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.
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Not one, not two, but three new funds were started with the Homer Foundation this past month!
While all three will support important work in our community, they aren’t all structured the same way.
Two are non-endowed funds, which give fundholders a way to put money to work while keeping the principal available for future expenses. These funds can be particularly useful when donors want some flexibility and the ability to respond to opportunities over the short term.
The third is an endowed fund, designed for long-term growth. Endowed funds are invested with the goal of growing over time, while a portion of the fund is distributed each year to support its designated purpose.
We’re excited to introduce these three newest members of our Family of Funds, and what they were created to support.
This fund was starting in memory of Skip Utter. Skip was a long-time commercial pilot, ran a flight school, and had 35,000 hours of flight time as captain with Delta Airlines. He had a deep love for Homer, animals, and reading. He had a soft, caring heart for others’ well-being.
“I couldn’t think of anything more fitting than to keep his caring generosity alive in the community he loved so much. The Homer Foundation is the perfect place to share Skip’s kindness into the future.” - Suzanne Haines, Fund Advisor
An annual grant will be made to a nonprofit organization for reading materials for their adult clientele. Grant money can be used for books, pamphlets, or other printed materials.
NZP4H (No Zombie Press for Homer), the nonprofit organization behind the Homer Independent Press, was established just 11 months ago to bring quality, locally-based, independent journalism to the Southern Kenai Peninsula community. Through an all-volunteer effort, HIP published its first edition on January 1, 2026.
“We were excited to create a non-endowed account with the Foundation. This not only gives
donors many more options for giving, it allows us flexibility in accessing funds if needed”.
- Bill Wuestenfeld, NZP4H Treasurer
This non-endowed agency fund to supports the mission of NZP4H which is to tell the stories of the lower Southern Kenai Peninsula accurately, honestly, and with respect.
The Margaret & Ivan KBay Recovery Connection Fund is a non-endowed agency fund established to support the mission of Kachemak Bay Recovery Connection (KBRC).
KBRC is a recovery community organization serving people affected by addiction across the southern Kenai Peninsula, from Ninilchik to Nanwalek. The organization offers recovery support, connections to resources, and opportunities to build a fulfilling and connected sober community.
The creation of this fund provides a dedicated philanthropic resource to help KBRC continue its work of supporting individuals and strengthening a community where recovery is welcomed and supported.
These three new funds reflect three very different community priorities, but they share something important: each provides a way for people to invest in the community and support work they believe matters.
While all three will support important work in our community, they aren’t all structured the same way.
Two are non-endowed funds, which give fundholders a way to put money to work while keeping the principal available for future expenses. These funds can be particularly useful when donors want some flexibility and the ability to respond to opportunities over the short term.
The third is an endowed fund, designed for long-term growth. Endowed funds are invested with the goal of growing over time, while a portion of the fund is distributed each year to support its designated purpose.
We’re excited to introduce these three newest members of our Family of Funds.
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.
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.
