Community Foundation of NCW expands staff and programs

Claire Oatey

Jennifer Short

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The Community Foundation of North Central Washington (NCW) has announced an expansion in both its staff and program offerings, aiming to bolster community philanthropy and leadership in the region. This initiative reflects the Foundation's commitment to nurturing charitable causes and amplifying philanthropic efforts.

Claire Oatey, previously serving as the Director of Community Grants, will transition to a new role as Director of Community Engagement. In this capacity, Oatey will focus on fostering connections among nonprofits, local agencies, and organizations with aligned objectives to enhance community philanthropy and leadership within NCW communities. As part of this effort, the Foundation is collaborating with Our Valley Our Future, Thriving Together NCW, and other nonprofit entities to launch a Civic Leadership program in 2024. This program aims to encourage active participation in local government and civic activities among families, parents, and community members, with a particular emphasis on cultivating diverse leadership perspectives.

Furthering its outreach, the Foundation is pleased to introduce Jennifer Short as the new Director of Community Grants. Stationed in Okanogan County, Short will operate from the Foundation's new regional satellite office, extending the Foundation's reach to the residents, nonprofits, and donors of Okanogan County. Short's multifaceted background in the nonprofit sector and her experience in education and bilingual proficiency position her well to develop and maintain relationships within Okanogan County and across the Foundation’s service area. Her role will encompass managing the Foundation's grant program and establishing local advisory boards to participate in the grantmaking process.

The Community Foundation serves Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties, dedicated to building permanent charitable resources. These resources facilitate grant funding opportunities and capacity-building programs aimed at strengthening nonprofit organizations. The programs focus on training and professional development, enabling these organizations to fulfill their missions more effectively. The introduction of these new programs is a step towards enhancing the Foundation's existing services, continuing its mission to grow, protect, and connect charitable gifts in support of robust communities.