The Community Foundation of NCW has received a $40,000 anonymous gift to be used for helping nonprofits through the foundation’s Community Grants Program. The donor, who gave the gift through a donor advised fund at The Seattle Foundation, wanted to find a way to make a significant impact across the state. “The donor felt that the best way to affect change in the state was to give to Community Foundations, since they know the greatest needs in their communities” said Brent Ponton, philanthropic advisor at The Seattle Foundation. The donor gave to other community foundations in the state for their discretionary grant-making programs as well.

The gift will be applied to the Fall 2013 and Spring 2014 cycles of the foundation’s Regional Impact Grants, which provides up to $5,000 for general programs, needs, and enhancements for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Each year, the foundation awards up to $200,000 in Regional Impact Grants and this gift increases the amount awarded by 20%, helping more nonprofits meet the needs of our region.

The Community Foundation is often the only access to funding that our region’s nonprofits have to help make real change happen in their communities. “We are seeing a record number of grant applications come through our office” said Beth Stipe, CFNCW executive director. ”This is a truly generous gift that couldn’t have come at a better time, where need is at its highest.”