“This mural is beautiful, and I am grateful that the people who made it are sharing their talent with the city. I encourage the city to continue to amplify, compensate, and make space for people of color to create and share their art.” - Shelbi, Bike Expert, 2nd Cycle Tacoma's Community Cycle Center 

Face of Nations: Summer 2020 Protest Mural, By Tiffany Hammonds 

Downtown - 11th & Market

Learn more about GTCF's Social Media Community Cover Photo Project

A Face-to-Face, Family-to-Family, Friend-to-friend Approach to COVID-19 in Pierce County

While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect large numbers of Pierce County neighbors many community-based groups are organizing ‘casual and connected’ events that do not center on vaccines but bring more holistic services and information. The events celebrate back-to-school, community moments, and moments with an overall community health focus. And if people want to get vaccinated while they’re there, they can.

“The whole reason we are doing this work is that we care about our neighbors, and we want to all live in a healthy community. We have to find some common ground and deal with this reality that has turned all of our lives upside down. A good way to do that is to build trust by acknowledging and addressing other needs and concerns beyond COVID.”

Find out how health care professionals, and community-based leaders are advocating for an “overall health” approach in Pierce County



Toward Transformation: Equity-Centric Philanthropy in the Pacific Northwest

Elena Pullen-Venema, Director of Gift Planning for Community Foundation of Snohomish County, was part of a panel discussion with Pacific Lutheran University’s George Zeno and Washington Women Foundation’s Maria Kolby-Wolfe at the September 24 South Sound Philanthropy Summit.

The panelists shared how a focus on equity and social justice has changed the way they talk about and conduct their work, and how they need donors to come along.  

"We need organizations, especially in this predominantly white state, to bring people together and convene with diplomacy, active listening, and empathy"

Check out more insights and resources shared by panelists at the South Sound Philanthropy Summit



$482 Billion To Transfer Generations in Pierce County Over Next 50 Years

According to the 2020 Pierce County Transfer of Wealth Study, current household net worth is $269 billion. This is the total value of assets in Pierce County –homes, businesses, investments. Over the next 10 years, $48.6 billion of those assets will be transferring from estates to the next generation. $482 billion is expected to transfer over the next 50 years.

As part of the 2021 South Sound Philanthropy Summit, GTCF published the Transfer of Wealth Report. Exploring the significant, intergenerational transfer of wealth taking place in Pierce County over the next several years, the report outlines how wealth is distributed across the region, where disparities exist, and the potential impact that could be made if even just 10% of the wealth transfer was invested back into the community.

Read the full Pierce County Transfer of Wealth Report and Technical Findings



New Initiative Provides Planned Giving Tools & Resources for Nonprofits and Professional Advisors

The South Sound Philanthropy Summit served as a launch to Leave 10 South Sound, a movement created by local donors, nonprofits, and professional advisors to educate, encourage and inspire people in the South Puget Sound region to leave at least 10% of their estates to charity. Created by partners of the Sound Sound Planned Giving Council, this initiative will educate nonprofit organizations, financial advisors, and individuals about the benefits of charitable giving through estate plans.

Nonprofits can receive free and easy access to tools and resources to help with efforts in starting or enhancing a planned giving program. Professional Advisors can receive free access to toolkits, resources, and learning opportunities designed to build skills around planned giving concepts.

If more South Sound residents include gifts to charity in their estate plans, the landscape of social causes in our region can be positively transformed forever.

Visit Leave 10 South Sound to learn more about planned giving resources

GTCF Celebrates New Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy members

Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® or CAP® members from throughout Puget Sound met recently at Lakewold Gardens to celebrate the newest members who received their CAP® certifications in 2020 and 2021. CAP® is a 10-month program offered through The American College and provides seasoned professionals with the knowledge and tools to help clients and donors articulate and advance their highest aspirations for self, family and society.

GTCF facilitates a professional certification opportunity for professional advisors and nonprofit leaders in our region. 

To learn more about the program and joining the local study group, contact Evelyn Ryberg, Sr. Director of Philanthropic Services

UW Tacoma Selects GTCF President & CEO As Non-Profit Business Leader of the Year

See bios for Kathi and the rest of the 2021 Business Leadership Award winners

GTCF Executive Assistant Recognized for Spirit at Pacific Northwest Admin Awards

Read more about Monique and the rest of the 2021 Admin Award Winners

Upcoming Virtual Fundraising Events

September 30, Power of Play Luncheon - Greentrike

October 8, Unbreakable: Symphony Tacoma Diamond Anniversary Gala

October 15, Seeds of Change: Child Care Resources 2021 Annual Event

October 23, Casino for a Cause - A Step Ahead Pierce County

November 13, Trivia Bee: Home Edition 2.0 - Pierce County Library Foundation

If your organization has an upcoming fundraising event, be sure to share it on the GTCF Community Calendar