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.
