It’s been a busy and rewarding fall at the Cordova Community Foundation (CCF). Over the past several weeks, we’ve had opportunities to support local projects, connect with community foundations from across Alaska, and help community members plan for their futures through educational programming.
Supporting Local Grant Seekers
In September, CCF hosted a Grant Application Assistance Lunch-and-Learn to help nonprofits, community groups, and prospective applicants navigate this year’s funding opportunities. Participants learned about CCF’s three grant programs: the Annual Competitive Grant Cycle, the Nourished Communities Grant Program, and Discretionary Grants. The session also provided an overview of CCF, the Alaska Community Foundation, and additional nonprofit resources available throughout the state.
The Lunch-and-Learn provided attendees an opportunity to ask questions, discuss project ideas, and learn more about the grant application process. Twenty-one people attended, asked questions, and enjoyed a delicious lunch by the Little Cordova Bakery.
Learning and Sharing Across Alaska
At the end of September, CCF Program Manager Gabrielle Brown traveled to Anchorage for the Program Manager Gathering, where program managers from community foundations across Alaska came together to share ideas, resources, and best practices. The two-day gathering included discussions on legacy giving, equitable grantmaking, communications, marketing, grant management, community outreach, and foundation finance.
Gabrielle also co-presented a session on Little Green Light, a donor and communications management platform that CCF uses to manage constituent information and create email and direct-mail communications. The gathering provided a valuable opportunity for program managers to learn from one another, exchange ideas, and connect face-to-face with colleagues and staff from the Alaska Community Foundation.
Planning for the Future
In October, CCF hosted a free Wills and Estate Planning Workshop at the Pioneer Igloo in partnership with attorney Molly Mulvaney and the Alaska Community Foundation (ACF). The workshop provided practical information about wills, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, legacy giving, and more. Attendees learned about the tools available to help ensure their wishes are honored and their loved ones are cared for.
We are especially grateful to ACF staff Elizabeth Miller, Vice President of Development and Communications, and Celeste Earley, Director of Development, for traveling to Cordova to share their expertise on legacy giving and the relationship between CCF and ACF. We also extend our sincere thanks to attorney Molly Mulvaney for making these often-complex topics approachable and understandable.
Finally, thank you to the 31 community members who spent their sunny Friday evening with us. Your engagement and thoughtful questions made the event a success.
Looking Ahead
These recent events reflect what CCF strives to do every day: connect people with resources, strengthen local organizations, and help build a stronger future for our community.
As we move through the remainder of the year, we’re excited to continue supporting local organizations through grantmaking and community philanthropy. Keep an eye out for upcoming announcements regarding awards from our Annual Competitive Grant Cycle and Nourished Communities Grant Program.
Whether you have questions about CCF, would like access to resources from our recent events, or have ideas for future programs and initiatives, we’d love to hear from you. We exist to serve this amazing community.
Email: cordova@alaskacf.org