Please support the Palmer Community Foundation

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to an organization that has funded projects around the community of Palmer for the last several years and you may not even be aware of their existence. The Palmer Community Foundation (PCF) was born about 5 years ago as an affiliate member of The Alaska Community Foundation. The mission is to promote philanthropy and to build a local permanent endowment to sustain a source of grantmaking funds to local nonprofits and qualifying groups. PCF is a facilitator for our community to discuss and collaborate on issues of local importance. Over the past four years, PCF has provided over $40,000 in grants to our local nonprofits.

The Alaska Community Foundation (ACF) works closely with Rasmuson Foundation to create and foster philanthropic foundations in communities throughout the state These foundations would be a vehicle for local grantmaking where the direction and decision-making happen at the local level. From that goal, the Affiliate Program was born. To date, there are affiliates in 11 communities throughout Alaska, PCF being one of the newer ones. ACF and Rasmuson Foundation created a program to support and foster local foundations by providing direct administrative support as well as operating funds, initial grant money, and training. They manage the investment, accounting, and security of PCF funds. Together, ACF and Rasmuson established a 4-year matching donations program allowing for every dollar raised locally to be matched up to an amazing $100,000! Because of the generosity of many individuals, and the support of the Mat-Su Health Foundation and the Palmer Economic Development Authority, PCF was able to receive the full matching amount during the initial four-year period. Thanks to the success of the match program throughout the state, Rasmuson Foundation renewed their support for another 5 years.

With this renewed program comes more opportunity to secure the legacy PCF is building for our community and substantially increase the endowment funds available for future grantmaking well into the future. To take advantage of this opportunity, PCF needs you as individuals and businesses to contribute to the endowment funds. The matching goal for 2021 has not been met yet. It is tax deductible and could not be easier. To donate, please visit www.palmercf.org/give. Your contribution will become a part of a permanent source of grantmaking to help groups create positive change, increase the quality of life, and foster a closer and kinder community. Grants from PCF have supported outdoor recreation, food security, the arts, local history preservation, and veteran training programs. As an advisory board member of PCF, I have seen firsthand the work accomplished by our grantees to make our community a stronger, better place to live. Please support Palmer Community Foundation. Every dollar given is an investment in our community’s future.

Mike Liebing is the Palmer Community Foundation Advisory Board Chairman.