Community Foundation of South Puget Sound

Congrats, Class of 2024! 🎉🎓

This year, 73 local students were awarded $200,500 in Community Foundation scholarships thanks to broad community efforts. We are also excited to introduce you to one of this year’s outstanding scholars, Elizabeth “Scout” Abbott, and the families of the newly established Russell Legacy: Women in STEM Scholarship and the Randy Edwards Memorial Scholarship.

👉To learn more about this year’s Scholarship cycle, we invite you to visit https://ow.ly/j3Rk50St38J.

📸 Photo Credit to The Chronicle

🎉Every year, the Washington Center provides the City of Lacey, Washington - Government with two days per year of facility use at no additional cost. The city holds one of these days for non-profit use, and applications are now open to request a free day in 2025! To learn more about this opportunity and apply, please visit https://ow.ly/ISwH50SmC0e.

📣Attention Nonprofit Colleagues: The City of Olympia - Government has announced the application guidelines for Lodging Tax funding. This funding is aimed at supporting events and activities that encourage overnight hotel stays to boost the hospitality industry in Olympia. The deadline for 2025 applications is August 18 at 11:59 pm.

Nonprofits that provide tourism services, events, and activities or operate tourism facilities are eligible to apply. To learn more about this funding opportunity and to determine if your organization is eligible to apply, please visit olympiawa.gov/lodgingtax.

🤝📆With National Make-A-Will Month right around the corner, now is the time for nonprofits to plan for a successful planned giving campaign. Nonprofit colleagues, are you looking for resources and inspiration? Be sure to check out FreeWill's 2024 Make-A-Will Month Success Toolkit to unlock exclusive resources and tips that helped nonprofits secure over $370 million last year.

👉Download the Nonprofit Toolkit to reach your planned giving goals this August by visiting https://ow.ly/Q27r50SkaYP.

🎉Plan today to make this August your most successful planned giving month yet!

📆The Community Foundation's offices will be closed on Wednesday, June 19, in observance and recognition of Juneteenth. We anticipate reconnecting with our communities the following day!

📣Attention nonprofit colleagues and professional advisors! We're excited to share that Leave 10 South Sound will be hosting two Zoom events this month on how to make planned giving work for you, and we hope you'll join us.

On June 18, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, you are invited to attend a FREE online collaborative session hosted by the South Sound Planned Giving Council and Leave 10 South Sound. The event will feature Hal Abrams, JD LLM, a Planned Giving Consultant from Portland, OR, who will be speaking on the topic of "Achieving Success for Individuals and Nonprofits through Planned Giving." Let's give Hal a warm South Sound welcome!

Then, on June 26 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, spend your lunch with a panel of our amazing Leave 10 professionals for an "Intro to Leave 10 - What is it and Why Now?" to learn about the Leave 10 vision and how it benefits individuals, nonprofits and professional advisors.

👉To register to attend either or both sessions, please visit https://ow.ly/K0mX50Shxjx

❤️🤍💙Juneteenth celebrates the resilience and achievements of Black communities locally and nationally. It is a yearly celebration that recognizes the ongoing fight for human rights and equality and is commemorated through community activities like cookouts, faith services, musical performances, and storytelling.

🎉This year, the South Sound has many community celebrations across our region, and all are invited to participate. Here are a few to consider joining:

June 15: The City of Lacey, Washington - Government will hold a celebration with BBQ, live music, and more from 11:30 am–4:00 pm at the Regional Athletic Complex. They are also collecting non-perishable foods in support of the Thurston County Food Bank. Learn more at https://ow.ly/4Wh750SeBv9.

June 17: Multiculturally Minded Lewis County, the Lewis County Dignity Guild, and the City of Centralia will celebrate on June 19 from 10 am–12:30 pm at George Washington Park. Learn more at https://ow.ly/Y99j50SeBve.

June 19: Our nonprofit colleagues at ASHHO CULTURAL COMMUNITY CENTER invite everyone to join them at their “Celebrating Freedom” event from 4:00–7:00 pm at the cultural center. Learn more at https://ow.ly/irSe50SeBv2.

