Foundation Updates

“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 along fine, thank you. The post-surgery pain is gone and it feels much better to walk compared to the old knee. I have had weekly bouts of physical therapy since the surgery (Kudos to the SPH Rehab staff) and if you have been to physical therapy you know what a mixed blessing it can be. There can be a whole lot of discomfort which, in the end, results in something that works better and lasts longer. If you push through and do it. 

I think the last couple of years has been that way for most of the world. We’ve been through vaccinations, masks, distancing, more vaccinations, cancellations and closures. More than a little discomfort, but making (hopefully) for a better ending. As we look forward to summer on the southern Kenai Peninsula, we see bright spots and reports of businesses booking out tours and lodging and generally expecting a good tourist season.

At the Foundation, we see nonprofits realizing the value of making sound investment decisions and starting to grow funds for future financial stability. It is good to see others in the community planning for the long term and it’s humbling to be trusted with those hopes and dreams.

I feel optimistic. It must be spring.  

Mike

City of Homer Grants Program

The Homer Foundation’s City of Homer Grants program is made possible through an annual allocation from the City of Homer and annual earnings from the City of Homer and Kachemak City endowment funds. Criteria have been established taking into consideration the City of Homer’s intent to support locally-based non-profit organizations that provide services within the City of Homer, and Kachemak City’s intent to support those organizations that provide services within the City of Homer that benefit the residents of Kachemak City. This year, $31,401 was granted to the following 14 organizations: Bunnell Street Art Center, Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies, Cook InletKeeper, Homer Community Food Pantry, Homer Council on the Arts, Homer Farmers Market, Homer Hockey Association, Hospice of Homer, Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic, Kachemak Heritage Land Trust, Kachemak Nordic Ski Club, KBBI, OPUS, and SPROUT Family Services. We are proud to facilitate this support each year for all the good these organizations provide for our community!

Welcome New Fund

We are excited to announce a new Donor-Advised Non-Endowed Fund, the South Peninsula Hospital Foundation Fund. We look forward to working with the SPHF to help them grow. 

Recent Grants

Kachemak Ski Club

Ski on!

The Kachemak Ski Club, (sometimes referred to as the Homer Rope Tow) was awarded $1,000 to fund a free ski day in honor of World Telemark Ski Day. For over 70 years the Kachemak Ski Club has been introducing children and adults of all ages in the Homer area to downhill skiing and snowboarding through instructional programs based at the Homer Rope Tow. 

A great way to shake off the late winter blues.

Friends of Kachemak Bay State Park

More and Better Trails!

The Friends of Kachemak Bay State Park’s mission is to promote the enhancement,

preservation, and protection of the natural, recreational, scientific, and historical

resources of Kachemak Bay State Park. To help with that ever-growing mission, the Friends of Kachemak Bay State Park was awarded $3,699 to purchase a walk-behind mower for trail maintenance and help in establishing new hiking trails in the Cottonwood- Eastland section of KBSP. The “Friends” currently maintain foot trails with handheld weed whackers. In many places using a walk-behind mower, instead of a handheld weed whacker, will save considerable time and volunteer labor that could be better used elsewhere. We look forward to seeing the improvements and new trails.

Philanthropy Fact of the Month

There are 1,812,473 registered nonprofits in the United States, as of December 2020.

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:

1. Attract and Steward Donors
2. Deepen Organizational Effectiveness and 
3. Build Internal Capacity.

We have been working towards number three for the past two years, through fiscal planning, strategic alignment, and grant development. The goal was to add a position that will be instrumental in our vision as a foundation of reaching $20 million under management and through bequests by 2028. Last week, after a lengthy application process, we were notified that the MJ Murdock Charitable Trust has awarded the Homer Foundation a three-year capacity-building grant to hire a Director of Development and Marketing. This additional capacity makes it possible to reach out further and more thoroughly into our entire service area. We are so pleased and grateful to the folks at MJ Murdock who saw in us the ability to continue to grow and serve this region as the choice for local long-term philanthropic solutions. 

Thank you MJ Murdock Charitable Trust for investing in the southern Kenai Peninsula.  

Be on the lookout for a job announcement on our Facebook and other places such as the Foraker Group jobs board and similar sites.

Mike

We’ve Moved

After many years in the same office, the Homer Foundation has moved… next door. We are still in the bottom level of the corner building on Ben Walters but have moved to a larger suite. If you come by the office, know we are in the old location of Kenai Peninsula Youth Court who is now in our previous suite. Our mailing address remains the same: 3733 Ben Walters Lane, Suite 7, or PO Box 2600, Homer, AK 99603.

Welcome New Fund

We are excited to announce a new field of interest fund, the Anchor Point Fund. 

A field of interest fund, the Anchor Point Fund’s purposes to create a place to allow people to donate to help nonprofits serving the Anchor Point community. 

This fund is an acorn fund, which means the donor does not have the fund minimum of $10,000 but is committed to raising the difference in the next two years. If you’re from Anchor Point, keep your eyes open for announcements on how and where to give. 

Recent Grants

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

The Conservation Fund

Congratulations to our most recent grant recipient, the Conservation Fund! This is a nationwide organization dedicated to practicing conservation to achieve environmental and economic outcomes. Their most recent project in Alaska is here in Kachemak Bay, with the acquisition of a 5-acre beachfront property which will secure and greatly improve public access for the  Saddle Trail in Halibut Cove.  According to Alaska.org,  Saddle Trail is one of the most used trails in Kachemak Back State Park and  is critical for recreation and trail access.  The end goal is to turn this property over to the state parks who have long desired to secure the property, but did not have the resources.  The Conservation Society  is currently working to raise the funding needs to permanently protect it for the public. The Board of Trustees was pleased to provide a leadership grant of $20,000 grant from the Homer Foundation as one of the first sources of funding towards their goal of $300,000.

