The Community Foundation of North Central Washington announces two new members have joined the Methow Valley Fund Advisory Board: Danica Ready and Julie Tate-Libby.

Danica Ready has lived in the Methow since 2001 and holds degrees in education, geology, and conservation biology. Her professional experience includes community outreach, organizational development, fundraising and public relations. She has been involved in the Valley’s non-profit community as staff, volunteer, and board member. Danica believes that our community has great potential to increase the capacity and impact of Methow Valley non-profits, and sees the Methow Valley Fund as a tool to simplify and amplify the philanthropic wishes of Methow Valley supporters. Danica loves to bake, hike, run, ski and climb with her kids and friends, and her most recent passion is poetry. She is the Program Director for the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association and lives near Mazama.

Julie Tate-Libby grew up in the Methow Valley. Following completion of her Masters, PhD, and extensive travel, she returned to the Methow Valley to raise her family. Julie’s research and writings are strongly focused on the role of place in our lives. She has studied and written about amenity migration, specifically in the Methow Valley. She feels that broad involvement in community is integral to a sense of belonging and place, and because of this, Julie is drawn to working with the Methow Valley Fund. Julie teaches anthropology and sociology at Wenatchee Valley College, and lives with her family near Carlton.

The Methow Valley Fund was established in 2006 in partnership with the Community Foundation of NCW to serve the specific needs of the Methow Valley through its nonprofit organizations. Its mission is “sustainable funding for a healthy, vibrant Methow Valley”. The Fund is advised by a diverse group of local volunteers that live and work in the valley and are passionate about the charitable work being done in the community. They have first-hand knowledge of local needs and opportunities.

A permanent endowment managed by the Community Foundation, the Methow Valley Fund offers grants up to $5,000 each spring to fund nonprofit projects that address community needs. In 2012, the Methow Valley Fund awarded $42,800 to 20 nonprofits in the valley, including Aero Methow Rescue Service, Classroom in Bloom, Merc Playhouse, Room One, and more. The Community Foundation of NCW is currently accepting grant applications for the Methow Valley Fund with a deadline of January 15.