June 22: The Women of Color in Leadership Movement, Media Island International, and the City of Olympia - Government invite everyone to join them for a festival from 1:00–5:00 pm at Rebecca Howard Park. The marketplace will feature a Black-owned and operated business alongside performances and presentations by others. Learn more at https://ow.ly/Ur9i50SeBvf.

📺Are you looking for the link to watch our recent Community Conversation with Mónica Guzmán? Well, look no further because here’s the link from our colleagues at TVW for all to enjoy and share: https://ow.ly/sQ2850S7p3S.

📝If you prefer to read a write-up of the event, be sure to check out this blog post from our colleagues working on the Project for Civic Health in WA State. https://ow.ly/JkUZ50S7Hnn

Community Conversation with Monica Guzman - TVW The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound hosts a Community Conversation with Monica Guzman, journalist and author of "I Never Thought of It That Way: How

Among this month’s celebrations for our communities is Pride Month! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

We warmly invite you, our LGBTQ+ community and allies, to join us in celebrating the diverse and vibrant LGBTQ+ people and organizations across our communities this month and all year long. Below are a few ways to join the celebrations this month.

🏳️‍🌈The Washington State LGBTQ Commission is excited to announce the launch of the first-of-its-kind statewide survey in partnership with Washington State University that aims to understand the characteristics and experiences of LGBTQ+ people across our state. To learn more about this survey and to share and participate, visit https://ow.ly/Zmr950S7jLL. Then, on June 13 at noon, the Washington State LGBTQ Commission and the Rainbow Alliance and Inclusion Network Business Resource Group invite all to join them in person at the Capitol Campus for the annual raising of the pride flag. To RSVP to attend, visit https://ow.ly/z69e50S7jQ5 or watch the celebration live through TVW.

🌈If you would like to support and learn more about local LGBTQ-serving nonprofits, here are three organizations to consider:

Capital City Pride (www.capitalcitypride.net): will be celebrating with our communities once again this year during a three-day LGBTQIA2S+ Festival in Olympia at the end of the month. You can get involved in the celebration now by applying to perform or host a booth, donating/sponsoring, or volunteering.

Pizza Klatch (pizzaklatch.org), which is not, in fact, a pizzeria, is on a mission to foster resilience in LGBTQ+ Youth to create a safe and positive school experience through support, education, and empowerment.

Stonewall Youth- Olympia, Washington (stonewallyouth.org): is a youth-led organization that empowers LGBTQ2S+ youth to speak for themselves, support each other, educate our communities, and work for social justice.

🎙️🎧Thank you to Dick Pust, who recently hosted our President & CEO, Mindie Reule, on Your Community Podcast through KXXO Mixx 96.1. Listen to the podcast anytime at https://ow.ly/AXpo50RZicT to learn more about the work of the Community Foundation.

THANK YOU to everyone who joined us at last week’s inaugural Community Conversation event with Mónica Guzmán. We were delighted to have just over 300 individuals from our Lewis, Mason, and Thurston communities present and actively engaged in the conversation. We couldn’t have asked for a better evening together!

👉For anyone interested in seeing what Mónica is up to next, including her new podcast, A Braver Way, be sure to check out her website at https://ow.ly/LiSN50RZe9I. And if you want to learn more about Lt. Governor Denny Heck’s Project for Civic Health in partnership with others across Washington State, be sure to visit https://ow.ly/xcKL50RZe9K.

📣We also want to acknowledge that this evening wouldn’t be possible without the assistance and services of so many across our communities, including our reception partners at Bite Me Catering PNW and Browsers Bookshop. Shanna of Shanna Paxton Photography, our hosts at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, and, of course, our colleagues at the Lt. Governor’s office and TVW -- Washington Public Affairs Network who joined us on stage. And to our outreach and media partners at 94.5 ROXY FM, JOLT - The Journal of Olympia, Lacey & Tumwater, KELA / KMNT Radio, KXXO Mixx 96.1, Olympia Education Foundation, South Sound Magazine, and ThurstonTalk.com, who helped us get the word out across our communities.

