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.
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The Homer Foundation is grateful for the many generous donors who supported our work over the past year. Every gift, whether large or small, helps strengthen our community and makes it possible to support local nonprofits, students, families, and causes across the southern Kenai Peninsula.
For some households in our community, a broken stove, an overdue utility bill, or an expired license can quickly spiral into a major problem. 100 Women Who Care is helping replenish this important community resource and provide timely assistance to local families facing unexpected expenses.
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This month, the Homer Foundation welcomed three new funds supporting important work across our community. The Skip Utter Book Fund, The Homer Independent Press Agency Stewardship Fund, and the Margaret & Ivan KBay Recovery Connection Fund.
Life gets busy, but giving doesn’t have to be one more thing to remember. See how one donor’s $20 monthly gift has made a lasting impact over 20 years.
The Homer Foundation is now accepting applications for two educational enrichment grant programs supporting public schools on the southern Kenai Peninsula. Approximately $4,000 in funding is available through the Forquer Seaton Public School Educational Enhancement Program and the David and Mary Schroer Education Ignition Fund. Applications are due by September 14 at 11:59 p.m.
Duffy’s Legacy Fund, a donor-advised fund at the Homer Foundation, honors the life of Anesha “Duffy” Murnane by supporting young children, families, and early childhood education programs throughout the community.
