May 2022 Newsletter: Scholarship Month

At the Homer Foundation, May is “scholarship” month.  This year we are privileged to award $43,000 in 15 unique scholarships to deserving local young people. This is the most we have ever distributed in a year. Scholarships vary from $500 up to $8,000 depending on the size of the fund established or grown by the donor.

It is probably more accurate to say May is the culmination of many months of work that started last fall. Coordinating with our amazing donors, posting scholarships on the internet, arranging a committee for each scholarship, and reviewing many hopeful scholarship applicants. Many thanks to the schoolteachers and counselors, the volunteer committee members, the donors who had a vision for each scholarship, and our Executive Assistant, Lauren Seaton, who coordinates this process. It takes a community. 

Congratulations and good luck to each of our awardees: 

Scholarship                                                        Recipient Name

Alain and Daniel Rieser                                        Mariah McGuire

Beluga Tail 1 Non-Fiction Writing                          Liam James

Beluga Tail 2 Non-Fiction Writing                          Olivia Glasman

Mary Joyce Robinette Memorial                            Blake Lemons

Diane Wambach Shoot for the Stars                     Tyson Walker

Drew Scalzi Memorial Martime                              Liam Houlihan

Drew Scalzi Memorial Martime                              Kapitolina Reutov

Drew Scalzi Memorial Martime                              Blake Lemons

Fish & Wildlife                                                        Blake Lemons

Health Care Providers                                           Kapitolina Reutov

Health Care Providers                                           Isabel Kulhanek

Heather Pancratz Memorial Scholarship               Justin Trail

Kachemak Medical Group                                     Olivia Glasman

Nikki Geragotelis (Fry) Memorial                           Kapitolina Reutov

Nursing Studies                                                     Jessica Sonnen

Ptarmigan Arts Visual Arts                                     Mariah McGuire

Sutton James Miller Memorial                               Alex Franklin

Mike


This 0.8 FTE flexible position will work in all aspects of development and marketing for the Foundation. The position reports to the executive director and works collaboratively with other foundation staff and the Development Committee. The position supports day-to-day operations of Homer Foundation while focusing on brand awareness, relationship-building, fund-raising, and leading effective communication.

If you know someone who might be the right fit for this position, feel free to send them the information. 


Our community stepped up and helped support those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Homer Foundation COVID-19 Response Fund supported nonprofits that provided critical services throughout the Southern Kenai Peninsula whose missions were impacted by the pandemic.

Except for a generous $10,000 gift from the Rasmuson Foundation, the COVID Response fund was entirely funded by community donations. The community saw the need and opened their hearts and generously responded. We are so grateful to all the donors who made this fund possible. Thank you. Because you cared for the community, we could play our role by providing a responsive, local option to fill needs and support partner agencies in fulfilling their missions.

Just over 2 years from inception, at our last meeting the Board of Trustees closed out the fund. This fund helped organizations maintain operations and effectively respond to increased demand from clients. In line with fund guidelines, any remaining donations were distributed to local anti-hunger and anti-poverty fighting organizations. 

Below is a list of all disbursements:

  • Alaska Coalition for Veterans and Military Families, $500
  • American Cancer Society, $2,500
  • Anchor Point Food Pantry $13,952
  • Anchor Point Senior Center, $4,200
  • Bunnell Street Arts Center, $2,500
  • Cook Inlet Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, $2,500
  • Haven House, $2,500
  • Homer Community Chest, $4,452
  • Homer Community Food Pantry, $7,301
  • Homer Council on the Arts, $2,500
  • Homer Farmers Market, $5,000
  • Homer High School, $2,500
  • Homer Senior Center, $4,750
  • Hospice of Homer, $799
  • Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic $2,500
  • Ninilchik Community Library, $2,500
  • Ninilchik Saturday Lunch Program, $4,452
  • Ninilchik Senior Center, $1,500
  • Voznesenka Community Council, $2,500
  • Wellspring Group of Seldovia, $2,500

Again, on behalf of the Foundations and all of those who were helped, thank you. 


Welcome New Fund!

We are excited to announce a new Agency Stewardship Non-Endowed Fund, the Friends of Kachemak Bay State Park Fund. We look forward to working with the FKBSP in this new capacity. 