🎉We also want to extend continuous gratitude to our Friends Of the Foundation supporters who champion our many activities and programs all year long, including City of Olympia - Government, Heritage Bank, Olympia Federal Savings, Panorama, Peninsula Credit Union, Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel, L&E Bottling Company, and South Puget Sound Community College. Learn more about Friends at https://ow.ly/CwsZ50S0Cc7.

You all are awesome! Please join us in expressing our thanks to so many by liking and leaving comments on this post.

😎Happy Memorial Day weekend, everyone! This upcoming Monday, we honor and remember those who have bravely served our country. Let's celebrate with family and friends and take a moment to reflect and express gratitude to those near and far who have served our communities. 🤝Have a safe and meaningful weekend, South Sound!

📅The Community Foundation's offices will be closed starting Friday, May 24, and we look forward to reconnecting with everyone on Tuesday, May 28.

🌞Friends Of the Foundation is a group of local community members (businesses, individuals, families, groups, and others) who champion the Community Foundation's mission and ongoing work of "growing a lasting culture of generosity and well-being in South Puget Sound through connection, leadership, and investment." 👉Learn more by visiting https://ow.ly/ANv050RNKvU.

🎉This week, we want to give special recognition to some of our Business Friends who are supporting this year's lineup of programs and events, including our inaugural Community Conversation event—happening tomorrow at the WA Center.

Please join us in saying thank you for their continual commitment to our communities! 🤩
City of Olympia - Government, Olympia Federal Savings, Panorama, Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel, L&E Bottling Company, and South Puget Sound Community College.

🎉ASHHO CULTURAL COMMUNITY CENTER invites ALL to join them in celebration of 3 years of walking together as a community at the next "Walk with Erin" on Saturday, June 8th, from 11 am - 1 pm. This special event is in honor of Erin's birthday and in recognition of last month's walk, where those in attendance experienced harassment. The goal is to have 100+ community members there. What are you waiting for? 👟Grab a friend or two and lace up your walking shoes; it's time to celebrate together! 🚶🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️

👉For more information and questions about this free community event, please visit https://www.ashho.org/events/special-event-lets-all-walk-with-erin.

👥Communication is the most powerful tool for understanding others and investigating the differences between our viewpoints—yes, even across the political spectrum. What starts as a casual dialogue and an exchange of ideas can develop into a respectful conversation that imagines a future where we all participate in meaningful conversations and understand one another without judgment.

💫We may not always agree with each other, and that's ok! Embrace the power of fearless curiosity and engage in courageous dialogue at the Community Foundation's first-ever Community Conversation event featuring journalist, entrepreneur, and bridge builder Mónica Guzmán next week on May 22nd.

🎟️Tickets are on sale now! Reserve your seat today by visiting https://ow.ly/qRxA50REBCT.

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📖🤝We’ve partnered with Browsers Bookshop to make Mónica’s celebrated book, “I Never Thought Of It That Way: How To Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations In Dangerously Divided Times,” available for purchase at our upcoming Community Conversation event’s reception. Whether you are looking to get a copy for yourself or a loved one, this is a great way to dive fearlessly into the topics revolving around our upcoming community event and support a local women-owned business right here in the South Sound. 🎧And for audiobook lovers, be sure to check out libro.fm to help some of your favorite local independent bookstores.

🎟️To learn more about our upcoming event and reserve your seat, please visit https://ow.ly/Eg9S50RxB3m.

📣The Olympia Trials Legacy Committee invites all to join them in celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the First Women's Olympic Marathon Trials, and YOU are invited to help kick off the festivities at the 2024 Celebration Banquet on Friday, May 17 at 5:30 pm at Indian Summer Golf and Country Club. Register to attend today by visiting https://ow.ly/qGbl50RzYmj.

🎉The fun-filled weekend of celebrations will open to the public on Friday, May 17, with various activities for all ages and interests lasting through the weekend. The Public Events Schedule lists multiple gatherings and celebrations, including events hosted by Club Oly Road Runners, and the annual Capital City Marathon Expo and Race. 🏃🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

👉To learn more about all of the weekend festivities and get involved, be sure to check out https://ow.ly/fpaw50RzURA.

