Friday, October 2, 2026
CHELAN — The Community Foundation of North Central Washington awarded $69,000 to local nonprofit organizations through the Chelan Valley Legacy Fund Grant Program in 2025, continuing a community-led approach to philanthropy focused on local needs.
Launched in 2024, the Chelan Valley Legacy Fund has distributed $115,158 in grants over its first two years, supporting nonprofit organizations serving communities throughout the Chelan Valley, including Chelan Falls, Entiat and Manson. While the region draws visitors year-round for recreation and tourism, the fund is focused on supporting residents who live and work in the valley.
The Legacy Fund model is based on the belief that local residents are best positioned to guide how charitable dollars are invested. That work is carried out through Local Advisory Boards, or LABs, made up of community members who work alongside Community Foundation board representatives to review grant applications, conduct site visits and determine regional funding priorities.
“Serving on the Community Foundation of NCW’s Local Advisory Board has been a truly rewarding experience,” said Karen Pembroke, a Chelan Valley LAB member. “I’ve learned so much from my fellow board members, whose deep knowledge of the Chelan Valley has expanded my awareness of local nonprofits and community needs.”
Now in its second year, the Chelan Valley Legacy Fund continues to grow as communities refine their approach to collaborative giving.
“The Chelan Valley Fund is a game changer for Chelan,” said Tamra Hively, another Chelan Valley LAB member. “I am so happy to be part of a passionate group of people that truly want the community to feel supported, seen, and heard.”
The fund was launched with support from the Community Foundation’s Founders Circle, a group of donors who contributed $5,000 or more to establish the fund. Ongoing support is accepted at any level through grantable or endowed options.
To recognize this year’s grant recipients, the Community Foundation and the Chelan Valley Local Advisory Board hosted a grantee celebration Dec. 5 at the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce. The event brought together nonprofit partners, advisory board members and Community Foundation representatives to recognize the impact of local philanthropy.
The Community Foundation thanked donors, community members and Local Advisory Board participants for their support and congratulated the nonprofit organizations receiving 2025 grants for their service to the Chelan Valley.
“The community is proud to showcase their nonprofits and to see that there is support for them,” Hively said. “We are all learning so much about each other. This truly is a warm and giving community.”
Grant recipients and award amounts include:
Local Advisory Board members include Sally Anderson, Lester Cooper, Armondo Davila, Michael Gibb, Tamra Hively, Daniel Hodge, Brian MacPhearson, Jenna Paglia, Karen Pembroke and Claudia Shipman.
Founders Circle supporters include Hal and Florence Field, Linda Evans Parlette, Donald and Jane Lloyd, Rose Clark, and Kathy Woods, in honor of the Lawrence Kingman Family.
The Community Foundation of North Central Washington, established in 1986, works to grow, protect and connect charitable gifts supporting communities across Chelan, Douglas and Okanogan counties. The foundation manages $163 million in assets through more than 690 individual funds and has awarded more than $63 million in grants and scholarships.
For more information, call 509-663-7716 or visit www.cfncw.org.
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