Flinn Foundation 2002 Annual Report

Arizona has reached a critical first phase in its Bioscience Roadmap. The momentum so carefully nurtured in developing TGen needs to be sustained regardless of changes in elected leadership, economic downturns, and competing interests. The next phase must be characterized by a continued willingness by institutions and research investigators to overcome traditional boundaries and partner within selective fields, with patience and a long-term commitment. Encouragement and additional investments by public- and private-sector agencies will be needed.

As a step in that direction, the Foundation recently revamped its Web site (www.flinn.org) to function as the principal state portal for bioscience news and information. The site provides links to numerous biotechnology sites and resources, profiles key leaders in Arizona's research sector, and provides a comprehensive calendar and information directory. It averages 3,500 visits monthly. We also launched a monthly e-newsletter to keep more than 500 Arizona bioscience leaders informed of recent developments in this sector.

Dozens of state leaders have worked to refine the Roadmap this year, and the recommendations they present to the steering committee are likely to pose an ambitious agenda. We will examine what role the Foundation might play in advancing their proposals in the months ahead.

Most recently, we formed a partnership with three other Arizona foundations - The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, the J. W. Kieckhefer Foundation, and the Margaret T. Morris Foundation - to support an arts and culture task force. This group of business and arts leaders is charged with examining the quality-of-life factors important to new and expanding science and technology-driven companies, and developing an action plan to ensure that the arts and cultural amenities are a prominent element in future economic growth plans in Maricopa County. Drew Brown, president of Scottsdale-based developer DMB Associates, Inc., has agreed to chair this 30- member task force. Its findings and recommendations will be disseminated early in 2004.

Our experience to date confirms that "value-added philanthropy" benefits Arizona far beyond the limited grant funds available to Arizona's nonprofit sector. With the Roadmap as our guide, the Foundation will continue its role as convener and catalyst. We plan to use our limited resources selectively, seizing opportunities that promise to foster and sustain institutional collaboration and public-private sector partnerships. The Board has made a 10-year commitment; this shared journey with our partners has just begun.

John W. Murphy
Executive Director