Methow Valley fundraising drive nets record $929K for local nonprofits

METHOW VALLEY — A month-long fundraising campaign in the Methow Valley has raised $929,372 for local nonprofits, setting a new record for the annual Give Methow initiative.

The Community Foundation of North Central Washington's online campaign, which ran throughout October, supported 44 nonprofit organizations serving the rural valley. The fundraising effort included multiple matching gifts totaling more than $111,000, including a $50,000 challenge match from the Methow Valley Fund and a $40,000 contribution from an anonymous donor.

The campaign's Give to All fund collected $172,274.09, providing each participating nonprofit with an additional $3,915.32 in matching funds. The Community Foundation covered credit card processing fees, ensuring complete distribution of donations to recipient organizations.

"What an incredible show of support for all the amazing work of Methow Valley nonprofits!" said Ashley Lodato, a Community Foundation of NCW Board Member. "The generosity of those who care about the Methow Valley is truly inspiring."

The campaign kicked off on October 1 with a Nonprofit Olympics event at Old Schoolhouse Brewery. Throughout the month, local businesses supported the initiative, with Old Schoolhouse Brewery and Casia Lodge & Ranch offering customers options to round up purchases as donations.

Give Methow Committee Chair Sara Joy Steele noted the campaign's significance: "What Give Methow demonstrates more than anything else is that our little valley holds a thriving ecosystem of nonprofits with a deep river of generosity running down the middle of it."

Major recipients included the Methow Conservancy with $66,120.32, Room One with a combined total of $60,308.86, and the Methow Housing Trust receiving $60,025.32. The initiative, launched in 2015, accepts donations starting at $10 and is open to all 501(c)(3) nonprofits or fiscally sponsored organizations based in the Methow Valley.

The Community Foundation of North Central Washington, established in 1986, manages $148 million in assets through more than 600 individual funds and has distributed over $46 million in grants and scholarships throughout Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties.

To see the full list of Give Methow 2024’s results, visit www.cfncw.org/givemethow or to learn more about the campaign, you can go to www.GiveMethow.org.