As some of you will remember, last spring I announced that Hammer & Associates had launched and was managing The Sandgaard Foundation, a new private Denver-based foundation that aims to make a national impact on the opioid crisis. Founder Thomas Sandgaard—an entrepreneur, business leader, and musician—had discovered the devastating impact of opioid use disorder, and he wanted to do something about it in a big, bold way. Yet, brand new to philanthropy, he and the board didn’t know where to begin.
At Hammer & Associates, we know the importance of listening and learning from those already engaged in the work. That’s why we engaged in a months-long needs assessment, conducting an in-depth review of the opioid crisis landscape. We interviewed approximately 30 nonprofits, service providers, experts, researchers, and funders engaged in this work, and reviewed 50+ opioid- and recovery-related websites, articles, and reports. Our goal? To learn as much as we could—from the true experts—about the needs and gaps in funding, and where this new foundation might make the most impact.
I’m excited to announce that yesterday, the Foundation released a comprehensive report identifying national blind spots and where funding is most needed: including in harm reduction, prevention, intervention and treatment, coalition, and recovery and awareness. Read a media interview with Thomas Sandgaard here.
Hammer & Associates presented these findings to The Sandgaard Foundation board back in May, and guided the board in its decisionmaking on philanthropic strategy. Based on this learning, the board has focused its initial grantmaking to:
- reduce harm and save lives
- support those in long-term recovery and their families—including reducing the stigma, shame, and blame that surrounds addiction and recovery
In addition to these program areas, the Foundation is interested in convening conversations about pain, and on how to provide support, connection, and alternatives for chronic pain sufferers before opioid use disorder sets in.
This report—and how it influenced the Sandgaard Foundation’s strategy—is one example of how listening and learning leads to impact. With this Foundation, we’re just getting started, and we’ll continue listening and learning—and sharing what we learn—along the way.
Knowing that one funder with limited resources cannot make an impact alone, we are talking with donors and partners who want to join The Sandgaard Foundation in its mission to save lives and support those in recovery.
There are three ways you can help:
- Visit The Sandgaard Foundation Fund page to invest in solutions.
- Give us your perspective and opinions though our 360-degree survey.
- Share this message with your networks—especially those you know who might be interested in joining this cause.
Want to know more about The Sandgaard Foundation and its report findings? Or how Hammer & Associates can help you listen and learn from your community or issue area?