A $50,000 grant to the Homer Cycling Club is expanding the Eastland Trails system, boosting access to outdoor recreation and investing in the community’s future.
One of the largest grants in Homer Foundation history has been awarded to the Homer Cycling Club to support the next phase of trail development at Eastland Trails.
Last Monday, we traveled to 17 mile East End Road with a “big check” in tow to celebrate the investment in expanding access to outdoor recreation. Phase I of the project is almost complete and includes three miles of hikeable trail. This spring, construction will move into Phase II, adding an additional 4.5 miles of bike-friendly trail to the growing system. Those interested in learning more about the process of deveoping a trail system of this size and quality can read more on the Homer Cycling Club website.
“We really appreciate your support. It is huge-absolutely huge. It’s huge on your part for that size of a grant, and it’s huge for us because it makes a big difference.”
-Cameale Johnson, Committee Chair, Eastland Trails Committee
“The long-term vision of this project aligns closely with the community’s love for outdoor recreation and access to public lands. This award is among the largest grants the Foundation has made, with the last grant of this size dating back to 2003.”
-Paula Martin, President of the Board of Trustees, Homer Foundation
“In 2003, Alaska’s first community foundation made a statewide splash with a decision to donate $50,000 to the effort to build Homer’s new public library. The ambitious library project was being put together with a minimum of public funds, at a time of government budget cuts. The Homer Foundation had never granted anything close to that much money, and didn’t have money like that sitting around in its unrestricted fund. But board members thought it was worth making an extra effort — and agreed to reach into their own pockets to help.”
This is the eighth of nine short historical reminiscences to mark the 30th anniversary of the Homer Foundation, Alaska’s first community foundation. This series was produced by The Foundation and written by former board member Tom Kizzia. It was first published in 2021.
We find it encouraging to look at these two investments in our community side by side. It reflects the committement Homer has to education, recreation and the families that choose to call this place home. If we are looking to invest in the future of our community, libraries and trails are a wonderful place to start.
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.
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.
