Columbia Basin Foundation

Overview

The Columbia Basin Foundation is a public charity dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the Columbia Basin region. It operates as a community foundation, facilitating charitable giving by individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to support local non-profits and community needs.

History

Established in 1996, the foundation was formed by a group of community leaders who recognized the need for an administrative entity to manage charitable bequests on behalf of various non-profits in the region. The founding members included Randy Dickinson from Edward Jones Investments, Rick Honsowetz from CliftonLarsonAllen, and executive directors from local non-profit organizations. Key supporters also included G. Raymond Taylor of the Greater Wenatchee Community Foundation and Eleanor Kane of the Blue Mountain Area Foundation.

The first endowment fund was created in December 1996 by Mick Ewart, a founding member of the board, which established the G.O. & Ione Ewart Educational Trust Fund, providing scholarships for graduates of Connell High School. Since its inception, the foundation has grown to manage over 100 funds with diverse philanthropic objectives.

Mission and Purpose

The mission of the Columbia Basin Foundation is to inspire and strengthen charitable giving, enriching the quality of life in its communities. The foundation's purpose is multifaceted:

• Assisting Donors: It helps donors establish charitable funds aligned with their philanthropic goals.
• Granting Funds: The foundation disburses grants to community non-profits to support charitable and educational needs.
• Community Leadership: It collaborates with local groups to identify community needs and provide leadership in addressing them.
• Stewardship: The foundation acts as a responsible steward of the funds under its management.

Guiding Principles

The foundation is guided by core values that include:

• Relationships
• Integrity
• Service
• Compassion

These principles enable the foundation to build lasting relationships and legacies through its work.

Structure and Function

As a community foundation, it is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of local professionals and leaders familiar with community needs. The foundation offers donors simplicity, tax benefits, community impact, flexibility, recognition, and cost-effectiveness in their charitable giving efforts. Assets donated are pooled and managed by investment professionals to ensure long-term sustainability.