Celebrating Over 35 Years of Trusted Service
Whether adjusting to changes in community needs, or looking beyond those needs to foster a deeper knowledge of philanthropy itself, for over 35 years the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound has made a lasting impact. See our anniversary book "Celebrating 35 Years In Community."
Our original logo, 1989
Past logo
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Past logo
Past Logo
Past Logo
Our logo today
Started in 1989 as a response to a community “visioning” session called Olympia 2010, the Community Foundation was initially created to build permanent funding sources to achieve this vision.
Originally an all-volunteer organization, the Community Foundation relied on the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation to manage the funds it created. Its initial focus was on building the capacity of existing local nonprofits through trainings for boards and staff, and assisting with fundraising for operating expenses.
Today, the Foundation holds 135 separate funds and serves three counties. The assets we steward have grown to $44 million, and we have awarded more than $29 million in grants and scholarships over the years.
Our growth is a tribute to our community’s recognition of the value of philanthropy, and the vital role nonprofits play in creating a thriving community. Thanks to the generosity of thousands of local donors, the Community Foundation has evolved to become a place to address unmet needs, build community assets, and strengthen the South Puget Sound.
Community Foundation Milestones
1989
Founded as Greater Thurston County Community Foundation
1993
First scholarship set up by L&E Bottling Co.
1994
Established revolving loan fund to enable child care workers to achieve more formal credentialing to enhance the professional nature of their businesses
1996
Hired first full-time Executive Director (Colleen Gillespie) later adopting the title of President & CEO
1997
Name changed to the Community Foundation; expanded service area to include Lewis and Mason counties
1999
Reached $1 Million in assets; ended reliance on Greater Tacoma Community Foundation for asset management
2000
Initiated endowment building campaigns with $10,000 match per nonprofit
2002
Name changed to the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound
2004
Hired past President & CEO Norma Schuiteman (d.2022)
2008
Received National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations accreditation—a rigorous review of community foundation operations, policies, and procedures
2009
Assets under management reached $5.5 Million
2010
Irving A. Lassen Foundation, a private foundation, converted its $5.5 Million in assets to a discretionary fund at the Community Foundation
2012
Received 4-year $500,000 grant from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to address poverty alleviation; received generous bequest from Neddie Farrington for the benefit of the Westport area
2013
Launched Environmental Grantmaking initiative; renewed accreditation for National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations
2016
Distributed more than $1 Million in grants and scholarships in one year for the first time; received second grant from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
2017
Launched Give Local—an effort to increase community philanthropy through online giving
2018
Received bequest from the estate of Hal Marcus for designated charities and areas of interest determined by the Marcuses; Foundation assets reached $25M
2019
Hired current President & CEO, Mindie Reule
2020
Raised $1M in COVID-19 relief funds through our Resilience Fund and distributed another $1M in CARES Act funding
2023
Launched the Foundation's Legacy Circle in recognition of those who leave a planned gift in their will or estate plan
2024
Introduced our inaugural Community Conversation event and Photo Contest to our communities, and launched the Youth Mental Health Grants & Learning Cohort.