA INSTITUTE
Historically, funding for CAI has come from Greg's slide shows, direct mailings, and
personal contacts.
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
• Greg on the road • Greg on the road too much
• Vision and Mission has value • Infrastructure can't support work
• Major Donor Potential - HIGH • Funds running out
• In - country cooperation high • Pakistan politically suspect
• Good return on investment •
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