Community Foundation Of North Central Washington

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $6,600,000
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Varies by grant (typically 1-2 months after deadline)
• Grant Range: Up to $100,000 (varies by programme)
• Geographic Focus: Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties, Washington

Contact Details

• Website: https://cfncw.org
• Phone: (509) 663-7716
• Email: info@cfncw.org
• Grants Contact: Jennifer Short - jennifer.s@cfncw.org (Director of Community Grants)
• Address: 9 S Wenatchee Ave, Wenatchee, WA 98801

Overview

The Community Foundation of North Central Washington (CFNCW) serves as a philanthropic hub for Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties in Washington State. Operating with the tagline "Good Grows Here," CFNCW manages multiple legacy funds and grant programmes that distribute approximately $6.6 million annually to local nonprofits. The foundation focuses on building philanthropy, raising awareness, and growing endowments whilst supporting charitable causes across five key areas: arts and culture, education and youth programmes, environment and animal protection, health and human services, and public/social benefit. Since its establishment in 1986, the foundation has awarded more than $63 million in grants and scholarships.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

• Legacy Fund Grants: Distributed across multiple geographic funds

  • Wenatchee Valley Fund
  • Upper Valley Fund
  • Chelan Valley Fund
  • Cashmere Fund
  • Okanogan Valley Fund
  • Methow Valley Fund
  • Application portal: grantinterface.com/Process/Apply?urlkey=cfncw

• Methow Valley Game Changer Grant: Up to $100,000 (single award)

• Woods Family Music & Arts Grant: Up to $5,000

• NCW Foundation for Youth Grant: Amount varies (open year-round)

• Community Partnership Grant: Amount varies

• Make a Difference Day Project Grant: Amount varies

• Regional Impact Grant: Up to $5,000 (offered twice yearly)

• Impact Investing Programme: Low-cost capital loans to nonprofits

Priority Areas

• Arts and culture
• Education and youth programmes
• Environment and animal protection
• Health and human services
• Public/social benefit
• Affordable housing initiatives
• Rural community development

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions not publicly detailed; organisations should review individual grant guidelines

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership:

• Beth Stipe - Executive Director
• Claire Oatey - Director of Community Leadership
• Denise Sorom - Director of Philanthropic & Programme Services
• Jennifer Short - Director of Community Grants
• Thom Schroeder - Director of Marketing & Communications

Additional Staff:

• Julie Mott - Scholarship Programme Manager
• Melissa Wisen - Software & Accounting Specialist
• Annie Sirguy - Administrative Specialist
• Gabriela Perky - Marketing & Communications Associate

Board of Trustees information available but not detailed on public website.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

• Online application portal: grantinterface.com/Process/Apply?urlkey=cfncw
• Preview applications before submission
• Review Grant Guidelines and Policies before applying
• Contact Jennifer Short (jennifer.s@cfncw.org) for questions
• Subscribe to e-news for grant announcements and updates

Application Deadlines by Programme

• Okanogan Valley Fund: Opens January 1, Deadline February 15
• Mansfield Community Fund: Opens April 1, Deadline May 1
• Community Partnership Grant: Opens June 1, Deadline July 31
• Cashmere, Chelan, Upper Valley, Wenatchee Valley Funds: Opens July 1, Deadline August 15
• Woods Family Music & Arts Grant: Opens August 1, Deadline September 30
• Make a Difference Day Project Grant: Opens September 1, Deadline September 30
• Waterville Community Fund: Opens October 1, Deadline December 1
• Wenatchee High School Foundation: Opens October 1, Deadline October 31
• Methow Valley Fund: Opens December 1, Deadline January 15
• NCW Foundation for Youth: Open year-round
• Regional Impact Grant: Offered twice yearly (check website for current deadlines)

Decision Timeline

Typically 1-2 months after application deadline (varies by programme)

Success Rates

Not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Not specified in available materials

Application Success Factors

Based on CFNCW's funding patterns and priorities:

• Organisations serving rural, remote, and geographically isolated communities have shown success
• Projects addressing emergency preparedness in rural areas align with foundation priorities
• Collaborative approaches that leverage multiple funding sources are favoured
• The foundation has funded diverse organisations from bike cooperatives to legal aid services
• Projects with clear community impact metrics tend to succeed
• Consider applying to multiple relevant grant programmes offered by CFNCW

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• CFNCW offers multiple grant opportunities throughout the year - review all programmes for best fit
• The foundation has a strong focus on rural community needs in North Central Washington
• Legacy Fund Grants are distributed across multiple geographic funds throughout the year
• The Impact Investing Programme offers loans as an alternative to traditional grants
• Year-round youth grant opportunities exist through the NCW Foundation for Youth
• Direct contact with Jennifer Short, Director of Community Grants, is encouraged for questions
• Subscribe to their e-newsletter to stay informed about new opportunities and deadlines

References

• Community Foundation of North Central Washington Official Website: https://cfncw.org
• CFNCW Grant Programmes Page: https://cfncw.org/grants
• CFNCW About Page: https://cfncw.org/about
• CFNCW Staff Directory: https://cfncw.org/staff
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/911349486
• Candid Foundation Directory: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=WENA001