Community Foundation Launches Campaign To Grow Endowment To $10 Million, Strengthen Local Philanthropy For Generations (Photo) - 06/04/26

Vancouver, Wash., June 4, 2026 — The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington launched its Laying the Groundwork Campaign on Tuesday afternoon. The effort aims to grow the local grantmaking organization’s Administrative Endowment Fund to $10 million by the start of 2027.

The campaign was unveiled during the organization’s Annual Luncheon, where more than 600 community leaders, donors and nonprofit partners gathered. To help launch the effort, David and Patricia Nierenberg made a $500,000 challenge gift, inviting others to invest in the Community Foundation’s long-term capacity and impact.

The campaign comes at a pivotal moment. Recent findings from the Community Foundation’s Finding New Ways Forward report show that many nonprofits are feeling squeezed by decreased federal funding and rising demand for essential services.

“Strong communities require strong institutions,” Morton said. “By investing in the Community Foundation itself, donors are helping create the conditions for greater generosity, stronger nonprofits and shared prosperity across southwest Washington.”

The announcement follows another record year of impact. In 2025, the Community Foundation and its donors distributed $38.5 million in grants and more than $1.1 million in scholarships. The organization also expanded its SWIIFT Initiative and Social Justice and Resiliency Fund, both of which channel private philanthropic dollars toward critical community projects and nonprofit capacity building. To learn more about the Laying the Groundwork Campaign, visit cfsww.org/groundwork.

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.

Community Foundation To Celebrate Giving And Community On June 2 (Photo) - 05/20/26

Vancouver, Wash., May 20, 2026 — The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington will host its 2026 Annual Luncheon on Tuesday, June 2, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Hilton Vancouver Washington. The Community Foundation will present its 2026 SW Washington Philanthropy Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations that contribute generously and consistently to local causes.

SW Washington LULAC Council #47013 will receive the Community Champion Award for empowering the Latino community through advocacy, education, civic engagement and youth leadership. Deborah D. and Paul B. Speer will be honored as Philanthropists of the Year for providing steady financial support, executive coaching and volunteer leadership to nonprofits, especially those advancing a more equitable community. Paul Christensen will also be honored posthumously with a Catalyst Award for Philanthropic Innovation to recognize his creative approaches to philanthropy, which included transforming his business, Realvest Corporation, into a source for lasting community improvement.

The program also features a conversation with Rukaiyah Adams, President and CEO of 1803 Fund. This innovative organization is focused on advancing generational wealth and well-being for Black Portland by investing in real assets, financial tools and community power. Blending her expertise in financial markets with lived experience growing up in subsidized housing, Rukaiyah will discuss what it takes to build equitable communities, where prosperity is within reach for everyone.

Tickets to this community event, which is not a fundraiser, are available for purchase online at cfsww.org/luncheon. Regarded as southwest Washington’s preeminent celebration of philanthropy, the Annual Luncheon is made possible thanks to generous sponsors like Clark College Foundation, The Columbian, The Kuni Foundation, Leslie Durst, First Pacific Financial, OnPoint Community Credit Union and Sellwood Investment Partners.

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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.