“Snow in April is abominable,” said Anne. “Like a slap in the face when you expected a kiss.”― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Ingleside Are we in the second false spring? Or still in the first? It’s hard to say. It is very nice to notice the extra minutes of sun each day. I had my right knee replaced in January. It’s coming … Read More
March 2022 Newsletter: A Major Thank You
Shortly after I started here, the board held a retreat to determine our course for the next season. The strategic plan that came out of that retreat noted three overarching areas the Board wanted to focus on. Without fully unpacking them, the items were: Attract and Steward Donors Deepen Organizational Effectiveness and Build Internal Capacity. We have been working towards … Read More
February Newsletter: A unique Valentine’s gift idea
Update from the Executive Director February newsletter? Already? What happened to January? I guess I’ll have to talk about red roses and chocolate hearts. Or not. Of all the ways to honor your love for someone, a gift in honor of that relationship is a unique way to say, “I love you” and says you know and understand the things … Read More
January Newsletter: Pick.Click.Give Season
Update from the Executive Director It is that time of year we Alaskans look forward to…yes, that’s right. Pick.Click.Give season!!! Well, actually it’s time to sign up for the PFD and if you want, take that opportunity to support Alaska non profits. If you find giving through Pick.Click.Give easy and appealing, then by all means give to support the issues … Read More
December 2021 Newsletter: Holiday Potpourri
Update from the Executive Director PICKING UP? I recently spoke with another foundation who is also a funder of grants in our area. They shared that last year it felt to them as if many nonprofits had hit “pause” on new initiatives. We also felt that here locally. Last year grant requests were down due to COVID-19 in response to … Read More
November 2021 Newsletter: Thoughts on Gratitude
Update from Executive Director gratitude grăt′ĭ-too͞d″, -tyoo͞d″ noun The state of being grateful; thankfulness. The state or quality of being grateful or thankful; a warm and friendly feeling in response to a favor or favors received; thankfulness. Synonyms See grateful. I’ll be the first to admit that in our world today it is sometimes easier to see those things we … Read More
2021 Annual Meeting Recap
Thank you to everyone who attended our annual meeting on Wednesday, November 17, 2021. IT was a lovely Zoom gathering celebrating 30 years of the Homer Foundation. Here is a copy of our annual report: And here is the video recording of the meeting: Also huge congratulations to our People’s Choice Award Winners: Kachemak Swim Club, nominated by Matt Clark … Read More
October 2021 Newsletter: Facilitating Community Projects
Update from the Executive Director No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it. H.E. Luccock One of the many benefits of being an independent community foundation is the agility and flexibility to react to community needs. One of the ways we do that is through facilitating and supporting community projects. Over the years, we … Read More
September Newsletter: Recommitting to Vanguard Investment Management
Update from the Executive Director Last month, the Board of Trustees of the Homer Foundation recommitted to using Vanguard Investment Services as our investment managers. Since moving to Vanguard in 2018 we have experienced positive and predictable growth following their market based strategy. In fiscal year 2019 (July 1 – June 30) our performance was 6.53%, in 2020 we were … Read More
August Newsletter: Plan on a “Both/And” Gifts
Update from the Executive Director “Did you get your fish?” That is a often heard question this time of year. People who haven’t got their fish (or don’t have as much as they’d like) are making last minute plans before the season slips away. To be successful, you have to think about it in advance, plan time off and be … Read More