WCF receives $112,000 for new staff position

August 23, 2007

Murdock Trust, a private foundation serving five states in the Pacific Northwest, has informed the Wahkiakum Community Foundation that WCF is receiving a three year grant of $112,000 to add additional staff at the Foundation. This grant will support a new position at WCF with an outright grant the first year and grants to be matched over the second and third years.

"We are really proud to receive this stamp of encouragement and approval with this grant," Bonnie Linquist, WCF Board President said. "This is the best kind of support for the growth of the Foundation right now. Murdock told us they are excited about all that's happened in such a short time at WCF. We're excited, too, and will be discussing how best to develop this new staff position over the fall months. We'll be advertising the new position sometime this fall and most likely hiring by year end. We'll also be looking for some new Board members as well. We're really honored to have Murdock believing in the vision of WCF serving donors and projects as we're doing," she added.

Wahkiakum Community Foundation was founded in 2003 as a private 501 (c)(3) legal entity with the IRS. It has recently expanded its services to Cowlitz County due to interest from donors there. WCF has over 20 funds they manage for donors and specific projects. Any donor who wishes to place their philanthropic fund at the Foundation is welcome to use its services and expertise. While donors to the Cowlitz Fund may send their gifts to Cowlitz area nonprofits, WCF's fee for administering that fund will stay locally in grants and salaries. The word "County" was removed from the Foundation's name legally in 2005 so that donors would not see it as exclusively founded for the County geographically or connected to County government. Expanded areas now include Naselle on out to the peninsula to the west and into Cowlitz areas to the east. The name Wahkiakum is meant to honor the history of the area and Chief Wahkiakum more than the County's geographic area.

Director Karen Bertroch said "It's been confusing for some local folks as WCF got started. My position as Director has been supported by a contract with the LCEDC, but that will end as of January 1. Folks have seen WCF as a public entity as a result of tax dollars that paid me, but the Foundation has no legal connection to the County whatsoever. I'll now develop my contract with WCF directly. We have lots of changes coming and are very excited about the Foundation's future and how it can help local donors and projects."