H A F YOUR STORY IS OUR STORY 2014 | 2015 OUR STRATEGIC GOALS To promote and encourage generosity, leadership, and inclusion to strengthen our communities, HAF has developed five strategic goals to accomplish by 2020. We’re committed to: • Transforming Our Communities’ Abilities to Solve Problems and Address Root Causes – We are cultivating skilled leaders and supporting community initiatives that create long-term solutions. We support healing and improving health outcomes in Native communities and beyond. • Strengthening Community Capacity – We prioritize grants that respond to immediate and long-term community needs. We work to strengthen our nonprofit partners, to increase access to post-secondary education, and to serve as a catalyst and connector for economic development. • Building and Leveraging Funds and Partnerships – We are expanding our offerings to better support the objectives of donors and to educate our community on the long term impacts of giving. We partner with other funders and supporting organizations to increase our impact. • Strengthening Internal Infrastructure – We are continuously improving our operations to best serve our community. We are dedicated to teamwork, transparency and best practices. • Sustainable Strategy and Accountability – We model professional excellence in everything we do. We listen, engage, and respond with cultural awareness and evaluate our impact to better serve our communities. Contents Letter from the 2 Executive Director Who We Are and What 4 We Do 6 Because of You 8 How To Help 112 Grants 10 Giving in 3 Simple Steps 9 126 Scholarships 10 Higher Education in Our Community 128 In Memory and In Honor 11 Future Leaders 130 Donors 12 Scholarships at Work Legacy Society Grant and Scholarship 137 14 Opportunities 138 Volunteers 15 Grants in Action Financial Report Improving Our Communities' 140 16 Economic Health 141 Board and Staff 17 New Funds Ed Nilsen Tribute 23 Current Funds 143 Del Norte & Curry Counties – 144 Del Norte High School Students Test 90 Our Regional Affiliate Wild Rivers Drive Entrepreneurship Community Foundation inside Underwriters back Trinity County – cover 99 Our Regional Affiliate Trinity Trust DESIGN by CarsonParkDesign.com Supporting a Healthy Humboldt – COVER PHOTOGRAPH by Branden Williams, Phoenix Photography 104 Union Labor Health Foundation Photos throughout the book: Kathleen Amelia Photography, HAF Community Programs Amy Lee Photography, Kellie Jo Brown of Humboldt State 106 – Northern California Association University and Clay McGlaughlin of Nonprpofits – Cascadia – Community Center – Native Cultures Fund About the Cover – True North Organizing FERNBRIDGE, CA Network Fernbridge, located in Ferndale on the Eel River is the last crossing before the Eel arrives at the Pacific Ocean. The bridge was built in 1911 and anchors Ferndale to California State Route 211. When built, it was named the "Queen of Bridges" and is still the longest, functional, poured concrete bridge in operation in the world. For over a hundred years, this iconic landmark has survived major floods, devastating earthquakes and other natural disasters. Fernbridge represents the strength of our community: rich in history and strong in character with a powerful resilience to endure any hardship. 37 (source: Wikipedia) 2014 – 2015 1 Letter from the Executive Director Here at Humboldt Area Foundation, we have the opportunity to talk to thousands of people every year. We hear your stories, your dreams, your hopes, your struggles, your passions. HWe have conversations with people who give back to our community, some because someone once helped them, others to remember a loved one. We hear from students who are able to attain the dream of higher education only because they received needed financial aid. We meet residents who are learning to have constructive conversations with their elected officials to make important changes in their neighborhoods. The gifts you sent allowed us to make grants totaling over $3 million this past fiscal year. You helped nearly two thousand worthy community organizations, gave out hundreds of college scholarships and hosted trainings and meetings for over 6,000 local residents. From rebuilding the Arcata Fire House, to helping restore the Salt River ecosystem, from supporting cultural revitalization and dialogues around race and inclusion, to assisting in the building of the Eureka Dog Park, you have touched our communities in so many ways. You are making the future of our region brighter. This is your story. We are simply the vehicle by which all of us come together and make a better tomorrow. On behalf of the board and staff of Humboldt Area Foundation, thank you. We look forward to continuing to serve our community and you in whatever way we can. Patrick Cleary Executive Director YOUR STORY IS OUR STORY 2 HUMBOLDT AREA FOUNDATION YOUR STORY DRIVES THE GOOD WORK Pictured here (left to right): Sandi Evans-Case, Doris Evans and Pete Evans I am a 4th generation