Community Foundation for SW Washington

Emergency Messages as of 9:22 PM, Sat. Feb 14

No information currently posted.

logo

Subscribe to receive FlashAlert messages from Community Foundation for SW Washington.

Manage my existing Subscription

News Release

Foundation Celebrates Record, Opens 2026 Scholarship Applications (Photo) - 02/11/26

Vancouver, Wash., Feb. 11, 2026 — The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington recently opened online applications for its 2026 scholarship cycle. Last year, the program awarded a record $1.44 million to students pursuing postsecondary education in the 2025-2026 academic year.

 

Deanna Green, Senior Scholarship Officer and Development Associate, said the program’s growth is thanks to the generosity of local people. Last year, donors established three new scholarship funds, and the program awarded 499 scholarships overall — a 15 percent increase from the previous year.

 

“Scholarships are not only an important financial resource; they show students that someone out there believes in their talent and potential,” Green said. “Yet, even with our program growth, more than 60% of qualified applicants were unable to receive support last year.”

 

This year, there are 74 scholarships supporting undergraduate, graduate, technical and trade programs. Some are focused on students who graduate from certain high schools, attend specific colleges or pursue distinct fields of study, such as architecture, business, engineering, nursing, firefighting, teaching and the arts. Others offer broad support to students facing educational barriers, such as those who have experienced foster care, domestic violence, incarceration, homelessness or those living with disabilities.

 

Students can access all Community Foundation scholarships through a single eligibility quiz that quickly matches applicants to eligible opportunities. Students interested in learning more or applying for a scholarship award can visit www.cfsww.org/scholarships. Applications close on April 30, 2026.

 

About the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington

Established in 1984, the Community Foundation helps residents create a flourishing and just southwest Washington by fostering impactful giving, trusted partnerships and civic engagement. Its team of experts has partnered with local donors and professional advisors to establish more than 380 charitable funds. Collectively, these funds expand opportunities every year by providing grants for nonprofits and scholarships for students. Find out how you can become a part of its giving community at cfsww.org.


###

Attached Media Files: Deanna Green speaks about the transformational power of scholarships during a reception celebrating the Community Foundation’s General Scholarship Fund in July 2025. (Photo courtesy of Community Foundation for Southwest Washington), Deanna Green (center) gathers with students, parents and committee members for a photo following a reception celebrating the Community Foundation’s General Scholarship Fund. (Photo courtesy of Community Foundation for Southwest Washington),

Foundation Celebrates Record, Opens 2026 Scholarship Applications (Photo) - 02/11/26

Vancouver, Wash., Feb. 11, 2026 — The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington recently opened online applications for its 2026 scholarship cycle. Last year, the program awarded a record $1.44 million to students pursuing postsecondary education in the 2025-2026 academic year.

 

Deanna Green, Senior Scholarship Officer and Development Associate, said the program’s growth is thanks to the generosity of local people. Last year, donors established three new scholarship funds, and the program awarded 499 scholarships overall — a 15 percent increase from the previous year.

 

“Scholarships are not only an important financial resource; they show students that someone out there believes in their talent and potential,” Green said. “Yet, even with our program growth, more than 60% of qualified applicants were unable to receive support last year.”

 

This year, there are 74 scholarships supporting undergraduate, graduate, technical and trade programs. Some are focused on students who graduate from certain high schools, attend specific colleges or pursue distinct fields of study, such as architecture, business, engineering, nursing, firefighting, teaching and the arts. Others offer broad support to students facing educational barriers, such as those who have experienced foster care, domestic violence, incarceration, homelessness or those living with disabilities.

 

Students can access all Community Foundation scholarships through a single eligibility quiz that quickly matches applicants to eligible opportunities. Students interested in learning more or applying for a scholarship award can visit www.cfsww.org/scholarships. Applications close on April 30, 2026.

 

About the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington

Established in 1984, the Community Foundation helps residents create a flourishing and just southwest Washington by fostering impactful giving, trusted partnerships and civic engagement. Its team of experts has partnered with local donors and professional advisors to establish more than 380 charitable funds. Collectively, these funds expand opportunities every year by providing grants for nonprofits and scholarships for students. Find out how you can become a part of its giving community at cfsww.org.


###

Attached Media Files: Deanna Green speaks about the transformational power of scholarships during a reception celebrating the Community Foundation’s General Scholarship Fund in July 2025. (Photo courtesy of Community Foundation for Southwest Washington), Deanna Green (center) gathers with students, parents and committee members for a photo following a reception celebrating the Community Foundation’s General Scholarship Fund. (Photo courtesy of Community Foundation for Southwest Washington),

Community Foundation Opens Philanthropy Award Nominations (Photo) - 02/04/26

Vancouver, Wash., February 4, 2026 — The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington opened public nominations for its 2026 Philanthropist of the Year and Community Champion Awards. The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. on Friday, March 6. More information and an online nomination form are available at cfsww.org/awards.   

