WHAT IS TJEF?
About TJEF. TJEF is much like a treillage, a trellis or a latticework, that supports and promotes abundant and vibrant growth around the world.
In this way, TJEF provides a framework and resources for its members to grow, prosper, and bring benefit to their respective communities.
Events & Updates. TJEF partipated in a lovely evening with the Artists Vocal Ensemble in Palo Alto at a Christmas concert in December 2010.
Finally, please welcome to our newest Board Members, James Glover, Matt Margolin and Andrew Fowler. We shall miss Chris Treble who is taking a leave from the Board in 2011.
Ken's Korner
<-->ABOUT TJEF INITIATIVES
Simply put, The John Ernest Foundation incubates visions. We call these our Initiatives.
What limits the Foundation’s scope is the competence of our reasonably vast and diverse Treillage. When a proposal comes across our desks, we look for a member or members of the Treillage who could add value and test the reality of the vision. Building governing boards which can put arms around a vision – in a cultural and financial context – is our passion. Logistics, financial stability, timelines can then flow somewhat systematically. A longer term strategy can evolve.
Our history is filled with some failures, some mini-successes, some large ones as well. However, we don’t really keep a history, as a vision takes on a life of its own. When the young institution stands on its own feet, we recede, with hopes that we can smile.
Thus, you would never know that TJEF helped school the Mayor of Shanghai to raise $60,000,000 and 55,000 volunteers for Special Olympics Shanghai, 2007. Or that there is an ‘oberartz’ in Germany, a Gazan – whose study was funded by a member of the TJEF Treillage.
CONNECTING DOTS
We at The John Ernest Foundation are known for our ability to connect dots within our Treillage. A specialized group on which we call regularly is our College of Mentors – a collection much larger than an Advisory Board but specialized in contribution. The Treillage does help in various ways: time, expertise, fueling passion, and sometimes financial assistance. No one at TJEF is paid, other than our accountant, bookkeeper, and minimal administrative assistance. We used to have fundraisers. Now we enjoy awareness venues. When we have an Initiative which needs financial assistance, either its board or our American or European boards make some calls. Usually these amounts are relatively small – they are meant to be initiating grants. Naturally, we don’t mind a nice message – I’d like to help Vision X or Y or Z, or A! Vehicles for financial donations can be found on Support Us.
Watching Over Us. The John Ernest Foundation gratefully remembers the many times Jacques and Sandy Littlefield permitted the use of Pony Tracks Ranch, which houses the beautiful Fisk organ, for various Organ initiatives of the Foundation. Here is a video of Annette Richards from Cornell University and The Westfield Center describing this special instrument. Mr. Littlefield was a good friend to the Foundation and his premature passing saddens us.
