W
e are excited to start a new regular feature called “Faces of the Foundation.” RRCF is made up of incredible people with heartwarming stories about why they choose to invest in the community. Each month we will feature one of their stories. This month, we are featuring the First Financial Northwest Foundation Fund.
First, a little bit of background: The First Savings Bank of Renton (the predecessor to First Financial Northwest Bank) was founded in 1923 to provide loans to help build the community in and around the city of Renton. When they went public in 2007, the bank board decided they would donate a block of stock to form the independent, non-profit First Financial Northwest Foundation to give back to the community that helped grow the bank.
Two funds were established within the Renton Regional Community Foundation; one was set up as an endowment fund to support agencies in Renton or within the geographic boundaries of the Renton School District, and the other was a donor-advised fund that would support agencies in the geographic regions of First Financial Northwest Bank.
We asked the Foundation board members a few questions:
Q: What have been some of the most memorable/inspiring grants you’ve made?
A: Supporting several agencies that provide struggling children and teens with the resources to help them transition back into the mainstream school system and workforce has been very meaningful. In addition, our funding for the Meadow Crest Accessible Playground provided an all-inclusive community resource that is being utilized by all age groups - from infants to seniors. We have also committed to three years of funding for the Family First Community Center in the Cascade area to provide local youth a safe place for sports, homework, healthcare, mentoring and much more.
Q: What impact do you hope your giving has made on the region?
A: Making an impact on the quality of life for some of the most vulnerable children and seniors in areas of health, housing, food security, education and safety.
Q:
How has being connected to the Renton Regional Community Foundation helped you fulfill your mission?
A: Having funds with RRCF has alleviated the need to set up our own infrastructure that would normally be necessary to facilitate a robust grant program. RRCF helps us with the grant application process, agency verification, site visits and the funding notification and distribution process. They have also provided information on potential projects that support our mission statement.
RRCF
extends our heartfelt thanks to the First Financial Northwest Foundation board for their continued partnership as we work together to make a positive difference in the community.
