“Snow in April is abominable,” said Anne. “Like a slap in the face when you expected a kiss.”
― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Ingleside
Are we in the second false spring? Or still in the first? It’s hard to say. It is very nice to notice the extra minutes of sun each day.
I had my right knee replaced in January. It’s coming along fine, thank you. The post-surgery pain is gone and it feels much better to walk compared to the old knee. I have had weekly bouts of physical therapy since the surgery (Kudos to the SPH Rehab staff) and if you have been to physical therapy you know what a mixed blessing it can be. There can be a whole lot of discomfort which, in the end, results in something that works better and lasts longer. If you push through and do it.
I think the last couple of years has been that way for most of the world. We’ve been through vaccinations, masks, distancing, more vaccinations, cancellations and closures. More than a little discomfort, but making (hopefully) for a better ending. As we look forward to summer on the southern Kenai Peninsula, we see bright spots and reports of businesses booking out tours and lodging and generally expecting a good tourist season.
At the Foundation, we see nonprofits realizing the value of making sound investment decisions and starting to grow funds for future financial stability. It is good to see others in the community planning for the long term and it’s humbling to be trusted with those hopes and dreams.
I feel optimistic. It must be spring.
Mike
City of Homer Grants Program
The Homer Foundation’s City of Homer Grants program is made possible through an annual allocation from the City of Homer and annual earnings from the City of Homer and Kachemak City endowment funds. Criteria have been established taking into consideration the City of Homer’s intent to support locally-based non-profit organizations that provide services within the City of Homer, and Kachemak City’s intent to support those organizations that provide services within the City of Homer that benefit the residents of Kachemak City. This year, $31,401 was granted to the following 14 organizations: Bunnell Street Art Center, Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies, Cook InletKeeper, Homer Community Food Pantry, Homer Council on the Arts, Homer Farmers Market, Homer Hockey Association, Hospice of Homer, Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic, Kachemak Heritage Land Trust, Kachemak Nordic Ski Club, KBBI, OPUS, and SPROUT Family Services. We are proud to facilitate this support each year for all the good these organizations provide for our community!
Welcome New Fund
We are excited to announce a new Donor-Advised Non-Endowed Fund, the South Peninsula Hospital Foundation Fund. We look forward to working with the SPHF to help them grow.
Recent Grants
Kachemak Ski Club
Ski on!
The Kachemak Ski Club, (sometimes referred to as the Homer Rope Tow) was awarded $1,000 to fund a free ski day in honor of World Telemark Ski Day. For over 70 years the Kachemak Ski Club has been introducing children and adults of all ages in the Homer area to downhill skiing and snowboarding through instructional programs based at the Homer Rope Tow.
A great way to shake off the late winter blues.
Friends of Kachemak Bay State Park
More and Better Trails!
The Friends of Kachemak Bay State Park’s mission is to promote the enhancement,
preservation, and protection of the natural, recreational, scientific, and historical
resources of Kachemak Bay State Park. To help with that ever-growing mission, the Friends of Kachemak Bay State Park was awarded $3,699 to purchase a walk-behind mower for trail maintenance and help in establishing new hiking trails in the Cottonwood- Eastland section of KBSP. The “Friends” currently maintain foot trails with handheld weed whackers. In many places using a walk-behind mower, instead of a handheld weed whacker, will save considerable time and volunteer labor that could be better used elsewhere. We look forward to seeing the improvements and new trails.
Philanthropy Fact of the Month
There are 1,812,473 registered nonprofits in the United States, as of December 2020.