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HomeMy WebLinkAbout031623 FW_ More news about Jefferson County change makers_ ________________________________ From: Siobhan Canty, Jefferson Community Foundation Sent: Thursday, March 16, 2023 3:07:56 PM (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada) To: Greg Brotherton Subject: More news about Jefferson County change makers. ________________________________ ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. ________________________________ 2023 — Off to a great start! <https://mcusercontent.com/2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262/images/d521b3cd-db12-0bcb-6b39-0d3866f5e365.jpg> Dear Friends, How did March get here so quickly? We've been busy! Giving Circles, nonprofit knowledge exchanges, advocacy for affordable housing, convenings for childcare providers, and so much more. Below are a few stories from the first quarter of 2023. JCF continues to connect people like you - your ideas and resources - to have more impact than if we all worked alone. Together, we are building a future of opportunity for all who live in Jefferson County. As always, we are grateful for the change makers dedicated to this community we love so much and we hope you enjoy hearing about them in this newsletter. Warmest Regards, Siobhan & Team . . . GIVE Donations informed with local knowledge and strategy. <https://mcusercontent.com/2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262/images/d863dc01-e094-2bb3-129c-0422110eef26.png> Vintage Gratitude Giving Circle Giving Circles: Neighbors and Friends Giving Together Giving Circles are groups of neighbors, friends and/or family members who donate to a central pool of charitable donations and decide together where to donate the funds. In doing so, they discuss social issues and develop a shared goal for their giving. From what we’ve observed in the many Giving Circles hosted by Jefferson Community Foundation over the years, they also have tons of fun and learn a lot along the way. In this climate of political tension and social isolation, a Giving Circle is a beautiful way to practice democracy and community building at a local level. Here is a story about a special Giving Circle and the change maker who kicked it all off — the chief instigator, Joanne Rittmeuller.  Learning Across Communities A few years ago, Joanne heard about a JCF Giving Circle and was intrigued. She liked the idea of people getting together,  pooling their funds, and giving back to the community on a larger, more impactful scale than they could if they acted alone. She reached out to JCF for guidance, tools, and resources to get started. JCF also arranged for her to attend an active Giving Circle in Quilcene – called the QuilSeed Pearls Giving Circle – to observe one of their meetings. Joanne liked what she saw, and in particular, how the group worked together. She recalled, “They talked a lot about process which I felt was important, maybe even more important than the results of any particular meeting. It was about building a group and honoring the people in the group.” Launching the Circle Joanne began to pull together a new Giving Circle from her Port Townsend community. She reached out to neighbors and friends from church. They named themselves the Vintage Gratitude Giving Circle (VGGC) in recognition of shared feelings that being “of a certain age” made it possible to give of their time and treasure. JCF supported those early meetings, providing insight and guidance on how they could discover shared values and how to turn those values into meaningful giving. In that first year, VGGC spent a lot of time getting to know each other, their values, and the causes that mattered to them. Based on their shared goals, JCF connected VGGC to local nonprofits that were working on issues that matched their interests. VCCG interviewed program leaders and went to visit their programs before choosing Bayside Housing and Services as their first grantee. Making a Difference Over the last four years, VCCG has become more focused and now decides on a “giving theme” each year. This year, VGGC chose two theme Belonging and Housing. Again, with the support of JCF’s staff, they identified local nonprofits aligned with their interests and arranged a tour of three organizations they felt most aligned with so they could hear more. At the beginning of the year, VGGC chose two programs to support in their most recent round of grantmaking. The first was OWL360’s Nest, a newly opened coffeehouse where young people can gather, access resources, and learn about social and employment opportunities. The second was YMCA’s Building Futures program, a school-based mentoring program that matches local students with caring, supportive, and stable adult mentors. Next on their agenda was a celebratory dinner for the group before jumping right back and beginning work on the VGGC philanthropic focus for 2023. It’s a process they are all grateful for. And so are we. Grateful, proud, and continually amazed at the generosity and caring of this special group of change makers. To find out more about creating a Giving Circle with your community, contact Siobhan Canty at Siobhan@JCFgives.org. . . . BUILD Strong and collaborative nonprofits. <https://mcusercontent.com/2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262/images/58a9bb4a-b5ab-efe4-dedb-7e1fd8b48be6.png> Community Boat Project "The people I love best jump into work head first." There is a poem is written above the entrance to Community Board Project’s workshop. It is by feminist, science fiction writer, and social activist Marge Piercy, called To be of use. The start of the poem reads, “The people I love best jump into work head first.” <https://mcusercontent.com/2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262/images/1218fe5d-409a-ff93-9fa7-6d6c643ab4fa.png> Launched in 1993, the Community Boat Project jumped in head first. With a close affiliation with the Puget Sound Voyaging Society and the NW School of Wooden Boatbuilding, boats and being on the water are integral to their identity, but it is only part of CBP does. As Executive Director Wayne Chimenti points out, “Over the last few years in particular we’ve become more of an education and social center serving kids who couldn’t go to school or others needing to learn skills and make connections to get a job.”  