The Community Foundation of North Central Washington awarded $69,000 to local nonprofits in 2025 through the Chelan Valley Legacy Fund Grant Program, continuing its community-led approach to philanthropy focused on addressing local needs. Since its launch in 2024, the fund has distributed a total of $115,158 in grants, supporting organizations across Chelan Valley, including Chelan Falls, Entiat, and Manson, with an emphasis on assisting residents who live and work in the area.
The Chelan Valley Legacy Fund operates on the principle that local residents are best positioned to guide charitable investments. Local Advisory Boards, composed of community members, collaborate with the Community Foundation’s board representatives to review grant applications, conduct site visits, and set regional funding priorities. Advisory board members, such as Karen Pembroke and Tamra Hively, highlighted the rewarding experience of participating and the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of local nonprofits and community needs.
Funding for the Chelan Valley Legacy Fund was initially supported by the Community Foundation’s Founders Circle, comprised of donors contributing $5,000 or more, and continues to accept ongoing contributions through grantable or endowed options. To celebrate the 2025 grant recipients, the Community Foundation and the Chelan Valley Local Advisory Board hosted a grantee event at the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce, bringing together nonprofit partners, board members, and foundation representatives to recognize the impact of local philanthropy.
The 2025 grant recipients include Chelan Valley Community Nurse, Chelan Valley Feral Cat Project, Chelan Valley Hope, Entiat Valley Community Services Food Bank, Heritage Heights at Lake Chelan, Lake Chelan Recreation Development Foundation, Lake Chelan Rotary, Lake Chelan Valley Habitat for Humanity, Manson Grange No. 796, Manson Library Board of Directors, and Thrive Chelan Valley. Grant amounts ranged from $2,000 to $10,000, supporting initiatives across health care, education, community development, and recreation.
Local Advisory Board members involved in the 2025 grant cycle 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.
Established in 1986, the Community Foundation of North Central Washington manages $163 million in assets through more than 690 individual funds. Over its history, the foundation has awarded more than $63 million in grants and scholarships, supporting communities across Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties.
