Dear Sir,

Thank you, for both your recent coverage of the Reimagining Bermuda’s Third Sector Initiative, as well as being a consistent reader of the ongoing research reports and data the initiative has produced over the past few months.

As Centennial Bermuda Foundation is a co-funder of this Phase I research and

broader initiative, we want to take this opportunity to provide some additional context on the article published in the newspaper on June 23.

The findings and recommendations in the report, which the article addressed, are derived from the engagement and input of more than 300 stakeholders within the sector, over several months.

Download PDF File

Phase 1 Summary Report.pdf

Reading the full nine-page Phase I Summary Report will provide relevant data and perspective, and it is our hope that you see value in publishing the full report. It is available on Centennial’s website at www.Centennial.bm/resources.

We believe thus far that Phase I of the Reimagining Bermuda’s Third Sector initiative may be one of the most inclusive, interactive strengthening efforts in Bermuda’s Third Sector history.

With that in mind, the headline, “Charities’ ‛approach work backwards” – report” has missed the opportunity to celebrate the findings of the research; nor does it clearly reflect the intent of the effort.

That comment in the report was simply a caution by the authors to those who may be involved in this work that if the works goes forward, the Third Sector should avoid a common mistake in these kinds of efforts of starting with a specific “silver bullet” solution in mind and then try to apply it to the community’s particular circumstances.

Furthermore, in no way does Centennial Bermuda Foundation feel that non-profits “approach their work backwards”. Non-profits in Bermuda serve a vital role in our community. Finding ways to sustain and support their work for the future of Bermuda, and all in the community, is at the core of this initiative.

Also, as this work is a collective effort of the Third Sector, we want to ensure that our Centennial logo is not solely used when referring to this work. It would be inaccurate and negate the work of other Third Sector stakeholders who have committed their time and effort thus far in the process.

To date the Reimagining Bermuda’s Third Sector initiative has used the letterhead banner above. As this effort gains even more momentum this, too, may change and become more reflective of the community at large.

We will be sharing the final summary of our Phase I webinar held on June 23, which highlights an overwhelming desire by the Third Sector to progress this important work to the next phase.

No doubt there will be more to report on in the future, and we hope that you will kindly take our comments and considerations on board when positioning future articles.

ALLISON TOWLSON

Managing Director

VIVIEN CARTER

Director of Programmes

Centennial Bermuda Foundation