Where We Began
The Community Foundation began in 2001 with deep roots in Everett — growing from the Friends of Everett Parks. Those community volunteers and park donors laid the foundation for today’s organization by attracting bright and spirited donors intent on making the community better.
Their efforts provided us with experience in community building as we launched our work as the Greater Everett Community Foundation. Today we have a different name, but the same mission. We hold close to our history and the spirit of community under which we were founded.
The vision and foresight of the following eight founders has created a lasting impact on our community.
The Presidents’ Council is an advisory group made up of all the past board presidents/chair and the current board chair. This group provides advice, guidance and wisdom to guide the foundation’s strategy and direction.
Current Board Chair & Chair Elect
The Greater Everett Community Foundation officially launches with the strong grounding in parks.
To demonstrate permanence the board created a Founders’ Campaign to raise $2 million for an operating endowment from 8 founding families. The Greater Everett Community Foundation is endowed with Founding Gifts from:
The first nonprofit endowments were started for the City of Everett Public Library and Park Department from proceeds from the Possibilities Breakfast.
The Human Services Endowment Fund in Honor of Bob Drewel was started with $51,000 from proceeds of the foundation’s breakfast, plus a $100,000 gift from United Way of Snohomish County.
Executive Director transitions. Dave Osmer was hired in 2003 and Maddy Metzger-Utt was hired in 2005.
A youth philanthropy program called Care and Share was launched across the county to work with classrooms and encourage community engagement.
The first grant process was piloted with the Human Services Executives with $500 grants.
Actively began recruiting Board members based on the countywide geographic area. Began receiving funds and distributing more grants across Snohomish County.
Managed the downturn in housing our first major investment loses.
“Pillar Funds” were formed for Arts & Culture, Education, Environment & Animals, and Health and Wellness and Human Services.
Received a small grant from Gates Foundation to look at the needs of nonprofits in Snohomish County. CEO Maddy discovered that there is a shortage of capacity building support. The Board allocates resources to provide additional support to nonprofits. Karri Matau is rehired as the Vice President to oversee this work, which today is called the Nonprofit Services Program.
Convened nonprofits across the county in regional networking groups. Offered free workshops and board training.
Joined a funder network through the Gates Foundation focused on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) with other Community Foundations and funders. The Building Community Philanthropy (BCP) initiative would be a decade long experience that would transform the Community Foundation’s values and work.
After a year of inquiry, the Board votes to change our name to the Community Foundation of Snohomish County, better reflecting the county-wide service of the foundation.
Launched first race equity grant with the Rick Steves donor fund.
Offered first equity-focused workshop series for the nonprofit sector, Equity 101.