Stewards with Intentionality: Legacy Foundation and Community Leadership

Abstract

This teaching case study is a pedagogical tool to develop the skills of graduate students in understanding how a community foundation adopts an international framework to address longstanding local issues and stimulate cross-stakeholder collaborations. The case is based on the decision of the leadership of the Legacy Foundation, a regional community foundation, to explore how the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals could help advance their community work. The case describes the internal efforts of Legacy’s leadership to shift from a purely donor-centric focus to taking on the active role of a community convener to lead on local issues. Students are asked to assess whether Legacy’s approach to changing their donor-centric role by exploring the adoption of the SDGs would be supported by the larger community of donors, nonprofits, government, and businesses. Students can gain insight into the process of organizational change and leadership. The text contains information about the rural political, economic, social, and cultural environment in Kansas and direct video footage of board members speaking about their commitment and community.