CBP teaches young people how to build boats and tiny houses while learning how to effectively work as a member of a team. All of their programs are accredited and are free of charge for the young people. It is important to ensure all young people can participate. As a result, though, as Wayne readily admits, there is a continual need to find sources of funding.  JCF helps CBP do this in a range of ways. One is by facilitating connections to potential local donors. JCF informs our donor network about great organizations like CBP and as a result, they have donated $80,000 to CBP over the past few years. Another way we help nonprofits with resourcing is through fundraising training and resources. CBP participated in a two-part workshop on foundation relations and grant writing in recent years. Later, they used the national Foundation Information Database housed at JCF, for which pays the subscription fees so that all local nonprofits can use it for free to research potential new funders. JCF also connects organizations to other potential funders. A few years ago, Wayne met a representative from the Medina Foundation at a JCF event.  With Medina’s focus on funding programs that create economic opportunities for youth and families, they and CBP paired up nicely. As a result of that first meeting, CBP received an initial $10,000 grant from Medina. Last month, we learned that the relationship has grown into a $200,000, five-year investment in CBP by Medina that will, according to Wayne: “…allow us to greatly increase capacity and grow to the next stage of our development. We wouldn’t have made that connection without JCF.” JCF is proud to support change makers like Wayne and the young people who are jumping into CBP work head first! . . . SOLVE Regional issues by working together on solutions. <https://mcusercontent.com/2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262/images/346252e5-56cb-22df-7da8-571d1dce1cdd.jpg> JCF serves as a platform for people who care about the same issues to come together to work on solving community challenges. Here are some examples from Q1 2023: Jefferson County Human Services Collaborators Quarterly Meeting Partnering with the YMCA, JCF hosts a meeting of individuals, agencies, and nonprofit organizations that serve the people of Jefferson County. The meeting creates connection between individuals and organizations, allowing people to collaborate across agencies to better serve our community. Over 30 programs/organizations and 50 individuals gather to share up to date information. Childcare Sector Group JCF convenes childcare stakeholders monthly so they can identify and fill gaps in services, now and for the future of Jefferson County. Currently, members are coordinating efforts on childcare and working on a collaborative new childcare building project. Food Security Sector Group JCF convenes food security stakeholders monthly to update and coordinate immediate food security and plan for the future of food security in Jefferson County. Participants work on solving emerging issues and overcome common issues to collectively ensure food security for individual and families in Jefferson County. Financial Assistance Sector Group JCF convenes financial assistance stakeholders monthly to coordinate and update each other on the landscape of needs and services. . . . SUPPORT JCF Support JCF and you support change makers across Jefferson County! All of the work described here is possible because of people like you who generously donate to the operations of Jefferson Community Foundation. Your gifts to JCF provide funds to help cover our core expenses so we can be out in the community and responsive to the needs of change makers like Wayne and Giving Circle members. Please consider making a donation today. Click here! <https://jcfgives.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262&id=b86f7aeb03&e=6c7a2ceb1f> . . . UPCOMING EVENTS FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS SEQUIM: Finance Unlocked for Nonprofits Finance Unlocked for Nonprofits <https://jcfgives.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262&id=c7938fbb8f&e=6c7a2ceb1f> Monday, April 24, 2023 9:00am-1:00pm PT Dungeness River Nature Center River Center – Rainshadow Hall 1943 W Hendrickson Rd, Sequim, WA 98382 We each have our own experiences with finance that may stir up excitement, mixed feelings, or uneasiness. These feelings can shape how we approach our relationship to nonprofit finance. Approaching nonprofit finance in a welcoming way, the Finance Unlocked for Nonprofits <https://jcfgives.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262&id=1266774c6e&e=6c7a2ceb1f> workshop aims to help unlock your financial literacy. From key words and forms to understanding how everything fits together, you will increase your basic nonprofit finance knowledge. Cost $10 for Nonprofit Association of Washington Members (check the member resources page <https://jcfgives.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262&id=3cf9eeda96&e=6c7a2ceb1f> for the coupon code) $20 for Not-yet-Members. Interested in becoming a member? Find more information about membership here. <https://jcfgives.