Doug Wilhelm

Catalysts for Change: How Nonprofits and a Foundation Are Helping Shape Vermont’s Future / Doug Wilhelm

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

As a former Librarian, I would often scour the community for hidden talents that I could use in Library programs. So when I saw this book, the concept of a community-oriented foundation, I wanted to read it to see what ideas that I could gather. It was very interesting and hard to fit into one category. Although it stands as written documentation of what the Lintilhac Foundation was able to do fo,r and with, their community – it also serves as a biography of people that were affected by the Foundation’s passion and generosity. The book is full of projects taken on by the Lintilhac family – which includes detailed research, taking on political challenges, delving into scientific facts, encouraging new laws, and providing continual support and guidance for the projects they start. Even though the focus is Vermont, the book serves as a guide for any long-term philanthropic projects. The book is 275 pages written in very easy to understand language that pulls the reader into the story. Also includes many black and white photographs which make the book more personal in nature. Might be a good recommendation for non-fiction readers interested in local event/local history.… (meer)

My trifecta of disclosures: (1.) I won this copy through the LibraryThing Early Readers Giveaway program, (2) I periodically visit my relatives by marriage living in Vermont, (3.) I am late in reading and reviewing, because I had two surgeries this year.
More importantly, I am now retired 30 years from work as an employee in a nonprofit; 24 years, as a volunteer. From the perspectives of a former manager, and grant seeker, I have been impressed by how the general public was engaged to support efforts to improve Vermont’s world.
Nonprofit organization leaders and workers should find this book informative and inspiring.
Operinus 7/31/2022… (meer)

Wilhelm provides a comprehensive history of the creation of the Linthilac Foundation and broad review of its many charitable activities on behalf of the family’s beloved state of Vermont. Created by Claire Linthilac who found her passion in maternity nursing, the foundation changed VT childbirth by bringing Certified Nurse-Midwives to hospitals. Under the direction of Claire’s son, Philip, and his wife, Crae, the foundation moved into supporting local journalism, keeping the lakes of VT clean, and many other charitable activities.… (meer)