Community Foundation of NCW marks 40 years with $170,000 gift match

WENATCHEE — The Community Foundation of North Central Washington will match donations dollar for dollar through June 2027, up to nearly $170,000, as part of a yearlong celebration of its 40th anniversary.

The matching campaign, called One For Everyone, is built around the idea of one dollar for every person in North Central Washington, the foundation said. Matched gifts will go to the foundation's Legacy Fund program, which supports grantmaking to nonprofits across the region rather than a single organization or cause.

The foundation was established in 1986 with a $2.1 million gift from the sale of assets connected to Chelan County Medical Service Corp., a group led by local physicians and community leaders. It now serves Chelan, Douglas and Okanogan counties and manages $189 million in assets across more than 600 funds, according to the foundation.

"You do not have to do everything to do something meaningful," said Beth Stipe, the foundation's executive director. "Looking back on 40 years of generosity, what is so powerful, is how a small group of individuals created something which has inspired thousands more to contribute to building a better future for NCW."

Stipe said $105 million has been invested locally in grants and scholarships since 1986.

The anniversary celebration, which began this month, will feature archival photographs, newspaper clippings, community stories and regional events recognizing donors, volunteers, students, advisers, trustees and nonprofit partners. Wenatchee Valley Medical Group is the anniversary's founding sponsor.

The foundation is also asking residents to mark the anniversary with one local act, such as giving, volunteering, attending a nonprofit event or sharing a story.

The foundation's programs include Give NCW, Give Methow, scholarships, nonprofit education and the Leadership Institute.

Information on the campaign and anniversary stories is available at cfncw.org/40th or by calling 509-663-7716.