Commitment of the Founder
A Good Cause
Funding
Great People to Operate it
Organizational Efficiency
For someone who wants to set aside money to establish a Philanthropic Foundation or Fund, what does it take to make sure your resources are being impactful and truly effective? In this interview series, called “How To Create Philanthropy That Leaves a Lasting Legacy” we are visiting with founders of Philanthropic Foundations, Charitable Organizations, and Non Profit Organizations, to talk about the steps they took to create sustainable success.
As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Robert Manne.
Robert Manne has been a practicing attorney and resident of Broward County, Florida for more than 40 years. He has been active in many charitable causes in his community. He is currently establishing the Manne Foundation Homeless Prevention to prevent families facing imminent eviction from becoming homeless.
Thank you for making time to visit with us about a ‘top of mind’ topic. Our readers would like to get to know you a bit better. Can you please tell us about one or two life experiences that most shaped who you are today?
Having grown up in an area where homelessness was quite prevalent, it was always a cause of great concern to me. Being active with an organization like HOPE South Florida, which provides support services to the homeless, and seeing families living on the streets or in their cars, it became evident to me that it would be beneficial to those facing homelessness and the community as a whole to try and attack the problem before families faced the terrible prospect and indignity of being removed from their homes.
You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? We would love to hear a few stories or examples.
The three traits which have been influential in my success have been the ability to analyze when a problem exists, determine a reasonable solution to the problem based on input received from others and seeking out practical plans to solve the problem. My work establishing the Homeless Prevention Program to prevent homelessness is an example. Most government agencies and other charitable organizations attempt to provide assistance to families after becoming homeless. By establishing a partnership between the Manne Foundation Homeless Prevention Program, Legal Aid of Broward County and HOPE South Florida, we are addressing the problem on the front end before families become homeless. This will permit those who are facing homelessness to remain in their homes. It is a better and less expensive way of addressing a significant problem that our society faces, which prevents families from suffering the devastation of being evicted from their homes and living on the streets.
What’s the most interesting discovery you’ve made since you started leading your organization?
The lack of services for those facing homelessness as opposed to those who are already homeless.
Can you please tell our readers more about how you or your organization intends to make a significant social impact?
The Manne Foundation Homeless Prevention provides not just legal services for those facing homelessness through Legal Aid of Broward County but the other support services such as employment assistance, mental health services, drug counseling, etc. through the Hope South Florida Organization. We believe that this holistic approach to preventing homelessness will have the most impact in addressing the problem.
What makes you feel passionate about this cause more than any other?
Observing the ongoing problem on a day-to-day basis of families living in the streets and their cars as they struggle to become productive members of our community. No one wants to be in this situation, and often, this has occurred due to circumstances beyond their control.
Without naming names, could you share a story about an individual who benefitted from your initiatives?
We recently were able to prevent a woman who had lost her job and roommate from being evicted from her home. She could not afford to stay in this home without her job and without a roommate who could share in the payment of the rent. We were able to assist her by working with her landlord to keep her in her home until she was able to find a roommate and employment. Without our services, she would have been evicted from her home and, been added to the growing number of homeless people in our community.
We all want to help and to live a life of purpose. What are three actions anyone could take to help address the root cause of the problem you’re trying to solve?
Assist those facing homelessness by:
(1) Making people aware of the plight of families in danger of losing their homes.
(2) Providing financial support and donating time to organizations that assist those in danger of losing their home.
(3) Influence the government to work with individuals who are about to become homeless, not just those who are already homeless.
Based on your experience, what are the “5 Things You Need To Create A Successful & Effective Nonprofit That Leaves A Lasting Legacy?”
Commitment of the Founder
A Good Cause
Funding
Great People to Operate it
Organizational Efficiency
Our Homeless Prevention Program has these 5 pillars to ensure that it will be a successful endeavor.
How has the pandemic changed your definition of success?
No
How do you get inspired after an inevitable setback?
All ventures or operations face unexpected obstacles at some point in time. Recovering from those obstacles and learning from them is an integral part of any Project.
We are very blessed that very prominent leaders read this column. Is there a person in the world who you would like to talk to, to share the idea behind your non-profit? He, she, or they might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Mark Cuban
You’re doing important work. How can our readers follow your progress online?
Thank you for a meaningful conversation. We wish you continued success with your mission.