Recent Grants

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

Homer Emblem Club

Close Up to DC

The Homer Emblem Club works with Close Up to provide HMS students access to their DC-based program. In DC, students will be divided into small groups alongside young people from across the country. Close Up’s trained Program Instructors lead these small groups through the week’s comprehensive, academically driven schedule. Students visit the iconic monuments and memorials in Washington, DC, where Close Up instructors use the capital as a living classroom. Throughout the week, Program Instructors lead discussions with students, connecting the history they learn in the classroom with how it has shaped our current government and political process. 18 local students will be benefiting from this program this year. 

This $500 grant was funded through the Homer Foundation’s Opportunity Fund. 

Pier One Theatre

Summer Youth Theatre Program

Pier One Youth Theatre will offer six summer camps this year for children ages five to seventeen. Camps will be in Homer and Seldovia this year. Pier One prides itself on the ability to teach theatre skills while providing a unique, unforgettable experience. The camps offer kids a chance to be immersed in the world of theatre: a world of focus, experimentation, and creative play. How impactful is this program? Approximately 685 total community members engaged, with 5 Instructors, 100 camp attendees, and up to 580 Audience members. We hope to catch a show this summer and encourage you all to as well to support this program!

This $5,000 grant was funded through the Willow Fund, a donor-advised fund of the Homer Foundation. 


Philanthropy Fact of the Month

The nonprofit world employs 10% of America’s workforce.

April 2022 Newsletter: Are we in second spring?

“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.

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:

  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:

created by dji camera

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.

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 that your significant person cares about. Does your special someone love cats and dogs? Think about a gift to the Homer Animal Friends Agency Endowment. Does your significant other love the arts? We have several “arts” related endowed funds. You get the idea.  Click the “Family of Funds” button below to find more information and a full list of our funds. 

Remember, a gift to an endowed fund will last as long as your love…. forever.

Mike


Legacy Society

Did you know it is easy to leave a legacy for your community?

Wills, Bequests, and Living Trusts

If you are looking to leave the legacy gift via a Homer Foundation fund in your will, you can do so by adding as little as one sentence in your will to complete your gift:

“I give to the Homer Foundation of Homer, Alaska, Tax ID #92-0139183 (all, or __ percent of) the rest, residue and remainder of my estate for its general purposes.”

You can also be specific to a fund for a cause (arts, children, hunger, environment, etc). You can even specify a particular nonprofit agency. For more options, please click here for sample bequest language to be included in your will or other estate documents.

This type of donation in your will or living trust helps to ensure that we can sustain the issues you cared about in your life for years to come.

Beneficiary Designations

Another simple way to leave a legacy is through life insurance. By designating the Homer Foundation (or a particular cause or fund) as the beneficiary of the policy.

A beneficiary designation can be in:

IRAs and retirement plans

Life insurance policies

Other Donor-Advised Funds

It takes three simple steps to make this type of gift. Here is how to name the Homer Foundation as a beneficiary:

1.   Contact your retirement plan administrator, insurance company, bank, or financial institution for a change-of-beneficiary form.

2.   Decide what percentage (1% to 100%) you would like us to receive and name us, along with the percentage you chose, on the beneficiary form.

3.   Return the completed form to your plan administrator, insurance company, bank, or financial institution.


Scholarships

Homer Foundation has 14 scholarship programs available in 2022, with up to $38,000 available for area students, including post-graduates. There are a variety of scholarships, ranging in value from $500 to $8,000. If you know a senior or recent graduate of a Southern Kenai Peninsula school, encourage them to apply. 


Hold the Date!!!

Halibut Cove Live is back! Hold the dates of July 16th and 17th, 2022 for this year’s HLC.  We’re back with great music and amazing food all set in unique location of the Quiet Place Lodge in Halibut Cove. More announcements to come! 


Welcome New Funds

We are excited to announce two new Agency Stewardship Funds, which are Non-Endowed Funds for area nonprofits. They are in an investment portfolio with the Homer Foundation but instead of having the principal be protected in perpetuity, the organization may access any or all of the principal. Each fund and organization have their own goals with these funds but we are excited to see more organizations utilize this flexibility offered by the Homer Foundation. 

