
Mark Matthias and Ali Novinger were most recently honored as Philanthropists of the Year
VANCOUVER — The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington opened public nominations for its 2025 Philanthropist of the Year and Community Champion Awards. The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. on Friday, March 28. More information and an online nomination form are available at cfsww.org/awards.
Mark Matthias and Ali Novinger were most recently honored as Philanthropists of the Year, an award that celebrates individuals, couples, families or foundations who serve as exemplars of generosity through their outstanding charitable leadership and support. Karen Morrison received its Community Champion Award, which honors individuals or organizations that are deeply engaged in communities, addressing our region’s most pressing issues in ways that improve the quality of life for all southwest Washington residents. A full list of recipients is available on the website.
The Community Foundation welcomes all applicants and aims to reflect and honor the many ways that people care for and contribute to their communities in southwest Washington. These honors are part of the Southwest Washington Philanthropy Awards, which are presented each year during the grantmaking organization’s Annual Luncheon. This year’s event is scheduled for Tuesday, June 3 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Hilton Vancouver Washington. Tickets are available for purchase beginning Friday, March 31 at cfsww.org.
About the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington
Established in 1984, the Community Foundation helps residents create a flourishing and just southwest Washington by fostering impactful giving, trusted partnerships and civic engagement. Its team of experts has partnered with local donors and professional advisors to establish more than 380 charitable funds. Collectively, these funds 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.
Also read:
- NBA vote clears way for expansion to SeattleThe NBA Board of Governors has voted to explore adding teams in Seattle and Las Vegas, moving Seattle closer than ever to hosting pro basketball again.
- Opinion: The legislature has committed $2.4 billion to recurring pension increases since 2018Six legislative COLAs have raised public employer costs by $2.38 billion since 2018, driving up unfunded pension liabilities and increasing burdens on county and city budgets.
- Opinion: ‘Just because they got away with it doesn’t mean they weren’t wrong’A Skamania County deputy’s report found violations of county rules and the Open Public Meetings Act, but no prosecutor acted on the findings.
- More drama at Clark County Council in regard to its representatives on the C-TRAN BoardCouncilors debated whether C-TRAN board representatives must follow group mandates, with Michelle Belkot refusing to commit to new voting rules and Glen Yung opposing her nomination.
- Opinion: Small things grow great by concordWashington’s initiative process gives citizens direct power to challenge lawmakers. Failed restrictions and new measures on girls’ sports, parental rights, and citizenship prove the influence of grassroots action.
- Opinion: California’s $20 fast food minimum wage creates less jobs and lower incomeStudy data show California fast food workers now face fewer shifts, higher menu prices, and widespread automation after the $20 wage hike.
- Gov. Ferguson signs law to undo WA estate tax increase enacted last yearWashington rolls back its estate tax hike, restoring previous rates and prompting uncertainty around $340 million in expected revenue for education.








