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 and needs you care about. Now days we have so many ways to give: credit card, text to give, Facebook, or just be old fashioned and put a check in the mail. If you want the personal touch, drop by the office of your favorite non profit, they’d love to see your smiling (masked) face. Pick.Click.Give is different. No other state allows you to do this. It is a uniquely Alaskan way to to give, to share a part of your PFD to help your neighbors in need or support the great organizations that enhance our lives in so many ways.
So, while you’re signing up for the PFD, consider how giving like an Alaskan will make you feel. (Sort of like dip netting, without having to fillet all those salmon!)
Mike
Thank you for helping us exceed our goal. With the help for some super special donors (all of you) we exceeded our $20,000 match and raised a total of $36,739!!! Wow. Thanks to everyone who donated! Every donation makes a difference at the Homer Foundation. There are no small donations and there are no unimportant dreams. Because of your help we can give more and larger grants to the 60+ nonprofits actively serving the southern Kenai Peninsula.
A special thank you to our anonymous match donor. Your leadership makes a difference.
City of Homer Grant Program
The City of Homer grants program provides general operation funding to many Homer nonprofits who provide essential and enriching programs to the community. The Homer Foundation administers the program as well as manages an endowment fund for the city.
Recent Grants
Normally we talk about our great community partners, their projects and programs who have received a grant through the Homer Foundation. This month we’re changing that up a little and talk about the Youth Advisory Committee and their grant awards.
Relaunch: The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is an award winning youth to youth philanthropy program of the Homer Foundation. After a break due to the effects of COVID-19 protocols, we relaunched this great program at Homer High School. Previously, former Homer Foundation Board member Bonnie Jason did an amazing job growing and cultivating this program at the middle school. This year Executive Assistant, Lauren Seaton (herself a former educator) coordinated the program. Homer High School leadership and staff were very supportive of this program in their space and participants not only learned about how philanthropy addresses community needs, but they also earned community service hours for participating.
Funding: Funding for this year’s YAC grants was an all-time high of $10,000. Those funds come from a combination of the Foundation’s Opportunity Fund, other existing endowed Foundation funds, such as Ashley Logan Fund, Sheldon Youth to Youth Fund, David and Mary Schroer Fund and donors who have a passion about developing a philanthropic mind set in young people. We are deeply thankful to those donors who make the YAC grants possible.
Youth Lead/Youth Centric: The YAC has a strong youth voice philosophy and determines its own program goals for their grant cycle. The group decided not to be project specific as in the past, instead supporting programs in the 12-18 year old range whether they be new or on going. When reviewing the applications, the students reflected upon their desired values of supporting diversity, increasing reach for organizations, and supporting organizations outside of Homer.
Awardees: This year the following awards were recommended by the YAC:
Bunnell Street Arts Center- $500
Homer Council on the Arts- $2,000
Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic (the Rec Room)- $2,000
Kachemak Bay Running Club- $1,500
Kachemak Nordic Ski Club- $1,000
Ninilchik Saturday Lunch Program- $1,500
South Peninsula Behavioral Health Services- $1,500
Total – $10,000
Thanks to the 2022 YAC members (in order of picture): Lliam Boss-Harmon, Ainsley Boss-Harmon, Thea Person and Taylor Stepp (not pictured). A special thank you to staff member, Mrs. Lisa Fellows and the HHS leadership team. We look forward to more youth philanthropy at Homer High School!
Loss of a Leader
It is with heavy heart we acknowledge the passing of Ed Rasmuson, long time leader of the Rasmuson Foundation. He was a leader in every sense of the word. Our heart felt condolences and prayers to his family and the Rasmuson Foundation board and staff. He will be missed by many. You can ready more about Ed’s passing on the Rasmuson Foundation website here.
Philanthropy Fact of the Month
71% of charitable giving in the US is from individuals.