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262&id=634fbd55af&e=6 c7a2ceb1f> This workshop is aimed at nonprofit board members and nonprofit staff wanting to elevate financial knowledge within their organization. Teams are strongly encouraged. <https://mcusercontent.com/2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262/images/b65b2fd0-216e-48c5-99c9-9f96f9577359.png> Jefferson Community Foundation welcomes the community to visit our office! Wayfinding signage in place to assist you finding us at: 63 Julian Street, Port Townsend, WA Off Frederick St in Glen Cove Open Monday-Friday | 9AM - 5PM <https://jcfgives.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262&id=22ef2e7a34&e=6c7a2ceb1f> Share <https://jcfgives.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262&id=9 68b5570c0&e=6c7a2ceb1f> <https://us18.forward-to-friend.com/forward?u=2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262&id=37779600e9&e=6c7a2ceb1f> Forward <https://us18.forward-to-friend.com/forward?u=2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262&id=37779600e9&e= 6c7a2ceb1f> Copyright © 2023 Jefferson Community Foundation, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you provided your email address to Jefferson Community Foundation/United Good Neighbors. Our mailing address is: Jefferson Community Foundation P.O. Box 1394 Port Hadlock, WA 98339 Add us to your address book <https://jcfgives.us18.list-manage.com/vcard?u=2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262&id=11bafd4595> Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences <https://jcfgives.us18.list-manage.com/profile?u=2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262&id=11bafd4595&e=6c7a2ceb1f&c=37779600e9> or unsubscribe from this list <https://jcfgives.us 18.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262&id=11bafd4595&e=6c7a2ceb1f&c=37779600e9> . <http://www.mailchimp.com/email-referral/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=referral_marketing&aid=2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262&afl=1> <https://jcfgives.us18.list-manage.com/track/open.php?u=2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262&id=37779600e9&e=6c7a2ceb1f> young people can gather, access resources, and learn about social and employment opportunities. The second was YMCA’s Building Futures program, a school-based mentoring program that matches local students with caring, supportive, and stable adult mentors. Next on their agenda was a celebratory dinner for the group before jumping right back and beginning work on the VGGC philanthropic focus for 2023. It’s a process they are all grateful for. And so are we. Grateful, proud, and continually amazed at the generosity and caring of this special group of change makers. To find out more about creating a Giving Circle with your community, contact Siobhan Canty at Siobhan@JCFgives.org. . . . BUILD Strong and collaborative nonprofits. <https://mcusercontent.com/2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262/images/58a9bb4a-b5ab-efe4-dedb-7e1fd8b48be6.png> Community Boat Project "The people I love best jump into work head first." There is a poem is written above the entrance to Community Board Project’s workshop. It is by feminist, science fiction writer, and social activist Marge Piercy, called To be of use. The start of the poem reads, “The people I love best jump into work head first.” <https://mcusercontent.com/2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262/images/1218fe5d-409a-ff93-9fa7-6d6c643ab4fa.png> Launched in 1993, the Community Boat Project jumped in head first. With a close affiliation with the Puget Sound Voyaging Society and the NW School of Wooden Boatbuilding, boats and being on the water are integral to their identity, but it is only part of CBP does. As Executive Director Wayne Chimenti points out, “Over the last few years in particular we’ve become more of an education and social center serving kids who couldn’t go to school or others needing to learn skills and make connections to get a job.”  CBP teaches young people how to build boats and tiny houses while learning how to effectively work as a member of a team. All of their programs are accredited and are free of charge for the young people. It is important to ensure all young people can participate. As a result, though, as Wayne readily admits, there is a continual need to find sources of funding.  JCF helps CBP do this in a range of ways. One is by facilitating connections to potential local donors. JCF informs our donor network about great organizations like CBP and as a result, they have donated $80,000 to CBP over the past few years. Another way we help nonprofits with resourcing is through fundraising training and resources. CBP participated in a two-part workshop on foundation relations and grant writing in recent years. Later, they used the national Foundation Information Database housed at JCF, for which pays the subscription fees so that all local nonprofits can use it for free to research potential new funders. JCF also connects organizations to other potential funders. A few years ago, Wayne met a representative from the Medina Foundation at a JCF event.  