For the first time since it began grantmaking in 2003, the Gorge Community Foundation’s annual grantmaking has reached half a million dollars in a single year, confirmed executive director Jill Burnette after December grants were approved by the board of directors at its December 4 board meeting.
The grants included $393,000 in grants to local organizations and $107,000 in scholarships, all issued during calendar year 2023. “This is a remarkable achievement for a small community foundation,” said board chair Gil Sharp. “It’s a testament to the generosity of our fundholders and the strength of our region’s non-profit organizations.”
Gorge Community Foundation donor advisors may grant 5% of their fund’s balance each year to qualified non-profit, municipal, and educational institutions. Donor advisors choose a wide variety of causes for their support, including arts and culture, environment, education, youth, health care, sports, animal welfare, seniors, food security, and social services. They are welcome to make contributions to any qualified organizations of their choice with GCF board approval, but most choose to focus their giving in the six counties that comprise the Columbia River Gorge.
Says Burnette, “GCF exists to strengthen our region through philanthropy. We’re proud that our fundholders choose to support needs and causes in this region that we call home.”
About the Gorge Community Foundation
Founded in 2001, the Gorge Community Foundation’s assets total $8 million and the Foundation manages 50 designated funds, 34 donor advised funds and nine scholarship funds. The Foundation is managed by a 10-member Board of Directors led by board president Gil Sharp that includes representation from Gorge communities from Stevenson to Arlington on both sides of the river. More information is available at www.gorgecf.org.
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