MPC Member Spotlight: Sandy Buck of the Horizon Foundation

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

We asked Sandy Buck of the Horizon Foundation, Inc. seven questions about his work in Maine. Here's what he said:

1. What’s your favorite thing to do in the winter in Maine?

Unless you embrace winter in all its forms, it can be a pretty long, dark, cold time of year in Maine. I love winter: skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, building big fires and hunkering down for the long winter nights are how I like to celebrate this beautiful season in Maine.

2. What are you most excited about right now in your work?

Horizon has been actively funding and co-hosting, with the Environmental Funders Network and the Maine Philanthropy Center, a series of Climate Funder gatherings that provides opportunities for funders to learn from each other and from professionals in the field while sharing successful strategies regarding climate change mitigation and adaptation. We are focused on how Maine can best use its “unique assets” (national political leadership, vast forest resources, RGGI funds for weatherization and energy efficiency efforts, and our own remarkable non profit leadership) to do our part in the environmental, social justice, and economic challenge of our times: climate change.

3. Mythbuster time! What’s one big misconception people have about your work?

I often hear, “It must be so difficult to select which organizations Horizon will support.” While this is a challenge that increases annually, the hard work of addressing and solving Maine’s environmental, social, educational, energy and economic challenges is borne by the universe of exceptionally dedicated, creative and talented non profit leaders and their organizations we are honored to be able to support.

4. What’s the biggest challenge for the Horizon Foundation right now?

Horizon is a family foundation, and now the third generation of Bucks is coming into the work of Horizon. This is a thrill for those of us in our 50s, to share our experience with our children. We all benefit from their fresh perspectives and understanding of the world. That generation, though, is very busy and is spread out across the country, so keeping them educated about current issues and engaged, while addressing their interests, all while managing a good deal more grant proposals is the delicate balance we hope to achieve.

5. What does success look like for the Horizon Foundation?

We’ll celebrate success when our land and water resources are clean and sustainably managed, are safe from the impacts of unplanned development, and are enjoyed by all; our children have valuable after school, outdoor and summer opportunities; more people are exposed to and appreciate the arts; and communities come together to solve intractable problems collaboratively.

6. What do you value most about being an MPC member?

MPC provides opportunities for Maine funders to get to know each other, share successful strategies to help Maine thrive, and assure that we follow best practices for foundation work. MPC is a real resource for funders, but it also is a treasure trove of information for grant-seekers. The MPC staff will support non profits and help them match their needs with foundations that share that same mission.

Horizon Foundation, Inc. Mission:

Horizon Foundation supports non-profit organizations that aspire to create and maintain sustainable, vibrant, and resilient communities by:

  • Enabling children and the adults to lead their communities in creative, healthy, and thoughtful ways;
  • Educating citizens to be good stewards of the environment;
  • Conserving land and water resources;
  • Encouraging service to others;
  • Promoting visual arts and music, and
  • Teaching appreciation of and preserving historic assets.
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