Eureka resident and I am proud and grateful I was raised in Humboldt County. When my parents were putting together ‘‘ their trust, they chose to give back to the community they also loved through the place they admired and trusted, Humboldt Area Foundation." – Sandi Evans-Case HISTORY Humboldt Area Foundation was established in 1972 by Vera Vietor with the donation of $2.4 million and her home in Bayside. Over the years we have distributed over $70 million in grants and scholarships while growing to over $107 million in assets. Vera’s vision and generosity has inspired more than 1,000 North Coast community members to enrich the quality of education, health, the arts, the environment, humane animal care and many other causes in our region. Who We Are WHAT IS A COMMUNITY FOUNDATION? Community foundations serve a vital and unique role in a community. They encourage individuals, organizations and companies to fund important community activities where they live and work. They also support the community in working together to promote common goals. They issue grants to support activities which will have positive impacts on the lives of residents while bringing community members and leaders together to address social and regional challenges. WHAT WE DO Humboldt Area Foundation is the community foundation of and for the citizens of the Humboldt, Trinity and Wild Rivers region. We promote and encourage generosity, leadership and inclusion to strengthen our communities. We serve as a trusted partner with individuals and community groups to find solutions and seize opportunities to build on this region’s strengths and assets. 4 HUMBOLDT AREA FOUNDATION VIETOR HOUSE 373 Indianola Rd. Bayside, CA Our Offices COMMUNITY CENTER 363 Indianola Rd. Bayside, CA WILD RIVERS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION 990 Front St. Crescent City, CA 2014 – 2015 5 YOUR STORY IS OUR STORY These accomplishments were made possible thanks to your generosity, time and commitment to our community. Because of you... • More students are able to access higher education and These accomplishments were made shape their futures possible thanks to your generosity, time • Children are being fed healthier school lunches • Children have the opportunity to continue learning and and commitment to our community. exploring at summer camp • Our local Korean and WWII veterans are traveling to see their memorial sites in Washington DC • Youth are being empowered to share their voice and represent their communities • The nonprofit organizations in our area have more tools to be effective at their missions • Families with out-of-area medical expenses are receiving financial support • More citizens are registered to vote • Children in need have access to backpacks, comfortable shoes and proper school supplies AND SO MUCH MORE Thank You... 2014 – 2015 7 How To Help Our communities' futures are defined by the actions we take today. MAKE A GIFT TODAY GIVE TAX SPREAD THE WORD Put your gift to work today and respond to EFFECTIVELY This community is driven by us and for our communities' changing needs, give to There are many ways to give charitably us. In order to continue the good work of an existing fund, start your own fund, honor and receive a tax deduction. You have the the Foundation and move our community and remember a loved one or give to a opportunity to give back through real estate, forward, we need to work together. Please specific cause. your IRA, life insurance, will or living trusts, spread the word. Pass this book on or charitable remainder trusts and visit hafoundation.org and share the START YOUR OWN charitable lead trusts. outcomes of the great work taking place FUND in our community. Make an impact on our community driven SHARE YOUR STORY by your passion, your friends and family or Your story is powerful and unique. your life's work. You can start your own fund It contributes to how this community is in 3 simple steps: choose a name, make defined and shapes our future. Your story your initial gift and select your fund type. is our story and we'd love to hear it. Call us at (707) 442-2993 or visit hafoundation.org 8 HUMBOLDT AREA FOUNDATION Giving in 3 Simple Steps Step Step Step 1 2 3 DECIDE WHEN YOU IDENTIFY HOW YOU CHOOSE WHERE WANT TO MAKE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE YOUR GIFT WILL BE YOUR GIFT YOUR GIFT DIRECTED • Make your gift today, or • To support Humboldt Cash Area Foundation's • Make a monthly community programs, or contribution charged to Real Property your credit card, or • To support unrestricted Stock grantmaking that meets • Make a plan now to changing community give after your lifetime Other Assets needs, or • To support grantmaking in the community that addresses specific causes through your own fund or an existing fund listed in this publication YOUR GIFT GRANTS HAF COMMUNITY PROGRAMS To learn more about planned giving options and to support causes you care about now and into the future, call (707) 442-2993.