The Community Foundation of NCW has awarded $438,026 through its new Legacy Fund Grant program to charitable organizations in Cashmere, Chelan Valley, Wenatchee Valley, and the Upper Valley. Organizations supported through these grants address a wide variety of needs, including food security, housing, education, community enrichment, and more. These grants will help strengthen communities and empower organizations to expand their impact across North Central Washington. Celebrations and grant award presentations were held in each community, marking the beginning of this new initiative for local philanthropy.

Local Advisory Boards (LAB), consisting of volunteers representing a broad cross-section of their communities, including long-time and newer residents of all ages and backgrounds, conducted over 60 site visits across Chelan and Douglas Counties.  As part of the grant evaluation process, LAB members provide valuable insights and recommendations to ensure grantmaking decisions align with local priorities. This new process has been well-received within participating communities, engaging residents throughout the region in local philanthropy in a meaningful way.

“I loved learning more about our community and our non-profits – some of which I was completely unaware of” said one LAB member. “Seeing the passion of those who give so much and sometimes seem to work magic with what they have to work with. Their dedication is infectious! It was good to meet with LAB members and see and hear different perspectives.”

The creation of Legacy Funds was made possible through generous donations to the Legacy Fund’s Founders Circle. Contributions of $5,000 or more through a bequest, or direct gifts to any Legacy Fund endowment, are honored as a part of the Founders Circle. These gifts create a lasting impact by building a permanent resource for each community in NCW. The Community Foundation adds additional funds to annual grantmaking allocations from CFNCW’s Good Grows Here Fund, to ensure communities have equitable resources. Anyone can join the Founders Circle with a contribution of $5,000 or more to their community’s endowed fund, ensuring these funds remain sustainable for future generations. Gifts can also be made to the annual grantmaking allocation, which directly benefits the community each year by supporting immediate needs and opportunities.

“The place-based Legacy Funds began with a series of generous bequests by donors who cared deeply for their hometowns and wanted them to thrive well beyond their lifetimes” said Denise Sorom, director of philanthropic and program services. “After deciding to restructure our grantmaking program around these local funds, we have seen several more donors stepping up to support this initiative in their communities. Empowering local residents with grant-making decisions makes sense not only for the nonprofits receiving the funds, but for growing awareness and support for the work of local charities throughout our region.”

Two more communities will have upcoming Legacy Fund Grant opportunities: Methow Valley Fund Grant cycle is currently in progress with a deadline of January 15, 2025, and the Okanogan Valley Fund Grant cycle will open in February 2025. Grants in each community will continue to be awarded annually.

The Community Foundation of NCW remains committed to engaging local residents, fostering partnerships, and inspiring philanthropy to address the unique challenges and opportunities in each community.

For more information about Legacy Funds or Local Advisory Boards, visit www.cfncw.org/legacyfunds.

Legacy Fund Grant Award Recipients

Cashmere Valley Fund – $26,500

• 9/11 Spirit of America Memorial
• Cashmere Community Church (Essential Items Pantry)
• Cashmere Food Bank
• Cashmere Museum & Pioneer Village
• Christ Center (Soccer Fields and Garden Maintenance)
• Happy Letters Association
• Ridge 2 River Animal Haven

Chelan Valley Fund – $46,158

• Chelan Valley Housing Trust
• Heritage Heights at Lake Chelan
• Lake Chelan EMS
• Lake Chelan Valley Habitat for Humanity
• Lake Chelan Recreation Development Foundation
• Manger Mall
• Manson Library
• Only7Seconds
• Tender Loving Care for Seniors
• Thrive Chelan Valley/Manson Teen Center

Upper Valley Fund – $49,368

• Cascade Education Foundation
• Cascade Medical Foundation
• Cascade PTSA
• Friends of Peshastin Library
• Leavenworth Community United Methodist Church (Packing Friendship)
• Leavenworth Summer Theater
• Leavenworth Winter Sports Club
• Mountain Sprouts
• Plain Valley Ski Trails
• Tierra Learning Center
• Upper Valley Connection
• Upper Valley MEND
• Village Art in the Park
• Wenatchee River Institute
• Waste Loop

Wenatchee Valley Fund – $316,000

• Cancer Care of NCW
• Chelan Douglas Child Services
• Common Ground Community Housing Trust
• Communities in Schools
• Garden Terrace Senior Living
• Girls on the Run of Columbia Valley
• Grace Lutheran Church (Packing Friendship)
• North Central Education Foundation
• NCW Arts Alliance
• NCW Community Toy Drive
• NCW Economic Development District
• Serve Wenatchee Valley
• Small Miracles
• TEAMS Learning Center
• The Brave Warrior Project
• Together for Youth
• Wenatchee for Immigrant Justice
• Wenatchee Valley Senior Activity Center
• Wenatchee Valley Symphony Association
• Women’s Resource Center
• Women’s Service League

The Community Foundation wishes to recognize the Founder’s Circle donors who make these grants possible: Gerald Doyle, Hal and Florence Field, Linda Evans Parlette, Estate of Albert Ratcliffe, Lauren and Ross Peterson, Bob and Pat Ogburn, and Mike and Ann Hammer.