With Medina’s focus on funding programs that create economic opportunities for youth and families, they and CBP paired up nicely. As a result of that first meeting, CBP received an initial $10,000 grant from Medina. Last month, we learned that the relationship has grown into a $200,000, five-year investment in CBP by Medina that will, according to Wayne: “…allow us to greatly increase capacity and grow to the next stage of our development. We wouldn’t have made that connection without JCF.” JCF is proud to support change makers like Wayne and the young people who are jumping into CBP work head first! . . . SOLVE Regional issues by working together on solutions. <https://mcusercontent.com/2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262/images/346252e5-56cb-22df-7da8-571d1dce1cdd.jpg> JCF serves as a platform for people who care about the same issues to come together to work on solving community challenges. Here are some examples from Q1 2023: Jefferson County Human Services Collaborators Quarterly Meeting Partnering with the YMCA, JCF hosts a meeting of individuals, agencies, and nonprofit organizations that serve the people of Jefferson County. The meeting creates connection between individuals and organizations, allowing people to collaborate across agencies to better serve our community. Over 30 programs/organizations and 50 individuals gather to share up to date information. Childcare Sector Group JCF convenes childcare stakeholders monthly so they can identify and fill gaps in services, now and for the future of Jefferson County. Currently, members are coordinating efforts on childcare and working on a collaborative new childcare building project. Food Security Sector Group JCF convenes food security stakeholders monthly to update and coordinate immediate food security and plan for the future of food security in Jefferson County. Participants work on solving emerging issues and overcome common issues to collectively ensure food security for individual and families in Jefferson County. Financial Assistance Sector Group JCF convenes financial assistance stakeholders monthly to coordinate and update each other on the landscape of needs and services. . . . SUPPORT JCF Support JCF and you support change makers across Jefferson County! All of the work described here is possible because of people like you who generously donate to the operations of Jefferson Community Foundation. Your gifts to JCF provide funds to help cover our core expenses so we can be out in the community and responsive to the needs of change makers like Wayne and Giving Circle members. Please consider making a donation today. Click here! <https://jcfgives.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262&id=b86f7aeb03&e=6c7a2ceb1f> . . . UPCOMING EVENTS FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS SEQUIM: Finance Unlocked for Nonprofits Finance Unlocked for Nonprofits <https://jcfgives.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262&id=c7938fbb8f&e=6c7a2ceb1f> Monday, April 24, 2023 9:00am-1:00pm PT Dungeness River Nature Center River Center – Rainshadow Hall 1943 W Hendrickson Rd, Sequim, WA 98382 We each have our own experiences with finance that may stir up excitement, mixed feelings, or uneasiness. These feelings can shape how we approach our relationship to nonprofit finance. Approaching nonprofit finance in a welcoming way, the Finance Unlocked for Nonprofits <https://jcfgives.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262&id=1266774c6e&e=6c7a2ceb1f> workshop aims to help unlock your financial literacy. From key words and forms to understanding how everything fits together, you will increase your basic nonprofit finance knowledge. Cost $10 for Nonprofit Association of Washington Members (check the member resources page <https://jcfgives.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262&id=3cf9eeda96&e=6c7a2ceb1f> for the coupon code) $20 for Not-yet-Members. Interested in becoming a member? Find more information about membership here. <https://jcfgives.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262&id=634fbd55af&e=6 c7a2ceb1f> This workshop is aimed at nonprofit board members and nonprofit staff wanting to elevate financial knowledge within their organization. Teams are strongly encouraged. <https://mcusercontent.com/2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262/images/b65b2fd0-216e-48c5-99c9-9f96f9577359.png> Jefferson Community Foundation welcomes the community to visit our office! Wayfinding signage in place to assist you finding us at: 63 Julian Street, Port Townsend, WA Off Frederick St in Glen Cove Open Monday-Friday | 9AM - 5PM <https://jcfgives.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262&id=22ef2e7a34&e=6c7a2ceb1f> Share <https://jcfgives.us18.list-manage.com/track/click?u=2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262&id=9 68b5570c0&e=6c7a2ceb1f> <https://us18.forward-to-friend.com/forward?u=2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262&id=37779600e9&e=6c7a2ceb1f> Forward <https://us18.forward-to-friend.com/forward?u=2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262&id=37779600e9&e= 6c7a2ceb1f> Copyright © 2023 Jefferson Community Foundation, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you provided your email address to Jefferson Community Foundation/United Good Neighbors. Our mailing address is: Jefferson Community Foundation P.O. Box 1394 Port Hadlock, WA 98339 Add us to your address book <https://jcfgives.us18.list-manage.com/vcard?u=2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262&id=11bafd4595> Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences <https://jcfgives.us18.list-manage.com/profile?u=2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262&id=11bafd4595&e=6c7a2ceb1f&c=37779600e9> or unsubscribe from this list <https://jcfgives.us 18.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262&id=11bafd4595&e=6c7a2ceb1f&c=37779600e9> . <http://www.mailchimp.com/email-referral/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=referral_marketing&aid=2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262&afl=1> <https://jcfgives.us18.list-manage.com/track/open.php?u=2d958d33b3a756c859d7fa262&id=37779600e9&e=6c7a2ceb1f>