To find out more about this project and the ways to support it here: 

Kachemak Heritage Land Trust

This organization received a $3,740 grant for its Caring for the Land project. This grant is a matching grant with the US Fish and Wildlife Service to help bring the Land Trust systems into best practices as a land trust, as well as strengthen their stewardship program. 

Kachemak Bay Running Club

Through this winter, KBRC has been offering new programming to young runners, ages 12-17, by holding practices at SPARC and helping coordinate travel to competitions in both Anchorage and Washington. This is a new program for the organization, and they have received a grant from the Homer Foundation to cover the SPARC rental fees.

Philanthropy Fact of the Month

The least charitable state in the union in 2018 was Nevada. At the opposite end of the scale, the most generous states were Minnesota, Utah, and New York.

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. 

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.

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
• Hospice of Homer, nominated by Ole Andersson
• Educators Professional Development Fund at the Homer Foundation, nominated by Esther Ashment

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 at 5.42%, and last year we were 33.50%.

Many funds, including ourselves, had an exceptional year last year. While happy about the returns, no one really expects that level of return every year. What’s as important as the amount of the return is the predictability of our returns. The target of the fund is to follow the S&P 500 average, although we typically lag slightly behind that average due to a portion of our investments being in bond funds which are more stable, but give a lower return. 

Per our investment policy our strategy is to: ” ….ensure effective management of the Foundation’s assets in order to serve current needs and long term best interests of the southern Kenai Peninsula. The Homer Foundation assets are a collection of individual donations from private citizens and other organizations. The investment policy is primarily designed to provide sufficient annual income for the support of local charitable needs. A secondary emphasis of our policy is to grow the purchasing power of the principal in perpetuity.”

We want our donors and agencies to know we steward donations with the same care that went into developing that donation. It is truly a privilege to be trusted with these donations. You can find more on our policies on our website here.

Get out and enjoy the fall colors!

Mike 

IRA Minimum Distribution

If you are 70½ years old or older, you can take advantage of a simple way to help charities like the Homer Foundation and receive tax benefits in return. You can give up to $100,000 from your IRA directly to a charity, without having to pay income taxes on the contribution. This can be accomplished with an IRA Charitable Rollover gift.

At some point, you have to withdraw money from your IRA. Once you turn 70½, you must take a required minimum distribution (RMD) each year from your IRA, and the RMD amount increases with your age. You are taxed on the RMD at ordinary income tax rates, as opposed to lower capital gains tax rates. And if you do not take your full RMD, you may be subject to a tax penalty.

How do you make an IRA Charitable Rollover gift? The process is All you need to do is instruct your IRA custodian to make a distribution from your IRA directly to the charity or charities of your choosing. Your IRA custodian should include your name and address, as well as any specific instructions you have for the use of the gift, along with the payment.

To make a gift of this type to the Homer Foundation, you may need the following information:

Our EIN: 92-0139183

Our Physical Address: 3733 Ben Walters Lane, Suite 7, Homer, AK 99603

Contact the Staff at the Homer Foundation with any other questions. We are happy to help you with your IRA Rollover gift.

Congratulations to our new Fund: James Family Fund

Congratulations to the James Family Fund, a new donor advised fund to the Homer Foundation Family of Funds. This fund hopes to support the food pantry and other activities that increase the capacity of the community to feed itself (ie agricultural projects); organizations and projects that support victims of violence; Homer Public Library for special projects; Disaster Relief; and special needs activities with a focus on Autism. 

YAC is Back!

The Homer Foundation Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) was formed to provide a hands-on learning opportunity for Southern Kenai Peninsula youth, aged 12-18, focusing on philanthropy and charitable activities. YAC has had several iterations in the past, but for this coming year and hopefully years to come, we have a new partnership between the Homer Foundation and Homer High School as a means to reach the youth. 

If you know of a high school student who would like to be involved, we are meeting during FOLs at Homer High School starting September 16th. Encourage the youth you know to attend and be a part of community philanthropy.  

If you would like to support this endeavor, click the link below to donate. Choose Youth Advisory Committee from the list of funds. 

Recent Grants

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

Kachemak Heritage Land Trust

With help from the national Land Trust Alliance, KHLT assessed its needs and identified potential solutions, resulting in a commitment to grow to achieve KHLT’s organizational goals. KHLT’s excellent staff is working beyond capacity and is forced to question whether KHLT is able to accept new projects. One of stewardship staff’s biggest stewardship stressors and challenges may be locating an existing file either electronically or as an original document (stored in fireproof cabinets). Finding such documents is required daily. It is not that the document doesn’t exist, it is that it may have been filed in an obscure category or was so generically named electronically that one may need to open up several documents just to find the necessary document. This has been a result of many staff people over the 32-yearn organizational existence coming up with their own file naming and category system.

This grant will provide the operating expenses to hire an outside contractor to create a new, all inclusive system and organize the existing files for this organization. 

We are continuing to see a decrease in grant applications. If you know of any non-profits in the southern Kenai Peninsula, encourage them to reach out to Homer Foundation to learn more about our grant programs or to apply for a grant.

Philanthropy Fact of the Month

Individuals are more likely to give to nonprofits if their parents did as well.