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 the associated safety questions and fundraising challenges it brought. At the writing of this newsletter, the Homer Foundation has already made 42 grants this year totaling over $123,000. That’s more than 10% ahead of last year. Despite new COVID-19 challenges, it seems area nonprofits are shaking off that feeling of uncertainly and again making strides in their missions. That’s nice to see.

THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS

You may not realized it, but we work with about 75 plus volunteers throughout the year. Some donate pro bono services, some are administrative, most of are on a committee of some type. We ask our volunteers to bring their experiences, expertise, and (of course) hearts to help us make wise and appropriate grant and scholarship decisions. Our volunteers do the heavy lifting that makes sure we represent the communities between Ninilchik and Nanwalek. Thank you all. We really couldn’t do what we do without  you.

If you’d like to be a volunteer, call me at 235-0551 or email info@homerfoundation.org. 

MATCH

As this calendar year draws to a close I want  to remind everyone we have (thanks to an amazing, generous donor) a $20,0000 match through the end of the year. Every donation to the Opportunity Fund will be matched dollar for dollar up to $20,000. Thanks to donors like you, we have already raised over $6,800!!! The Opportunity Fund is where we go to make more and larger grants happen in the community. The fund supports everything from food for those in need, to environmental education, to fine arts in the community plus a whole lot more. Your contribution can help us fund the needs and opportunities when they arise. Thanks to this match, giving now is a great way to multiply your community donations! If you’ve already given, thank you for supporting community based philanthropy. If not, you can give now using the “Donate” button below. 

SAFE HOLIDAY

Whether you are traveling across the world, or across the street for the holidays, the staff and board of the Homer Foundation wishes you happiness, peace and prosperity this holiday season. Be safe. 

Do justice and love mercy.

Mike


Holiday Hours

The Foundation offices will be closed on Friday December 24th and Friday 31st due to the holidays. Other than that, we are open 8:00am – 4:00pm Monday thru Thursday. If you need to visit us in person, please stop by then or call the office @ 235-0551 and we can find a time to meet. 


Annual Meeting

Thank you to everyone who attended our annual meeting. Additionally, thanks to everyone who contributed to the report and the meeting.  If you were not able to make it, feel free to watch the recording here. You can also see the annual report on our website here 2021 Annual Report.  


Recent Grants

You helped make a difference in your community! See how your support has impacted the world around you:

Kachemak Swim Club

Kachemak Swim Club Was awarded $5,000  as part of an effort to update their timing system used for swim meets. This organization has been using the same timing equipment for 20 years and wants to remain competitive for swimming in Alaska. Who knows, Homer might have a new Olympian soon too?

Ninilchik Saturday Lunch Program

The Ninilchik Saturday Lunch Program, a non profit that fights youth hunger, was awarded $2,000 for shelving and food for weekend take-home food bags for kids experiencing food insecurity in the K-6th grades of the Ninilchik K-12 School. This all-volunteer organization reaches 60-70 children each week in their area. What a great way to support kids! 

People’s Choice Awards

People’s Choice Grants: Three grants of $500 were given out by randomly drawn  Annual Meeting attendees. Esther Ashment nominated the Educators Professional Development Fund at the Homer Foundation, Matt Clarke nominated the Kachemak Swim Club, and Ole Andersson nominated Hospice of Homer. 

Homer Hockey Association

Every organization reaches a point in which the bandwidth of the volunteers no longer meets the needs of the organization. Homer Hockey Association has reached that point and has the need to hire a part-time, 5 hour a week Communications Director. HHA was awarded $4,072 for that purpose.  Look out for more from this organization soon!


Philanthropy Fact of the Month

12% of all giving happens in the last three days of the year.