flourishing future

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A group of smiling, southwest Washington residents pose together at the Marshall Park grand opening in 2023.

A Flourishing Future

Together, we're bringing our community's vision within reach.
For 40 years, the Community Foundation has worked with local donors, nonprofits and residents to bring big visions to life.

Together, we have transformed this region for the better, and we hope to continue building on this legacy of impact for decades to come. You can help by donating to the Administrative Endowment. This fund powers our efforts to strengthen southwest Washington.

What We Do

Build Community Resilience

Build Community Resilience

We activate local philanthropy to sustain a thriving and diverse nonprofit sector that can address the pressing needs of today and expand opportunities for a flourishing future. On average, we provide more than $20 million in grants and scholarships every year. These investments support a range of critical causes from healthcare to the arts.

Guide Strategic Giving

Guide Strategic Giving

With a bird’s eye view of the region’s nonprofit sector, we understand our region's greatest needs and the organizations that can best serve them. Our staff leverages this deep community knowledge, expertise and insight to help hundreds of caring donors give with greater impact each year. We are a bridge, connecting givers to local causes and each other in meaningful ways.

Elevate Local Solutions

Elevate Local Solutions

We believe the best solutions to local challenges reside here in southwest Washington. Working at the intersection of philanthropy and community we consistently collaborate with and convene donors, nonprofits, businesses, local governments and engaged residents. By identifying, creating and advocating for community-driven solutions, we accelerate the rate of progress on our region's most critical issues.

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David and Patricia Nierenberg pose side by side.

Anniversary Challenge Match

To honor our 40th anniversary, David and Patricia Nierenberg have provided a $40,000 challenge match to continue growing the Administrative Endowment. You can help us meet this match and double your donation by giving before January 31. Every contribution will strengthen our efforts to build community resiliency, guide strategic giving and elevate local solutions.

What does a flourishing future look like?

We listen to our community’s hopes and work to build a flourishing future for all.
Students who are the first in their family to earn a post-secondary degree create a ripple effect of generational wealth and educational success.

Penny Tovar

Penny is a registered nurse and program director who envisions a community where first-generation students can achieve their educational dreams. The Community Foundation works to bring her vision closer by operating a scholarship program for local students. This year, our team awarded more than $1.1 million to scholars, 43 percent of whom were first-generation graduates.

A flourishing place is one where the root causes of homelessness have been addressed and public encampments are all but gone.

Carol Mackey

Carol is a retired educator who wants to live in a community where everyone can experience the safety and security of stable housing. The Community Foundation is working toward her vision by helping donors give with greater impact. Working in partnership, we granted $2.5 million to programs and services across the housing continuum last year.

Where everyone has access to the right resources and opportunities to help make our community more peaceful and safe.

Lester Griffin

Lester Griffin is a local contractor and nonprofit leader who imagines a community that invests in equitable development. The Community Foundation is moving toward this vision by launching innovative solutions like the SWIIFT Initiative, which provides low-interest loans to help scale effective nonprofit programs and accelerate the pace of affordable housing development in southwest Washington.

A Legacy of Impact

We have worked with caring residents to strengthen our region for four decades. Our collective efforts have resulted in grants and scholarships totalling more than $314 million. You can help us continue this legacy of impact and double your donation by making a gift today.

Ed and Dollie Lynch smiling at the camera

Where It All Began

When Ed and Dollie Lynch made southwest Washington their home, they saw its potential as a glorious garden and dedicated their lives to nurturing it. From establishing the Community Foundation’s Administrative Endowment to supporting countless nonprofits, their vision and generosity continue to blossom. Discover how their lasting legacy still inspires giving and strengthens our region today.

Keep Us Moving

Match your gift today. Multiply our impact forever.

The Community Foundation was created as an engine for local impact. That purpose continues to guide us as we pursue a shared vision for a flourishing southwest Washington. You can help move us forward by making a gift to the Administrative Endowment today. Every contribution is invested for long-term growth, which means your dollars will continue sustaining our mission for generations to come. We hope you’ll consider showing your support and help us create a region that reflects all our greatest aspirations.