We're looking forward to seeing you there and making some unforgettable memories with our community members! ✨



📸 Photo courtesy of the Olympic Trials Legacy Committee and was taken of the qualifiers at the START line of the First Ever Women's Olympic Marathon Trials that were hosted in Olympia, Washington on May 12, 1984. Please contact them for photo use permissions.

📣We are excited to announce that Lt. Governor Denny Heck will be joining us at our upcoming Community Conversation event with Mónica Guzmán on May 22. During a special introduction, he will share his insights on the importance of reaching across divides with our communities. We look forward to seeing you there and giving Lt. Governor Heck a warm welcome together!

🎟️To learn more about our upcoming event and reserve your seat, please visit https://ow.ly/xu1050Rxxa6.

👉To learn more about the collaborative efforts between the Lt. Governor's Office in partnership with UW Evans School, The Henry M. Jackson Foundation, and the Ruckelshaus Center on the Project for Civic Health, be sure to visit projectforcivichealth.org.

🎉Earthbound Productions Luminary Procession and Procession of the Species Celebration made a triumphant return to this year's Spring Arts Walk after being put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Olympia and the surrounding community were buzzing 🐝 with excitement for weeks leading up to this beloved community-driven celebration of our relationship with each other and the natural world. 🌍

A big THANK YOU 💖 goes out to everyone who participated through art, dance, encouragement, inclusion, generosity, and music!

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📣Now's your chance to register to attend the Next Right Step's Giving Circle Dinner & Social on May 8 from 5:30-7:30 pm at Uptown Grill. During this quarterly gathering, all in attendance will hear about the impact of the Giving Circle and enjoy networking time with like-minded philanthropists.

🤝 In addition, our colleague Beth with Enterprise for Equity will give a short presentation about E4E and how their mission of "promoting women's self-sufficiency" intersects with that of the Giving Circle.

Date: May 8, 2024
Time: 5:30 -7:30 pm
Cost: $25
Pre-registration is required by Saturday, May 4, at https://square.link/u/MXMDPJ97.

For more information about the Next Right Step Giving Circle and other ways to get involved, we invite you to visit https://tinyurl.com/NRSGivingCircle.

In today's world, it's easy to feel like we're incapable of having civil, respectful discussions. 🗣️ According to the 2022 Edelman Trust Barometer, 64% of people feel this way, and yet we don't have to accept this. By engaging in respectful conversations where we choose connection, we have the power to build on each other's ideas and celebrate our diverse lived experiences. 🌟

💫 We may not always agree, and that's ok! Embrace the power of fearless curiosity and engage in courageous dialogue at the Community Foundation's first-ever Community Conversation event on May 22nd, featuring journalist, entrepreneur, and bridge builder Mónica Guzmán.

🎟️Tickets are on sale now! Reserve your seat today at https://ow.ly/nuOb50Rr7RZ.

💡Curious about the 2022 Edelman Trust Barometer mentioned above? Access it here: https://ow.ly/uc9N50Rr7RY.

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Our colleagues at Health and Hope Medical Outreach are inviting everyone to attend their first annual Health & Hope Flea Market, which will be held on May 18 from 10 am - 4 pm at the Moose Lodge 1400 Grand Ave, Centralia. By supporting local crafters and purchasing handmade goods, plant starts, as well as gently used flea market finds, you will also be supporting the ongoing operations of your local community free clinic! 🤝💫

👉To learn more about this exciting event and how you can get involved, please visit https://ow.ly/Cv7J50Rlsop.

📆🎉SAVE THE DATE for May 11 and join our communities as we celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander heritage and cultures! There will be performances, food vendors, arts and crafts, resource tables, and free activities for the entire family to enjoy. To learn more, be sure to visit https://ow.ly/SGmM50RlpBv.

This yearly event is hosted by the APIC South Puget Sound Chapter in partnership with the City of Olympia - Government, Asia Pacific Cultural Center, and South Puget Sound Community College.

