Deadline for applications is August 15

information released

The Community Foundation of NCW is now accepting applications for its new Legacy Funds Grant program which provides place-based, community-centered, unrestricted grant funding to charitable organizations by geographic region.

The application is now open to charitable organizations in Cashmere, Chelan Valley, Upper Valley, and Wenatchee Valley. Qualified organizations will complete the same online application, regardless of location. The deadline is August 15.

Each Legacy Fund Grant has its own criteria, established by their Local Advisory Board (LAB), comprised of volunteers, who are also responsible for reviewing applications and awarding grants within their respective communities. The LABs represent a broad and diverse cross section of each community, including a mix of long-time and newer residents, working and retired individuals, and community members. Advisors provide leadership and input and recommend the grant awards from their community’s Legacy Fund.

“We have a Local Advisory Board for each Legacy Fund that has received training on how Community Foundation grants are reviewed and evaluated” said Jennifer Short, director of community grants at the foundation. “Each LAB also includes a foundation Trustee and staff to help direct and guide the process. We’re looking forward to including more community members in our grant-making process as they understand their community’s critical needs and enrichment opportunities best.”

Legacy Funds have been established by donors – some through their will or bequest, others by living donors – who gave meaningful gifts directed to support their community. The Foundation reshaped its competitive grantmaking program to carry out the wishes of the donor and capture the knowledge of community members so that local giving can make a greater impact.

The Legacy Fund Grant Program has replaced the Regional Impact Grant program, which ended in 2023. The grant application for charitable agencies in Okanogan County will open in Spring 2025 while all others will open in Fall 2024.

For more information and to apply, visit https://cfncw.org/legacyfundsgrant/.

The Community Foundation of North Central Washington’s mission is to grow, protect, and connect charitable gifts in support of strong communities throughout Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties. Established in 1986, the Community Foundation manages $130 million in assets through 600+ individual funds and has awarded over $55 million in grants and scholarships.