News

The Seward Community Foundation (SCF) has continued to be busy throughout the year and is excited to tell you about the progress that’s been made.

January 29, 2010 Nonprofit Event

The recent nonprofit organization event was a fabulous success! Over 20 area nonprofit organizations were in attendance. Speaker Suzanne Yack presented strategies useful in writing grant applications, Chellie Skoog explained how SCF can assist area nonprofits, Paul Rupple talked of the granting process, and, of course, Jim Fredrickson entertained all as emcee. The Alaska Sealife Center provided a perfect venue. Attendees networked, discussing issues of mutual concern. Here are a few quotes from attendees:

"What a great organization.  I am meeting with a group this week to share what I learned to see if they might be interested in applying for a grant.   All the grants I apply for are ‘Government’ grants – so it was very helpful to hear about what the private folks look for in an application.  Keep up the great work."   Christy Terry, Community Development Director, City of Seward

"As a grant professional, I found the the information provided was very informative to those at all levels of grant funding experience.  Thanks to the Seward Community Foundation for hosting an event like this in Seward." Tara Riemer Jones

2010 Grant Applications Being Accepted

The Seward Community Foundation uses proceeds from its growing permanent endowment to award yearly grants to worthwhile programs in the Seward/Moose Pass area. These grants are intended to support organizations and programs in our community that serve the needs of people in such areas as health, education, human services, arts and culture, youth, and community development.

SCF is accepting grant applications during January 1, 2010 through March 1, 2010 from qualified tax-exempt 501 (c)(3) organizations and organizations performing 501(c)(3) type projects. The amount and number of grant awards is dependent on the applications received.

The granting is a competitive award process. All applications will be evaluated based on eligibility of the organization, merit of the project, ability and past reputation of the organization, clarity and measurability of the project’s goals, and whether costs are commensurate with benefits. Preference will be given to projects which are collaborative or cooperative in nature.

Ineligible organizations or activities include: individuals, non-Alaska based organizations, and federal government agencies. We also will not consider applications for religious activities, endowment building, fundraising, lobbying, nor any proposals which discriminate as to race, gender, age, disability, etc.

Award decisions will be made by April 12. The decisions are made by the entire SCF board of directors.

You may download a grant application by clicking "2010 Grant Application." You may also request an application from any SCF director or by emailing seward@alaskacf.org. Please direct your questions to our email address or leave a message at 224-GIVE.

This is an exciting time for the Seward Community Foundation; we are here to help your dollars make a difference in our local area!

PFD Pick, Click, and Give

THANK YOU… to those who gave to our local nonprofits through the PFD Pick. Click. Give. program this year. Though your PFD checks were less, the benefit to our community is great!

In January, when you apply for your Permanent Fund Dividend, you will again have the opportunity to give to your favorite Alaska nonprofit organizations. The PFD Charitable Contributions Program provides a safe, secure and easy way to make a donation, and is available to all Alaskans who file on-line.

The Seward Community Foundation supports the PFD Charitable Contributions Program – we believe it helps all of us together become an important force in bettering our communities and our state.


When you go online to sign up for your dividend, you will see the option called “The Gift of Giving.” Click and follow the instructions to make a donation. More than 330 organizations qualified for the program this year, so you’re likely to find one you already support and you can use this way to make an additional gift. Or you may find a new organization whose mission is important to you and you can donate to that organization. You may give part or all of your dividend, whatever is appropriate for you and your family. We simply encourage you to give.

The Seward area nonprofits that qualified for this program are Qutekcak Native Tribe, Resurrection Bay Historical Society, SeaView Community Services, Seward Community Library Association, Seward Senior Center and the Seward Community Foundation/ACF.


You can find more information about the program, including frequently asked questions at www.forakergroup.org/pfd. Or you may call 888-7850-GIFT (4438).

Seward Senior Center Receives Mini Grant

Recently, SCF awarded $250 to the Seward Senior Center via a mini grant. Mini grant applications are available via email and are eligible for review throughout the year. The Seward Senior Center will use the funds received to aid in the purchase of a much needed piece of equipment. Congratulations! 

SEEK Final Report

The Science and Engineering Experience Kamp created a successful one week training event for several local elementary students at the UAA campus in Anchorage this past summer. Daisy Budde of Seward and Lindsey Kromrey of Moose Pass were able to attend thanks to donations from several area people and businesses, matched by a grant from the Seward Community Foundation.

Above, Lindsey measures precise amounts of sodium polyacrylate. Below, Daisy and C.J. Seddon of Palmer determine the specific gravity of objects. The training allowed the students to research deeper into science and engineering, stoking their enthusiasm and enriching their knowledge.

The SCF matching grant challenge got the word out about the SEEK program. This is the first year local students have participated. SCF is thrilled to have partnered with SEEK and looks forward to hearing more local students taking advantage of this wonderful summer program in the future.

 

Connecting People Who Care With Causes That Matter