Category: Philanthropy
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Toward Transformation: Equity-Centric Philanthropy in the Pacific Northwest
For the first time in her professional career, Elena Pullen-Venema can say that her personal racial equity values and those of her employer are coming into alignment. Elena, who’s been with the Community Foundation of Snohomish County since 2012 and now serves as Director of Gift Planning there, says the foundation began “deep-dive” equity discussions as a staff a > Continue Reading
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Complex Gifts Can Simply Transform Communities
“Sometimes the most important stuff is not all about the money.” – Marydale Brooks The late Marydale Brooks believed the “important stuff” happened “when everyone starts pitching in with their talents, resources, or pure grunt work to get the job done.” A longtime Buckley resident, she was unassuming in her demeanor, community-minded, and collaborative in > Continue Reading
5
Listening to Youth Helps Drive Racial Equity At Pierce County Nonprofits
Jonathan Jackson, Palmer Scholars’ Executive Director, runs an organization that supports underrepresented Pierce County students of color to overcome financial, cultural, and social barriers in their pursuit of higher education. He pointed to the fact that youth voice is essential for their mission, “If you’re talking about building an equitable future, but you’re not > Continue Reading
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Dr. Jerry and Elaine Ramsey: A Historical Legacy To Set The Record Straight
Dr. Jerry Ramsey and his late wife, Elaine, were true lovers of Tacoma long before it became the hottest housing market in the nation. Through their work as educators and authors, they built connections to the region’s history. As engaged community members, they also built lasting supports for generations to come. “Elaine and I have never lived outside of the Tacoma area”, said Dr. Jerry. > Continue Reading
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Giving Tuesday Can Be A Gateway To Greater Community Impact
Mary Hammond played clarinet in her small Michigan hometown’s marching band, but, “First blizzard, I said, ‘This is for the birds!’” and she immediately switched to the choir. Her musical father nurtured in her a soft spot for music, as well as an interest in investing. A biochemist who would read Value Line at the Grand Rapids > Continue Reading
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Where There’s A Will There’s A Way To Build A Thriving Future
2020 has been a year of uncertainty and change, with everything from physical distancing to mask wearing to Zoom work, school, and parties becoming our new day-to-day. Despite the current disruptions, many people have been inspired to re-imagine their future – and the future of their communities. “We’ve experienced an uptick in clients requesting estate planning services since COVID hit,” said Ken Ford, Attorney with Morton McGoldrick in Tacoma. “COVID > Continue Reading
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Understanding Your Community Helps Charitable Giving Support Racial Equity
Since COVID-19 shut down schools, the Hilltop Artists’ glass hot shop furnaces at Jason Lee Middle School have been idle. But, Hilltop Artists’ support for youth continues. On a recent afternoon, Executive Director Dr. Kimberly Keith worked from the dining room of the house where she grew up, via video meetings, getting creative with > Continue Reading
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Partnering to Honor Community History: Gregory M. Tanbara, GTCF Board Alumnus
Over the past 38 years, Greater Tacoma Community Foundation has seen Pierce County grow and change, but what has remained constant is the passion people bring to building a thriving community. Sharing community knowledge and stories about our lived experiences builds everyone’s ability to make a positive impact. In our latest annual book of Pierce > Continue Reading
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Pandemic Philanthropy: Trust Is The Key To Impact During COVID-19
“A month ago, this was just an idea.” As Cassandra Williams was figuring out how to bring her newly leased Hilltop space up to code for her “Love by the Slice” baking business, COVID-19 hit. And so did community-based inspiration. A friend’s Facebook post alerted Cassandra, a Tacoma native, to the fact that some of her neighbors were in > Continue Reading
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PIERCE COUNTY CONNECTED Spotlight: Working Together To Feed Our Neighbors
PIERCE COUNTY FOOD ACCESS: The Need, Resources, and How You Can Help As the public health response to COVID-19 in Pierce County escalated on March 13, 2020, United Way of Pierce County and Greater Tacoma Community Foundation partnered for an aligned philanthropic response to emerging community needs. Together, they launched the PIERCE COUNTY CONNECTED fund, seeded with $1,750,000 > Continue Reading