Leavenworth Chamber invests in community through “Funding it Forward” program

LEAVENWORTH - The Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce is putting nearly $150,000 to work in the community with its new “Funding it Forward” program. A key component of the Chamber’s Destination Smart Sustainable Tourism Management Plan, the initiative will support a wide range of local projects and events aimed at fostering sustainable tourism and community development.

“Our new management plan, paired with our successful execution of the Oktoberfest celebrations, has increased the support the Chamber can offer to members who contribute to our overall success as a destination and community,” stated Troy Campbell, the Chamber’s Executive Director, in a press release.

Five key projects have been selected for funding, demonstrating the program’s diverse focus. These include a new Bavarian exhibit at the Upper Valley Historical Society, a new map and event kiosk for the City of Leavenworth (pending approval), restoration work at Blackbird Island Pond by Icicle Valley Trout Unlimited, a salmon-themed park at the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery in partnership with Cascade Fisheries, and support for human waste mitigation at trailheads with the Leavenworth Mountaineer Club.

Beyond these major projects, the Chamber will also provide financial and organizational support to a wide range of community groups, including organizations involved in the Autumn Leaf Festival, Leavenworth Bike Fest, Cascade Community Markets, and numerous others. Funding will also support ongoing initiatives like the Carvings for Causes silent auction, and the Recreation, Oktoberfest, and Christmastown Ambassador programs.

The Destination Smart plan, adopted in 2024, guides the Chamber’s efforts to manage and promote Leavenworth’s tourism industry in a sustainable way. “Funding it Forward” is one of five pillars of the plan, which also includes visitor flow management, communication and monitoring, destination development, and climate and resilience.

The Chamber’s Board of Directors played a key role in allocating the funds, demonstrating their commitment to reinvesting proceeds from events like Oktoberfest back into the local economy via members of the Chamber. “I commend the Board for their vision and dedication [to our community],” Campbell added.

For more information about the “Funding it Forward" program, visit leavenworthchamber.org/fundingitforward.

Caroline Menna is an intern for Ward Media and a senior at Cascade High School, where she serves as Editor-in-Chief of the school’s Publications Group.