On May 19, the Homer Foundation visited recent Quick Response Grant recipients in Seldovia and presented a scholarship to graduating senior Michael Geagel.
On May 19, I had the opportunity to take a trip across the bay to Seldovia to visit several recent Quick Response Grant recipients: the Seldovia Arts Council, Seldovia Preschool, and the Seldovia Public Library.
While we took photos and celebrated the grants, what stayed with me most was the chance to spend time with the people behind these organizations. In small towns, people often wear many hats, and nowhere did that feel more true than in Seldovia. From arts programming to early childhood education to library services, the same dedicated community members step up again and again to help make their town vibrant, connected, and cared for.
I had wonderful visits with Suzie Stranik at the Seldovia Arts Council, Meggie Langvardt at Seldovia Preschool, and Cindy Mom at the Seldovia Library. Each interaction reflected the creativity, kindness, and generosity that make Seldovia such a special place.
The trip also included a memorable -4.7 tide tidepooling adventure with Erin McKittrick, a reminder of the incredible natural beauty that surrounds these communities and inspires so much connection and curiosity.
One of the greatest honors of the day was presenting a scholarship award to graduating senior Michael Geagel, who will be attending the University of Alaska Fairbanks this fall to continue his studies. Celebrating students like Michael, alongside the organizations that support learning and community well-being at every age, made the trip especially meaningful.
Visits like this are a reminder that philanthropy is about more than grants and dollars, it is about shared experiences, and investing in the people who make our communities what they are.
As online fundraising platforms increasingly create nonprofit donation pages without permission, clear communication about trusted giving channels is essential to protecting donor trust. The Homer Foundation encourages nonprofits and fundholders to proactively guide supporters toward secure, approved ways to give.
On May 19, the Homer Foundation visited recent Quick Response Grant recipients in Seldovia and presented a scholarship to graduating senior Michael Geagel.
The Homer Foundation awarded 25 scholarships totaling $77,000 to local students this year through donor-supported endowed funds. Since 2000, the program has awarded more than $573,000 in scholarships, continuing to support students across the southern Kenai Peninsula in pursuing their educational and career goals.
Students in the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) program reviewed nonprofit applications and awarded $20,000 to local organizations supporting food security, housing, and early childhood services on the southern Kenai Peninsula. Funded by Robert and Meon Purcell, the program helps build youth leadership and community awareness.
We thank Ken Taylor for his dedicated service on the Board of Trustees. His thoughtful leadership and deep commitment to the community made a lasting impact.
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A new fund at the Homer Foundation is supporting Snomads’ work to keep local trails safe, accessible, and well-maintained for all users, now and into the future.
