Palmer Community Foundation opens competitive grant cycle

PALMER — The Palmer Community Foundation recently opened its competitive grant cycle for 2019, running until March 7.

The PCF has a strong emphasis on long-term growth the Palmer community with shirt term goals in mind, including these yearly grant awards that benefit Palmer-based nonprofits.

So far, there are two applicants for this year’s grant cycle recipients. Any applicant must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (or equivalent such as a school, tribal or faith based group), according to PCF program manager Jen Burkmire.

“We’re hoping for more,” Burkmire said.

The PCF is the newest child of the Alaska Community Foundation program, dedicated to growing a sustaining endowment fund for the city of Palmer.

The PCF 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. The PCF had yearly fundraising goals that if met, will be matched by the ACF and Rasmuson Foundation.

Burkmire said that the PCF exceeded their 2018 financial goal: exceeding $25,700 by about $6,000.

“The advisory board is pretty excited about that,” Burkmire said.

One hundred percent of the funds raised in 2018 will be matched by the ACF and Rasmuson Foundation and will be matched again if the PCF manages to raise $30,000 in 2018, according to Burkmire.

“They are energized by their community support. That energy really moves them forward,” Burkmire said.

Acting PCF board director Sabrena Combs was also excited by the continued momentum built up in the Palmer Community. She said that she was very encouraged by exceeding their 2018 financial goal.

“2018 was an exciting year for really getting Palmer Community Foundation off the ground. It was amazing to see people, groups and businesses in the community recognize the mission of PCF and extend their welcome and donations,” Combs stated via text message. “We're looking forward to keeping that momentum rolling through the next year as we establish ourselves as a vital part of the non-profit community in Palmer.”

The PCF is hosting a community conversation event on Feb. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Annex in Palmer. They will be discussing creating livable communities with a community potluck. Attendees are encourages to bring their own dishes and their own ideas about Palmer’s future, according to Burkmire.

“As an Affiliate of The Alaska Community Foundation, the Palmer Community Foundation’s (PCF) goal is to support projects that enhance the quality of life for Palmer area residents, addressing immediate needs while working toward long-term improvements. We are continually listening and learning about what is important to you,” stated in a recent press release.

For more information, visit: www.palmercf.org.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com