Mike McCoy
Senior Program Officer
35 Years at Meadows
I serve the people of Texas by working with nonprofits and organizations interested in partnering with the Foundation to build capacity. I help them prepare funding requests and present them to our Board of Directors for consideration.
Most Impactful Experience at the Foundation
Development of the framework for the Foundation’s environmental work. When we did our first environmental plan 20 years ago, we funded small grants here and there like nature centers. We had a limited profile in this area. Through the years, it’s been elevated to one of our primary giving areas. Recognition of improving the quality of life starts with a clean, healthy, and diverse environment.
What the Pandemic Changed
Most Used Phrase
“Zoom or Teams?”
Stockpiled
I did not get into hoarding. I thought it would all be over in a few weeks.
Motivation
Our president’s consistent and cautious care for his employees during a public health crisis. It allowed us to focus on our jobs without worrying about our family’s exposure to COVID and the fear of the unknown.
View of Our Sector & Work
The nonprofit sector reshaped its work in response to COVID with more agility than other sectors. I believe the sector has more confidence in its ability to perform overall and will be better situated to respond to the demands for justice and equity. Pivoted on a dime – there was no downtime. No volunteers, no supply chain? No problem. This sector did better than almost any other industry. Confidence in their ability and competence to address the unthinkable. If we can do this, we can do anything.
What I’m Looking Forward To
We’ve always taken our environmental work seriously. Now, there is more action and momentum around climate change. I’m encouraged that there is more recognition of the seriousness of it and the need to safeguard Texas for the future.