John "Jack" C. Dawkins combined a sharp financial mind with a generous heart—and left behind a legacy rooted in community. He purchased his first stock at age 13 and spent a lifetime valuing both sound investments and creating opportunities for others. His wife, Jean Dawkins, spent much of her time managing their charitable gifts and outreach to the nonprofit community. After their passing, Jack entrusted their close friends Kathie Bauer, Mark Bauer, and Tom Peterson with carrying out his and Jean's final philanthropic wishes: to give back.

Although the Dawkins family made charitable contributions during their lives, it was their friends who helped shape their legacy into something remarkable. Together, they identified three focus areas that reflected Jack and Jean's values: supporting animals, protecting the environment, and helping young people thrive, leading to the formation of the Dawkins Charitable Trust.

From Vision to Impact: A Tradition of Collaboration

For over a decade, the Dawkins Charitable Trust supported around 40 nonprofit organizations—most of them local, with a few regional projects. "It's a hard but cool job, and a pretty cool burden to shoulder," Mark Bauer reflected. "Through our work, we got to know the organizations well, and our giving had a kind of impact that wouldn't have been possible otherwise."

For Tom Peterson, serving as a co-trustee was both rewarding and revealing. "Trying to accomplish the trust objectives as if the Dawkins were still alive was definitely challenging—even though I felt like I knew them well," he said. After more than four decades in Olympia, the role gave him an even deeper connection to the community. "This duty brought me even closer to the needs of our hometown and the people serving it."

Across their years of service, the trustees shared a strong commitment to learning. They emphasized that reviewing grant proposals meant more than reading polished applications—it meant staying engaged with the evolving missions and realities of the nonprofits themselves. While some organizations faced inevitable challenges, the trustees were continually inspired by the organizations that grew and adapted in positive, impactful ways to better serve their communities.

To deepen those relationships, the trustees hosted two gatherings each year. One in December to share a meal, distribute grant checks, and bring nonprofit partners together. And a summer social to hold space for everyone to come together and learn more about the work of each nonprofit organization. These gatherings were more than celebrations—they were spaces for listening, reflection, and most importantly, encouraging connection. Open conversations and trust were central to their approach, reinforcing the belief that good philanthropy starts with meaningful relationships.

The gatherings soon became a cherished tradition. As Jay A. Satz, senior strategic advisor with Northwest Youth Corps and longtime friend of the Trust, shared: "Their idea of distributing checks at an event created a lot of momentum and collaboration among grantees. Kathie, Mark, and Tom had an absolute commitment to the goals of the Trust, an extraordinary openness to listening and learning (particularly from grantees), and a whole lot of passion and smarts."

A New Chapter

In 2024, as the trust reached its 10-year mark, Kathie, Mark, and Tom knew it was time to begin the process of winding down. The Trust was never intended to be permanent. With that in mind, they partnered with the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound to thoughtfully sunset the Trust and establish two new funds that would carry Jack and Jean's legacy forward:

The Dawkins Charitable Designated Fund will continue supporting named nonprofit organizations through 2026. To ensure a thoughtful transition, designated grantees will receive funding at 100%, then taper to 2/3, then 1/3—providing a gentler period of adjustment for grantees.

The Dawkins Charitable Fund is a field of interest fund that supports the much-loved $100,000 Bonus Fund, which inspires community giving during Give Local. It also provides flexibility to strengthen nonprofit collaboration and growth in other ways as circumstances allow.

"The Community Foundation is honored to carry forward the legacy of Jack & Jean Dawkins," said President & CEO Mindie Reule. "Their generosity and the work of their friends have strengthened so many organizations."

Strengthening Giving Together

Since its launch in 2017, Give Local—a community-wide online giving campaign hosted by the Community Foundation each November—has inspired generosity across the region. In that first year, the Dawkins Charitable Trust committed $40,000 to launch a Bonus Fund that would stretch every donation further. They've supported the Bonus Fund every year since, in the amount of $100,000.

Now, eight years later, our communities have raised more than $3.9 million through Give Local—boosted each year by those Dawkins Bonus Fund dollars, which provide a proportional match to every gift and amplify the impact for participating nonprofits.

Kathie found deep joy in being part of Give Local, especially in how the campaign brings people and causes together. "Collaboration and communication were our main goals to strengthen the nonprofit community and get the best bang for the buck," she said. “These projects, where nonprofits work together to help people everywhere, lead to even more collaboration with each passing year.”

Nonprofit Reflections & Thanks

Nonprofits across the region have felt the ripple effects of the Dawkins Charitable Trust's generosity. From small grassroots groups to established organizations, many shared how the support has helped them build momentum, spark collaboration, and expand their impact.

"We are filled with gratitude for the support the Dawkins Charitable Trust has continued to provide our organization, and the thousands of animals you have enabled us to help over the years. One recent example is Beverly and her senior dog, Charlie. A Dawkins-funded voucher helped cover veterinary care when Charlie began having trouble walking. Thankfully, it was arthritis—not a spinal issue—and now, with treatment, Charlie and Beverly are back to their long daily walks." — Concern for Animals

"You have been great partners in helping Fire Mountain Arts Council address the needs of youth and the shortage of cultural opportunities in eastern Lewis County. Thank you for helping us enrich our community life through the arts." — Fire Mountain Arts Council

"Over nearly a decade of grants to Northwest Youth Corps (NYC), our relationship evolved from Grantor/Grantee to a true partnership. The trustees' curiosity not only ensured accountability but also helped foster partnerships with other grantees and Grantors, greatly supporting NYC's mission, especially in our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, several of which gained national recognition. It was an honor to work with them and to see the Dawkins Charitable Trust make a significant impact in the South Sound by supporting many worthy organizations. BRAVO!" — Northwest Youth Corps

"Funding from the Dawkins Charitable Trust has helped us facilitate 2,000 patient visits in 2024, including general medical care, mental health counseling, psychiatric care, and five specialty services…" — The Olympia Free Clinic

"Your generous support has been instrumental in helping us maintain and improve our facilities, ensuring that we can provide a safe and welcoming environment for our clients. Thank you for your continued commitment to our mission." — Thurston County Food Bank

"The money from the Dawkins Charitable Trust allowed us to greatly expand our outreach and education on the island and significantly increased the number of hours our trained naturalists are available to engage with the public." — Wild Orca

Through the Community Foundation, the legacy of the Dawkins Charitable Trust endures—rooted in generosity, trust, and the belief that community helping community is a legacy worth carrying forward.

Their words are a lasting testament to Jack and Jean Dawkins' generosity—and to the friendship and care of those who carried their vision forward for the good of our community.