  • Homer Community Food Pantry Sustainability Fund
  • Hospice of Homer Non-Endowed Fund

Recent Grants

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

Bunnell Street Arts Center- Arts by Air

Live in-person concerts at Bunnell Street Arts Center broadcast on KBBI AM 890 Radio

This is a COVID-safe venue of Bunnell Street Arts Center with a limited audience and accessible-to-anyone broadcast, which provides a stable way to connect audiences and musicians. This program began in 2020 and is seeking to grow this young program into a sustainable, long-lasting staple of our community. This supports local and traveling artists, which is income and inspiration to an area of our economy that continues to struggle through the pandemic. The Homer Foundation also appreciates seeing the partnership of two local organizations.    

Kachemak Bay Conservation Society: Homer Drawdown Peatland Project Part II

The Kachemak Bay Conservation Society has been awarded $12,000 for the second part of The Homer Drawdown: Peatland Project. This is a community-driven campaign to protect and educate about our local peatlands’ role in carbon sequestration, water regulation, biodiversity, and more! The project also provides real data to help future decision-makers. With over 250 participants, the project has harnessed the expertise of more than a dozen local non-profits, as well as thousands of volunteer hours. 

This project is the second part of this multi-agency effort. Along with being an important project, the Foundation Board of Trustees was very excited to see such great collaboration between local agencies. They also appreciated the education component training of almost 80 youth and providing professional development for 15 other educators. 

Congratulations KBCS!


Philanthropy Fact of the Month

The average age of a donor in the US is 62.  

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 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!


Ed Rasmuson. (Magnetic North Productions / Kyle Seago)
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. 

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.

November 2021 Newsletter: Thoughts on Gratitude

Update from Executive Director

gratitude

grăt′ĭ-too͞d″, -tyoo͞d″

noun

  1. The state of being grateful; thankfulness.
  2. The state or quality of being grateful or thankful; a warm and friendly feeling in response to a favor or favors received; thankfulness.
  3. Synonyms See grateful.

I’ll be the first to admit that in our world today it is sometimes easier to see those things we view as “wrong” or unhelpful. The seemingly louder, negative issues around us get more attention and can obfuscate seeing things that are good or edifying. “Good”, more often than not, can be a quiet thing. What do I mean?

Did you know for the last few years there has ben a nonprofit program in Ninilchik called the Ninilchik Saturday Lunch Program? Every weekend they provide over 60 take home bags full of food for kids who will not have enough to eat over the weekend. Over longer breaks they provide more food. They provide weekend food for every child K-6 in Ninilchik School. They provide enough so even those who might not need the food can take food if they want so no child feels singled out or less than because of their need. Enabled by grass roots support, the caring, generous hearts of a few volunteers who run this program is amazing.

As I am writing this I am aware that a few caring souls have just spent the last week helping a friend with the last few days of his life. They got him home from Anchorage so he could pass away in Homer. They kept him comfortable, making sure he received his pain medication, visiting with him 24/7, feeding him and caring for all his personal needs. All this was done for the sake of friendship and compassion.

Good things go on around us and most times, we don’t even know they are happening.

I am grateful for many things. I’m grateful I’m with the love of my life. I’m grateful I live in one of the most beautiful places on earth. I’m grateful for the community in which I live and the giving, generous hearts that give back over and over making this a better place to live. I’m grateful I get to be a small part of that community. 

Enjoy a Happy Thanksgiving this month.

Mike


Annual Meeting

Please join us at 5:00 pm on November 17th for the Homer Foundation’s Annual Meeting. This will be a Zoom meeting. In the meeting we will unveil our annual report, share some successes of Fiscal Year 2021, celebrate our history and talk about what the future may hold.  Of course, everyone who attends will be entered into a random drawing to give away one of three $500 People’s Choice grants to an area non profit. So sign up today and join your friends celebrating our communities!


