Upper Valley Fund Grant

The Upper Valley Fund Grant is administered by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, an organization dedicated to growing, protecting, and connecting charitable gifts in support of strong communities across Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties. The Upper Valley Fund specifically focuses on communities located in the Upper Valley region, including Leavenworth, Plain, Peshastin, and Dryden. This fund is structured as an endowed charitable fund, meaning that a portion of its assets is distributed annually while the principal is preserved and grown over time through donations, ensuring long term sustainability and ongoing grantmaking capacity. The primary purpose of the Upper Valley Fund Grant is to support charitable initiatives that preserve, protect, and enhance the quality of life for residents in the Upper Valley. The fund emphasizes community driven needs and seeks to address a broad range of issues impacting local residents, including those related to community wellbeing, infrastructure of nonprofit organizations, and programs that strengthen the social and cultural fabric of the region. The fund is supported both by current donations and legacy gifts, allowing donors to contribute during their lifetime or through estate planning to sustain future grant cycles. Funding provided through this program is generally awarded as unrestricted or general operating support, aligning with the Community Foundation’s broader grantmaking philosophy. This approach allows nonprofit organizations to allocate funds where they are most needed, including staffing, program delivery, infrastructure, and strategic development. The flexibility of unrestricted funding is intended to strengthen nonprofit capacity, reduce administrative burden, and enable organizations to adapt to changing community needs. The grantmaking framework prioritizes outcomes and organizational impact rather than narrowly defined project expenditures. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and agencies that are addressing community needs within the defined geographic service area. Organizations must typically hold tax exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or apply through a qualified fiscal sponsor if permitted. Applicants must be headquartered within the service area of the Upper Valley Fund, and organizations serving populations outside the area may be subject to additional review criteria regarding proportional impact. Certain entities, such as individuals, political organizations, and programs primarily serving religious purposes, are not eligible for funding. The application process occurs annually, with the application period opening on July 1 and closing on August 15. Applicants are required to submit their proposals through the designated application system, providing information about organizational mission, community impact, and intended use of funds. While specific application components are not exhaustively detailed in the provided materials, applicants are expected to demonstrate alignment with community needs and the fund’s mission. Local Advisory Boards play a key role in reviewing applications, recommending grant awards, and ensuring that funding decisions reflect diverse community perspectives. Evaluation of applications is guided by principles of fairness, inclusivity, and objectivity. The Community Foundation employs structured evaluation methods to assess proposals based on impact, alignment with mission, and community benefit. The process is designed to minimize bias and ensure equitable consideration of all applicants. Awards are typically determined following the close of the application period, with funding distributed based on available endowment earnings for the year. The Upper Valley Fund Grant is a recurring annual opportunity, with funding cycles tied to the growth and performance of the endowed fund. As contributions to the endowment increase, the total funding available for grants is expected to grow over time, enhancing the program’s long term impact. The fund’s structure and governance through the Local Advisory Board ensure that grantmaking remains responsive to evolving community needs while maintaining a sustainable funding model for future generations.

Focus on demonstrating strong alignment with Upper Valley community needs and clear impact on quality of life; emphasize organizational capacity and community benefit