Northwest Children's Fund Programs
Twice a year, our Board assesses grant requests from a wide variety of child welfare agencies. Our grants go to agencies that are dedicated to:
HEALING ABUSED CHILDREN by providing counseling and treatment for our youngest victims of abuse and neglect.
HELPING AT-RISK YOUTH by teaching them how to make good decisions and fulfill their potential through mentoring, tutoring, and other opportunities.
STRENGTHENING FRAGILE FAMILIES by reaching out to those coping with homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, and domestic violence—some of the strongest risk factors for child abuse and neglect.
We look for a number of qualities in the agencies we select, including: financial stability, dedicated personnel, measurable results, innovative and effective approaches to problem solving.
Once a first-level assessment has been completed, we conduct a comprehensive review, visiting each agency under consideration, seeing programs in action, and talking face-to-face with the individuals behind them.
In 2012, NW Children’s Fund distributed $810,000 to 66 area organizations working to end the cycle of child abuse and neglect. During a difficult fundraising economy we were able to meet fundraising goals and make impactful grants to agencies making effective change throughout the community.
Unfortunately, this number does not meet the overwhelming need. In the same year, NW Children's Fund received over $1,855,000 in grant requests from local agencies. It is clear that child welfare agencies are struggling. NW Children's Fund is working hard to raise awareness and funding for the most effective agencies in our region. Please join us!
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
Each year, NWCF strives to expand and improve in five Key Strategic Areas:
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Fundraising: As a vital vehicle for community investment in child welfare, NWCF aims to increase our grant distributions each year through growth in donor contributions.
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Grantmaking: Through a discriminating grant review process, ongoing board education, and incorporation of best practices and available research on child welfare, NWCF strives for ever-improving effectiveness in grantmaking.
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Organizational Development: NWCF seeks to recruit, educate and retain compassionate board members and employees of the highest quality, in order to achieve greater impact through fun and engaged teamwork.
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Stewardship: Through efficient allocation of funds, complete and accurate reporting, and conscientious application of governance policies, NWCF works to remain a community leader in financial stewardship.
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Awareness: NWCF commits to increasing awareness of child welfare issues and solutions in our community, and of NWCF’s role in funding solutions.
In the 27 years since, NWCF has granted nearly $12 million to over 300 programs in our region, improving the lives of many thousands of children. During that time, 187 Board members have contributed hugely of their time and talents, and in the process have become stronger, smarter, and more committed as social-service philanthropists. We have worked to build on these successes in the current year, as we continue to address the twin challenges posed by the current economy: increased need for support of child welfare programs, and continued tentativeness in donor giving.