End of Year Matching Campaign

We are now officially in the end of year giving season. We are so blessed to have a generous donor who will match all end of year donations to our Opportunity Fund up to $20,000!  Wow!  Any donation to the Opportunity Fund received between now and the end of December will be matched dollar for dollar up to $20,000. That means you can double the impact of your gift. The Foundation uses the Opportunity Fund  to support the areas in the community with the greatest needs. This giving season let your gift do twice as much close to home. You’ll be glad you did!


Recent Grants

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

Homer Council on the Arts

Awarded $5,000: Homer Council on the Arts can purchase equipment, furnishings, and supplies to complete the outfitting of a community ceramics studio. We are thrilled help them expand their capacity to offer access to a fun, flexible medium that would normally require an individual significant up-front investment and expertise to enjoy. Working with clay is, perhaps more than any other medium, a therapeutic and organic process. Clay offers sensory expansion, fine motor skill development, problem-solving, discipline, and pride. Offering these experiences in a social setting fosters community hope and connection. We look forward to offering community ceramics classes starting in early 2022!

Wellspring Group

Received a $2,500 COVID 19 Response Fund grant to distribute take home COVID tests in Seldovia for people who couldn’t other wise make it to a testing site. 


Philanthropy Fact of the Month

Particularly in cases of dire humanitarian need and disaster relief, aggregated amounts of small gifts are the lifeblood of philanthropic campaigns. Small Gifts matter. 

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

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 have facilitated several improvement projects. In the past, those projects have included Karen Hornaday Park Playground and the Boat House Pavilion. This past year we have facilitated the Homer Stake Park Revitalization Project and the Kachemak City Play Ground Repair Project.

At the Homer Foundation, “facilitate” means providing fiscal sponsorship to the project. We provide a charitable framework that allows a motivated, capable group of citizens to raise money for a project that betters the community.

Why would we do this? Several reasons. When we take on a fiscal sponsorship, we help more people engage in “philanthropy.” Those people and businesses get to enjoy being part of helping their neighbors and get to have that feeling that comes from actively enhancing the lives of others in their community. We save community resources by avoiding the cost of starting a nonprofit just to be eligible for grants and tax deductions for project donations. Last, with scores of people involved, we can accomplish more for our community.

That is the essence of a community foundation. Individual community members and businesses pooling their philanthropy to create a better, brighter tomorrow, not just for themselves and their children, but also for their children’s children. The Homer Foundation is the region’s “close to home” place to give back and invest in the the southern Kenai Peninsula.


Preview of our Annual Report

This last fiscal year meant the following things happened from the Homer Foundation:

  • $279,810 distributed in grants and scholarships
  • 87 Quick Response Grants Awarded
  • 7 COVID-19 Response Grants Awarded
  • 23 scholarships awarded
  • 389 total donors
  • 45 nonprofits supported through grants
  • $31,500 awarded through City of Homer Grants Program

We love supporting, growing, and responding to our community needs. If you are interested in joining us with our mission of improving the quality of lives within the southern Kenai Peninsula through charitable and philanthropic activities, we invite you to give where you live and donate today.


Annual Reports

We are preparing our annual reports. These are our review of the last year, and this year we have a bonus focus on our last 30 years, celebrating our 30th anniversary. 

This 30 page report booklet is mailed to all of our donors, grant and scholarship recipients, and other individuals within our community. It is premiered at our annual meeting in November, shared by hardcopy and available on our website.

If you would like to join the list to receive a hard copy of the annual repot, email Lauren at assistant@homerfoundation.org.


Recent Grants

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

Pratt Museum

The Pratt Museum is working on their next exhibit and it is honoring one of our former board members, artist and outstanding community member, Ron Senugetuk. They are receiving a grant to bring Ron’s artwork from all over the state to be displayed this fall, focusing on his impact and highlighting Alaskan Native culture. (photo credit NPS/Carol Harding) 

Storyknife Writers Retreat

This lovely Homer area facility is a state and national resource for women writers. They are experiencing growing pains, by way of security systems. This grant will go to purchasing cameras and floodlights for the cabins at the retreat so the facility can work on supporting writers and not fixing problems caused by vandalism. 


Philanthropy Fact of the Month

Americans gave $471.44 billion in 2020. This reflects a 5.1% increase from 2019.

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 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.