The Seeds of Support program successfully awarded $100,000 in matching funds, helping local nonprofits grow their endowments and strengthen long-term community impact.
Congratulations to those that met the Match!
Seeds of Support have been planted an all matching funds have been distributed! In case you missed it on our newsletter last month, as of November 6th, $100,000 in matching funds have been awarded to local nonprofits. Since the program launched on July 1st nonprofits with funds at the Homer Foundation like you, and their generous supporters, stepped up in a big way. Thanks to their efforts, many were able to fully utilize the $10,000 match opportunity.
Congratulations to the following organizations who just bumped their endowments by $20,000: KBBI, Homer Community Food Pantry, HoWL, The Pratt Museum, Storyknife Writers Retreat, Bunnell Street Arts Center, Friends of Kachemak Bay State Park, and Hospice of Homer.
And congratulations to the organizations that were able to make significant contributions to their endowments: Friends of the Homer Public Library, Homer Council on the Arts, Kachemak Bay Family Planning, Mariner Fastpitch Softball, and Pier One Theatre
Reminder: An endowment is a long-term investment fund where the principal remains invested, and a portion of the earnings is distributed each year to support an organization’s mission. The nonprofits listed above are able to withdraw up to 4% of their endowment annually to support their programs and operations.
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.
