FOUNDATION E-CONNECTIONS Fall 2019

 CHANGING LIVES THROUGH PHILANTHROPY

FACES OF THE FOUNDATION

SeaTac Senior Citizen Advisory Committee:  Steven Pinto, Alice Belenski, Fred Geraldsen, Linda Croasdill, Charline Faulkner and Judy Beste. Advisory member Vicki Lockwood is not in the photo.

SeaTac Senior Center If you’re ever in the mood to hear some good music and go dancing, I recommend checking out the Hanky Panky Band. I was able to hear them during my visit to the SeaTac Senior Center this spring. Music is a gift, and it has the potential to cross cultures and generations. This is just one of the highlights that the Senior Center offers its guests. The SeaTac Senior Center started just over 25 years ago and offers a range of programs, from drop-in activities such as games or access to computer labs, to semi-weekly field trips, to classes and meals. They even have an RN who comes in twice a month for foot care. The Center approached RRCF in 2018 about creating a fund as the result of a bequest they received from a senior who had been involved with them. They needed a place to put the money where it would be stewarded well and where it would be kept separate from the City of SeaTac funds. "Becoming a part of the Renton Regional Community Foundation has added a new way for our community to support the SeaTac Senior Program", says Linda Croasdill, Senior Services Supervisor for the City of SeaTac. "This allows individuals, friends, and families to make a tax deductible donation to our program." Linda goes on to say that some of the items purchased through their fund include kitchen supplies for the senior lunch program, games and supplies for their drop-in programs, and the nutritional supplement, Ensure, for the Meals on Wheels clients. The SeaTac Senior Citizen Advisory Committee (pictured above) oversees the use of funds. If you have questions about the fund, contact Linda Croasdill at 206-973-4686.

New Funds We are thrilled to showcase four new funds that have joined RRCF: The Renton LGBTQIA+ Community   Fund builds a strong inclusive sense of belonging, empowering members to promote positive change in our communities, combating prejudice and discrimination, and providing support for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and similarly-identified people. Empower WOC Project Fund prioritizes the wellness of women of color, providing inclusive, safe spaces for self-identifying women of color to experience healing through various offerings, such as healing workshops/retreats, education and training, coaching, and more. Key to Change Empowering Youth for Change Fund supports Key to Change, which offers world-class music instruction below the market rate and extends the benefits of a classical music education to a new generation of young musicians. This fund will go directly towards scholarships, an instrument library, and resources to help build the program’s capacity. The Renton Innovation Zone Partnership (RIZP) Innovation Fund  supports grassroots projects in the Skyway-West Hill and Renton Sunset-Highlands neighborhoods. These projects will work to improve academic outcomes by supporting students and families.

Friend of the Foundation  – Judi Schafer

A t the heart of RRCF is the core belief that great things happen for the community when we all come together. And many wonderful people have come in to the RRCF Friend's circle and helped some amazing things happen. One of those people is Judi Schafer. Judi has been a board member, scholarship committee member, and overall volunteer extraordinaire. Judi is also a Friend of the Foundation. You might recall that in our summer newsletter we introduced our Friends of the Foundation program, which is a community of people who make a gift at any level to support the Foundation's general programs and services. Judi says that, “ Over the more than 10 years that I’ve been involved with the Renton Regional Community Foundation, I have become more and more convinced that this is a pivotal part of the community in which we live. Though the Foundation flies beneath the radar of many, there are such important and wonderful things happening within its framework.” And now we are thrilled to announce that this program just got a major boost. Thanks to a generous match by regional philanthropist, Nancy Nordhoff, every gift of $500 or more will be matched with an additional $500 gift (up to a total of $5000): $250 of the match from Nancy will go to RRCF to support our programs and services, and the other $250 will go to a non-profit of the “Friend’s” choice, as long as it is a 501©3 organization. So with one gift, you can support the work of RRCF and other critical community issues: animal welfare, education, the arts, or whatever issues are close to your heart. J udi was so inspired by this match that she gave a stretch gift to RRCF. She says, “ I’m a person of only moderate means. I’m not wealthy, but I want to be generous when I can. I thought about all the many ways my gift could make a difference at the Foundation, and I thought this was a great opportunity to make my gift matter; to make it really count. That’s when I wrote the check.”  Our goal this year is to raise $25,000 from Friends, and we are just over halfway there! If you are interested in learning more about being a Friend at any level, contact LeAnne Moss at lmoss@rentonfoundation.org or 425-282-5199. Thank you!

Satterberg Foundation Invests in the Renton Region!

We are thrilled to announce that The Satterberg Foundation has made a $25,000 grant to RRCF for our work in the region! This Foundation was named to honor Elmer and Ruth Satterberg, longtime residents of the Pacific Northwest. Since their founding in 1991, they have granted close to $90 million to non-profit organizations in the state of Washington and California. The Foundation envisions a world in balance with vibrant communities in which all people enjoy the opportunity to grow and thrive. In making this grant, Sarah Walczyk, CEO, says that they recognize RRCF as an important and valuable leader with over 20 years of experience building relationships to improve the quality of life in our community. She says, “By partnering with the Renton Regional Community Foundation, together we are creating a more just society and sustainable environment by investing and giving capacity to the emerging needs of residents in South King County and our entire region.”  Thank you, Satterberg Foundation!

Qualified Charitable Distributions: Another Way to Give We’re entering the last quarter of the year, which makes people think more about the season of giving. If you are 70 ½ or older and have an IRA, you can take tax-free withdrawals to support the non-profit of your choice. This type of giving, known as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), allows you to transfer up to $100,000 to a qualifying non-profit and can be used to meet your required minimum distribution. There are many advantages to this set-up, including the fact this gift is not included in your adjusted gross income, and there is no income tax. It also is helpful for people who don’t itemize their deductions. The funds must be donated directly to the non-profit from the custodian of the IRA, and the gift must go to qualifying charity: a 501(c)(3) organization or house of worship. It does not include private foundations, donor advised funds, or supporting organizations. At the RRCF, only a donor advised fund is excluded from receiving a QCD. If you would like to learn more or have specific questions, contact LeAnne Moss at 425-282-5199 .

Save The Date! February 27, 2020 5 pm – 8 pm Renton Pavilion On February 27, 2020, the Renton Regional Community Foundation will shine a light on individuals and organizations that help to strengthen our region and make lives better. Once again, we will highlight the important work of non-profit organizations in our area, and we will honor the next inductees into the “League of Extraordinary Givers,” a group of community leaders who have made an impact in our region. Join us! Tickets are $50 and will be available later this fall. For information on sponsorship, or if you would like to be a Table Ambassador, contact LeAnne Moss at 425-282-5199 or lmoss@rentonfoundation.org .

FREE FURNITURE Available to Non-Profit Organizations The Renton branch of Banner Bank is getting a makeover, and you can benefit! If you’re a non-profit organization in need of an office desk, a conference room table (seating 10), larger lobby desk, or credenza, they may have what you need. You must arrange for pick up yourself, and items must be gone by mid-October.

Contact Vicki Faull at VFaull@bannerbank.com if interested.

CONSIDER A BEQUEST J oin our Community Legacy Society and leave a permanent legacy for yourself or a loved one by naming RRCF in your will. Please contact LeAnne Moss, Executive Director at lmoss@rentonfoundation.org or go to our website for recommended bequest language. Click Here

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Interested in establishing a fund and making a difference? Contact LeAnne Moss, Executive Director. Lmoss@rentonfoundation.org or call (425) 282-5199.

Renton Regional Community Foundation P.O. Box 820 Renton, WA 98057 www.rentonfoundation.org 425-282-5199