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.
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.
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.
