METHOW VALLEY FUND

Sustainable funding for a healthy, vibrant Methow Valley

The Methow Valley is known for its natural beauty, caring and passionate citizens, endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, and lively artistic and cultural offerings. And yet it also has its own challenges - wealth disparity, lack of affordable housing, early childhood and elder care, environmental stewardship, and social safety net needs.

But there is hope with resources and an abundance of compassionate community members that are working collectively to create solutions.

The Methow Valley Fund was established to support the charitable organizations that work to tackle these social challenges while also providing rich cultural experiences and education. Through the MVF Fund and MVF Endowment, financial resources are available to nonprofits that are making an impact in the community.

There are many ways to be engaged with the Methow Valley Fund - whether you give or serve, or both! The Foundation is honored to be a charitable vehicle to support this part of our region.

  • Give to the Methow Valley Fund

    A gift to the Methow Valley Fund provides immediate and flexible funding to support Methow Valley nonprofits through the annual Methow Valley Fund Grant and other opportunities such as the Methow Valley Game Changer Grant. GIVE NOW

    A gift to the Methow Valley Endowment Fund provides long term sustainability for the Methow Valley Fund Grant. A percentage of the endowment fund is used each year for the Methow Valley Fund Grant. As the endowment grows, this distribution continues to provide greater funding and in perpetuity. GIVE NOW

  • Leave a Legacy to the Methow

    Leave a Legacy to the Methow. A legacy gift from your will or estate plan can provide significant financial resources for the Methow Valley beyond your lifetime. You can choose to donate to the Methow Valley Fund for immediate impact or leave an endowed gift to the Methow Valley Endowment Fund that will provide annual support to local charities for generations to come. LEARN MORE

  • Apply for a Methow Valley Fund Grant

    The Methow Valley Fund Grant program supports nonprofit organizations and agencies with programs that address community needs in the Methow Valley. This grant provides $4,000 and $9,000 grants to dozens of nonprofits each year.

    Application open December 1, deadline January 15.

  • Apply for the Methow Valley Fund Game Changer Grant

    The Methow Valley Fund Game Changer Grant program is intended to provide a significant funding opportunity that empowers a nonprofit organization or collaborative to take their work to the next level and make a significant impact on a Methow Valley community issue. Collaborations are welcomed and encouraged.

    Application open April 1, deadline May 1. 

  • Methow Valley Local Advisory Board

    Join the Methow Valley Advisory Board. Advisors provide leadership and input, recommend grants from restricted funds established to benefit the Methow Valley community, and help grow endowment funds at the Foundation by inspiring potential donors to leave a legacy in their local community. The Methow Valley Fund Advisory Board aims to represent a broad and diverse cross section of the community, including a mix of long-time and newer residents, working and retired individuals, donors, volunteers, nonprofit representatives, and community members. LEARN MORE

    Methow Valley LAB Members
    • Peter Arneil
    • Betsy Cushman
    • Don Linnertz
    • Jay Lucas
    • Don Miller
    • Nancy Milsteadt
    • Karen Nichols
    • Sara Steele
    • Kelly Wiest
    • Jacob Young
  • Give Methow

    Give Methow is an online fundraising campaign that supports Methow Valley nonprofits. From October 1-31, visit www.GiveMethow.org to donate to one or more nonprofits. Minimum donation is just $10 and we take care of the credit card fees so 100% of your donation directly support the nonprofits. The Foundation also provides matching funds and giving incentives. If your organization is interested in participating, 

FOUNDERS CIRCLE

Donors considering gifts of $5,000 or more can join the Founders Circle, endowing those dollars for a lasting impact on the place they love.

  • Estate of Ken Westman
  • Estate of Mike Real
  • Estate of Benjamin T Gilmore
  • Estate of David Walter
  • Kathleen Arneil
  • Karen Nichols and Alan Watson

ANNUAL DONORS

Donors who make a gift toward the annual grantmaking allocation.

  • David Clement and Betsy Weiss

To discuss your giving options, please call the Community Foundation at 509-663-7716.

YOUR GIFT AT WORK

Cruz.Xitlali

Xitlali Cruz

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

I am currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Computer Science at Stanford. Since the beginning of my freshman year I have been involved with clubs such as Stanford’s Space Initiative (SSI) and the Society of Latinx Engineers (SOLE). In SSI I built a rocket and launched it.

ThomasSmith

Aero Methow Rescue Service

GRANT RECIPIENT

Due to being rural, remote, and geographically isolated, we must be prepared to do more than respond to emergencies. We have become a healthcare partner who fills gaps in service. The grant allowed our board the time and ability to work with a Strategic Planner to modify our plan to address those gaps.

2019RIGOutreach-RosieYardSigns-Crop

Chelan Douglas Volunteer Attorney Services

GRANT RECIPIENT

The grant provided funds to hire a Housing Justice and Outreach Coordinator to visit rural and underserved areas. Rosie’s bilingual and bicultural skills and experience have increased equity of service. Rosie is building partnerships with local organizations through events such as the Columbia Valley Community Health’s Back to School Drive, as well as posting yard signs.

Tenoch Mandujano

Tenoch Mandujano

Scholarship Recipient

My father was a migrant agricultural worker who eventually started his own cherry and apple orchard. He told me if I wanted to live a better life, I had to get an education. I plan on starting a career with the Chelan PUD with a passion for renewable energy and in turn give back to my parents and community for supporting my dreams.

$0 M

ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT

$0 M

GRANTS & SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

0+

CHARITABLE FUNDS

FOUNDATION FACTS

arc-darkest-green-01