Palmer Community Foundation looking to raise $185,000 in two years

PALMER — The Palmer Community Foundation has until the end of 2020 to raise $185,000 into an endowment fund that will be matched and used to flow back into the Palmer community through grants, scholarships, and other support. These funds are designed to meet some immediate needs, but focus heavily on the future generations, the long-term support of Palmer residents, according to a recent press release.

“The purpose this endowment is to leave a legacy for now and into the future for the betterment of Palmer area communities,” Palmer Community Foundation Program Manager Jen Burkmire said in a follow up interview with the Frontiersman.

Currently, PCF’s goal is to raise $26,700 in 2018, toward the total goal $185,000. According to the press release, for each dollar donated to PCF’s endowment fund or endowed operating funds by the end of 2020 will be matched.

“That means for a gift of $1, PCF receives $2. A gift of $10,000 will grow to $20,000! A gift of any amount, up to $185,000, will be matched,” as stated in the press release.

The PCF is a non-profit organization stemmed from its non-profit parent, the Alaska Community Foundation. PCF is the 10th and newest affiliate in ACF’s affiliate program. It is also the second in the Mat-Su Valley, the first being the Jessica Stevens Community Foundation (JSCF), who focus their efforts on the northern Susitna Valley.

The PCF is still fairly new and still “getting their strategic plan set,” according to Burkmire.

These foundations are designed to pool donations into an endowment fund and award grants to charities non-profit organizations specifically focused on their respective areas. Looking forward, Burkmire said that they are trying to build their endowment fund to add more grants and scholarships for the Palmer community.

ACF’s Affiliate Program started in 2008 with 5 affiliates, bringing an additional four in 2013. PCF is blanketed under ACF who does the heavy lifting, the “back work.” ACF will oversee the big picture while PCF narrows in on the local level, working the non-profits tightly connected to the town. ACF helped PCF get off the ground, providing guidance, grant money, templates, and many more resources, including a 3 year employee, Burkmire.

Burkmire’s sole job is to help manage the program as PCF moves toward their $100,000 goal for a match grant from the Rasmuson Foundation, a long time affiliate. Rasmuson will match every dollar PCF raises in grant money. If they raise $100,000 within the remaining three years of their four year goal, Rasmuson will award a $25,000 bonus.

“PCF is very appreciative of ACF and Rasmuson Foundation’s generosity through this matching opportunity. You are invited to be part of it, too! Together, we can make a greater impact with our charitable dollars than we could do individually,” according to the press release.

The PCF gave out 2 scholarships this year; one for the Palmer Soccer Club and the other for the Palmer Food Bank.

“The hope is to do that every year,” Burkmire said. “As the fund grows, we can expand our goals and hopes of how to use that.”

Burkmire said that she and her team are currently brainstorming a fundraising event for the Fall.

“Palmer has a real sense of community. Even though it’s growing, it still has a small town feel. Neighbors know each other and help each other.

For more information about PCF and how to donate, visit www.palmercf.org or call 855-336-6701 for Jen Burkmire.