For the second time since it was established two years ago, the Chilkat Valley Community Foundation has met a $15,000 challenge grant offered by the philanthropic Rasmuson Foundation.
For raising $15,000 since January, the local group will receive $17,500, which includes a $2,500 bonus grant.
The foundation – which has awarded $23,000 to local organizations to date – will distribute $12,000 this year.
Much of the $15,000 raised locally came as donations to the foundation’s memorial fund, which was launched last winter and has grown to more than $14,000. The organization’s goal is to build the fund to 20 founding donors with gifts of $1,000 or more by year’s end.
Ten percent of memorial fund donations in 2011 will be used to fund grants in 2011 and 2012. The foundation expects the fund will generate its own income by its third year. Donations of any amount, made in memory of loved ones, are welcome.
Alexandra Feit is a founding donor to the memorial fund whose donations commemorate her father, who died before he had a chance to visit Haines. “My father was always generous… (This) lets me honor my father as well as know the gift will continue to grow and give over years to come.”
The community foundation is accepting grant applications through Sept. 30. For more information, phone 766-6868, e-mail [email protected].