SWIIFT Initiative from CFSWW on Vimeo.

The Community Foundation committed $1.5 million of its discretionary assets toward the new initiative

VANCOUVER — The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington hosted its 40th anniversary celebration on Thursday, June 6 at ilani Casino Resort. Nearly 550 people attended the event, themed Shine On!, to recognize the people, projects and programs that have defined the organization’s four decades of impact in Clark, Cowlitz and Skamania Counties.

The event featured remarks from Community Foundation president Matt Morton that outlined the organization’s vision for the future, a highlight of which was the launch of its SWIIFT Initiative. This new, impact investing strategy allows the Community Foundation to operate a low-interest loan program utilizing charitable dollars. Nonprofits and housing providers can access loans to accelerate high-impact projects, thus creating a social benefit. As loans are repaid, a modest financial return allows charitable dollars to grow and get recycled for future charitable purposes.

“These loans will fast-track housing developments and give community organizations the cash flow needed to scale proven programs, both of which allow our region to nimbly address critical issues,” Morton said. “SWIIFT is more than just a financial tool — it’s a catalyst for social and economic justice.”

The Community Foundation committed $1.5 million of its discretionary assets toward the new initiative. Morton also announced a goal to grow this funding to $5 million through investments and donations from the community. Visit cfsww.org/swiift for more information on the SWIIFT Initiative.

The event also highlighted three impact stories. The first explained how Paul Christensen, a former board member and longtime donor, transformed his real estate company into an engine for charitable good. Christensen founded Realvest Corporation in 1969 and recently established a supporting organization at the Community Foundation. According to David Fuhrer and Robin Bradford — the former Realvest employees sharing the story — this charitable entity allows his business to continue running while channeling profits into the newly established Realvest Foundation. This year, the supporting organization will grant $296,000 to community causes.

Philanthropic trailblazers, Wayne and Joan Kuni were next. Greg Goodwin, board chair of the Kuni Foundation, spoke about Joan’s “fierce” advocacy for inclusion that began after two of her children were diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Goodwin also recalled his involvement in the auto dealership Wayne had founded and structured for charitable benefit. After Wayne’s death, Goodwin stewarded the sale of Kuni Automotive, which created one of the largest private foundations in the Pacific Northwest and established a significant donor advised fund at the Community Foundation.

Elizabeth Najera and Deanna Green spoke about I Have A Dream of Southwest Washington, a program designed to help students prepare for and graduate from college. The local effort adopted four “Projects” or elementary classes, offering comprehensive support and last-dollar scholarships to 333 students at low-income schools. Najera, a Project 1 student, said the program pushed her to become a first-generation college student. The program ended in 2017, but the board transferred its funds into a scholarship at the Community Foundation that keeps the dream of higher education alive for underserved students.

Morton, who is Native American, ended the night with a story about the Round Dance, a traditional dance practiced at powwows. He talked about how this dance intentionally builds community by inviting everyone into the experience. Morton said the tradition of philanthropy also builds community, and he invited all givers to join in the experience of creating local impact alongside the Community Foundation.

“This is your invitation,” Morton said. “We’re calling you in to join us in transforming southwest Washington so that future generations will look back at their past and share our stories.”

The Community Foundation’s 40th Anniversary Celebration was made possible thanks to Anniversary Sponsors Beaches, Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Cowlitz Tribe Clark County Fund and ilani Casino Resort. First Pacific Financial, Kuni Foundation, PeaceHealth, Sellwood Consulting LLC, Realvest and Umpqua Bank also provided considerable support as Sustaining Sponsors.

The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington was founded by Mary Granger and a group of community leaders in 1984. Their goal was to create a community endowment that would provide lasting support for local causes. Today, the Community Foundation is home to more than 380 charitable funds established by individuals, families and businesses. Collectively, these funds house $387 million in charitable assets that expand opportunities every year by providing grants for nonprofits and scholarships for students. Find out how you can become a part of its giving community at cfsww.org.