 

Kate Jones and Marty Rifkin of the KMR Group Foundation were most recently honored as Philanthropists of the Year. This award celebrates individuals, couples, families or foundations who serve as exemplars of generosity through their outstanding charitable leadership and support. Ian Thompson, the founder of Lower Columbia School Gardens, received the Community Champion Award, which honors individuals or organizations that are addressing our region’s most pressing issues in ways that improve the quality of life for all southwest Washington residents. A complete list of past recipients is available on the website.  

 

The Community Foundation welcomes all applicants to reflect and honor the many ways that people care for and contribute to communities in Clark, Cowlitz and Skamania Counties. These honors are part of the Southwest Washington Philanthropy Awards presented each year during the grantmaking organization’s Annual Luncheon. This year’s event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Hilton Vancouver Washington. Tickets will be available for purchase in April at cfsww.org. 

 

About the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington  

Established in 1984, the Community Foundation helps residents create a flourishing and just southwest Washington by fostering impactful giving, trusted partnerships and civic engagement. Its team of experts has partnered with local donors and professional advisors to establish more than 380 charitable funds. Collectively, these funds expand opportunities every year by providing grants for nonprofits and scholarships for students. Find out how you can become a part of its giving community at cfsww.org.  

Attached Media Files: Community Foundation president Matt Morton (from left) stands with 2025 Community Champion honoree Ian Thompson and nominator Jane Tesner Kleiner. Thompson received the award for his community-driven leadership in founding Lower Columbia School Gardens, which has connected thousands of students to hands-on learning and healthy food across the Longview-Kelso region. (Photo courtesy of Community Foundation for Southwest Washington), 2025 Philanthropists of the Year, Kate Jones (left) and Marty Rifkin (right), stand with Community Foundation president Matt Morton (center left) and nominator Billy Henry. The couple was recognized for their decades-long support of education and basic human needs causes in southwest Washington, characterized by close partnerships and collaboration with the organizations they fund. (Photo courtesy of Community Foundation for Southwest Washington),

Community Foundation Opens Philanthropy Award Nominations (Photo) - 02/04/26

Vancouver, Wash., February 4, 2026 — The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington opened public nominations for its 2026 Philanthropist of the Year and Community Champion Awards. The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. on Friday, March 6. More information and an online nomination form are available at cfsww.org/awards.   

 

Kate Jones and Marty Rifkin of the KMR Group Foundation were most recently honored as Philanthropists of the Year. This award celebrates individuals, couples, families or foundations who serve as exemplars of generosity through their outstanding charitable leadership and support. Ian Thompson, the founder of Lower Columbia School Gardens, received the Community Champion Award, which honors individuals or organizations that are addressing our region’s most pressing issues in ways that improve the quality of life for all southwest Washington residents. A complete list of past recipients is available on the website.  

 

The Community Foundation welcomes all applicants to reflect and honor the many ways that people care for and contribute to communities in Clark, Cowlitz and Skamania Counties. These honors are part of the Southwest Washington Philanthropy Awards presented each year during the grantmaking organization’s Annual Luncheon. This year’s event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Hilton Vancouver Washington. Tickets will be available for purchase in April at cfsww.org. 

 

About the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington  

Established in 1984, the Community Foundation helps residents create a flourishing and just southwest Washington by fostering impactful giving, trusted partnerships and civic engagement. Its team of experts has partnered with local donors and professional advisors to establish more than 380 charitable funds. Collectively, these funds expand opportunities every year by providing grants for nonprofits and scholarships for students. Find out how you can become a part of its giving community at cfsww.org.  

Attached Media Files: Community Foundation president Matt Morton (from left) stands with 2025 Community Champion honoree Ian Thompson and nominator Jane Tesner Kleiner. Thompson received the award for his community-driven leadership in founding Lower Columbia School Gardens, which has connected thousands of students to hands-on learning and healthy food across the Longview-Kelso region. (Photo courtesy of Community Foundation for Southwest Washington), 2025 Philanthropists of the Year, Kate Jones (left) and Marty Rifkin (right), stand with Community Foundation president Matt Morton (center left) and nominator Billy Henry. The couple was recognized for their decades-long support of education and basic human needs causes in southwest Washington, characterized by close partnerships and collaboration with the organizations they fund. (Photo courtesy of Community Foundation for Southwest Washington),