Amid federal funding cuts, Homer nonprofits are showing resilience - raising emergency support, growing endowments, and continuing to strengthen their future through the Seeds of Support program.
This summer we saw a earthquake of federal funding cuts and it certainly shook things up. According to new research by social technology firm Bonterra, more than half (52%) of federally funded nonprofits are experiencing financial instability.
Despite these challenges, Homer area nonprofits have shown remarkable resilience. We’ve seen inspiring examples of our local organizations adapting in real time: KBBI held an emergency funding drive that raised more than $175,000 while Storyknife, the Pratt Museum, HoWL, KBBI and Hospice each met the match, adding $20,000 apiece to their endowment funds to serve their missions for years to come.
Still ~$25,000 in matching funds from our Seeds of Support matching program remain on the table and there are still quite a few community organizations that could use our help.
At the end of last month nonprofit leaders came together at Grace Ridge Brewery to chat about how to use Seeds of Support to grow their agency endowment funds. We had a great mix of folks who already had an endowment with us and a few that were considering starting one.
Overall, it was a great time to come together and share. One organization is in the process of creating an endowment in order to take advantage of the match. It is uplifting to see established nonprofits growing their endowment and encouraging others to start their own.
The Seeds of Support program successfully awarded $100,000 in matching funds, helping local nonprofits grow their endowments and strengthen long-term community impact.
A lively annual gathering brought the community together for great food, conversation, and music.
Amid federal funding cuts, Homer nonprofits are showing resilience - raising emergency support, growing endowments, and continuing to strengthen their future through the Seeds of Support program.
Jackie Novell, drawn to Homer by fishing and community, is creating a legacy of giving back through the Homer Foundation.
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.
This is the third 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.
