The Community Foundation of NCW is excited to announce expansion in staff and programming to further support charitable causes, increase philanthropic opportunities, and continue building strong communities across the region.

Claire Oatey, currently the Director of Community Grants, will be assuming a new role as Director of Community Engagement – connecting nonprofits, local agencies, and organizations with similar goals and missions to build community philanthropy and leadership in NCW communities. The Foundation, in partnership with Our Valley Our Future and several other nonprofits, will be offering a new Civic Leadership program in 2024 that encourages families, parents, and community members to get more involved in their local government and civic activities and bring new and diverse voices to leadership roles.

The Foundation welcomes our new Director of Community Grants, Jennifer Short, who will be working out of Okanogan County where the Foundation will be opening a regional satellite office. This will extend opportunities for Okanogan County residents, nonprofits, and donors to the programs and services that the Foundation provides. Jennifer brings a background in the nonprofit sector, along with being an educator, and is bilingual. A local Okanogan County resident, she will help build and steward relationships within the County and throughout the Foundation’s service region. She will manage the Foundation’s grant program along with forming and overseeing local advisory boards that will participate in the grantmaking process.

The Community Foundation serves Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties building permanent charitable resources which enable grant funding opportunities as well as capacity building programs that aim to strengthen nonprofit organizations through training and professional development to help better achieve their missions. These new programs will elevate its current services to continue its mission to grow, protect, and connect charitable gifts in support of strong communities.

Claire Oatey, Director of Community Engagement

Jennifer Short, Director of Community Grants