Last week, our team got together for lunch and celebrated Melissa before they left for their new adventure in Colorado! Melissa's last day with the Community Foundation will be May 15.🎉🚗

They have been an integral part of our team for the past five years, always listening and responding to the needs of our nonprofit colleagues with a smile and understanding and assisting students and their families during scholarship season. We look forward to finishing off scholarship season with them virtually over the next month and can’t wait to be kept up to date on what’s next for them. 💖

🎤Goodbyes are always bittersweet, and we also know that many of you across our communities have words of encouragement, thanks, and so much more to share with Melissa. Now’s your chance to leave them a message in the comments!

🤔Have you ever found yourself scrolling through social media and stumbled upon a post that made you feel angry? Before you ignore it, block your friend’s account, or make any hasty decision, take a moment to pause and consider that there may be more to the story than meets the eye. 💡That’s when it’s time to get curious and choose connection.

💫We may not always agree with each other, and that’s ok! Embrace the power of fearless curiosity and engage in courageous dialogue at the Community Foundation's first-ever Community Conversation event featuring journalist, entrepreneur, and bridge builder Mónica Guzmán on May 22nd.

🎟️Tickets are on sale now! Reserve your seat today by visiting https://ow.ly/VUH750Rgu4o.

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📣The League of Women Voters of Thurston County, in partnership with APIC South Puget Sound Chapter and Hispanic Roundtable of South Sound cordially invites all to participate in an informative panel presentation and conversation on April 18 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The event will be held at the Thurston County Board Meeting Room.

In 2021, the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners declared racism a crisis. This event aims to engage the community in a meaningful conversation about how Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, and Thurston County jurisdictions are working to address barriers to racial equity, inclusion, and belonging in the County.

To register for the event in person or on Zoom, please visit https://www.lwvthurston.org. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

📣This one is for you, Mason County nonprofit colleagues!

As a leader of a nonprofit organization, you may face difficulties, especially when leading a small or volunteer-run nonprofit. Have you ever wondered about the basics needed to ensure you can fulfill your mission? 💫

If so, we invite you to join the Nonprofit Association of Washington on April 19 in Shelton for an all-day in-person workshop. This workshop will cover everything you need to know, including tested tips and tools and NAWA's four learning toolkits on boards, finance, law, and planning.

Are you ready to register for this informative event? Head over to https://ow.ly/lTUA50RaI81 to start your learning journey. 🚗🚙

SHELTON: Tools for Running an Effective Nonprofit - Nonprofit Association of Washington Join us in Shelton at Tools for Running an Effective Nonprofit to learn how to achieve your mission as a leader in a nonprofit organization

📣Thank you to all who joined us last Thursday at our second annual Lunch & Learn event for our Agency Funds! Nonprofit professionals learned about how Incorporating planned giving into their fundraising strategy can be a powerful way to meet supporters where they are and help them leave a lasting impact on a cause they feel passionate about.

We were pleased to welcome Kate and Liz, Senior Consultants at Campbell & Company, to our communities and are thankful for their many insights on planned giving centered on the intersection of community needs, interests, and values to create and maintain meaningful philanthropic relationships with our local people.

💫 You're invited to join us at our inaugural Community Conversation event on May 22nd at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts at 7:00 pm. Dive into fearless dialogues with Mónica Guzmán and discover how to bridge divides during a fireside chat that you won't want to miss. Be part of the change and engage with others across our communities who, like you, want to better understand and learn from people whose worldviews are different or even opposed to your own.

🎟️Tickets are on sale now at https://ow.ly/cZEC50R2NES.

🤝Please share widely.

Special thanks to Friends of the Foundation supporters: City of Olympia - Government, Olympia Federal Savings, and South Puget Sound Community College!

🎉Thank you to everyone who attended last week's Nonprofit Leaders Conference for Coastal and SW WA; it was a truly unforgettable gathering. Special thanks to this year's Keynote speaker, Erin Jones, who inspired everyone and received a resounding standing ovation from all in attendance. Our team was beyond thankful to attend again this year and connect with so many caring nonprofit leaders in our region. See you all next year!