Kent Chamber of Commerce

Kent Community Foundation

The Kent Community Foundation was founded in 1986 to support education and the cultural arts in the greater Kent area, including Covington. Originally a part of the Kent Chamber of Commerce, the Foundation became a separate non-profit charitable organization in 1993. The Foundation now serves as a conduit for tax deductible contributions from businesses and individuals for arts, education and scholarships.

Over 97% of your contributions go directly to the recipients of our grants and scholarships for arts and education within the greater Kent area. Administrative costs are minimized because the Foundation is managed by volunteer board members and by using in-kind contributions from local businesses. Of the total, about 80% of our donations come from designated contributions through the United Way Giving Program. The remaining 20% are direct gifts from Friends of the Foundation. Kent has grown significantly in the last decade, so there is an increasing demand for funding. At the present time, less than half the requests are funded.

ENDOWMENTS

Donations may also be made to the Foundation’s Endowment Fund. These donations are invested for perpetuity and income generated is used to help fund grants. Endowment donations provide ongoing support for foundation activities.

SCHOLARSHIPS

The Kent Community Foundation awards up to sixteen scholarships each year to deserving students who wish to pursue higher education.
2008 Scholarships (14)
Richard & Ina Balash Scholarship – Senior who resides in the City of Covington who plans to participate in business or engineering training.
Rebecca Shorr -- Kentlake HS

Covington Chamber of Commerce Scholarship – Senior who resides in the City of Covington.
Simone Senn – Kentwood HS

East Hill Community Organization -- Senior who plans to attend a two year or vocational-technical institute in the state of Washington.
Lynn Hoang – Kentlake HS

Rob Osborne Scholarship – Senior K-M student involved in athletics with plans to attend a two or four year college within the state of Washington.
Aaron Smith – Kent Meridian HS

Wesley Soderberg Art Scholarship – Senior who plans to attend a two or four year college, majoring in art.
Mary Bachand – Kentridge HS

Linda K. Ruby Scholarship – Senior who plans to attend a four year college, intending to pursue a career in teaching.
Simone Senn -- Kentwood HSBrianna Armstrong -- Kentlake HSAmanda Ogle -- Kentlake HSSteve Twomey -- Kentlake HSByron Edelman – WSURyan Ogle – CWUCatherine Bailey – WSUMelissa Jones – GRCCCourtney Arp — GRCC

GRANTS

The Kent Community Foundation accepts proposals from community groups and schools each spring and fall. All projects must promote or enhance the cultural arts or education.

Spring 2008 Grants
Kent Kids Arts Day, City of Kent -- Cultural Programs
Language First - Leap Frog, Scenic Hill Elementary School
3rd Grade Native American Magazine Project, Daniel Elementary School
Parent Math, Park Orchard Elementary School
Learning Through Play, Meadow Ridge Elementary School
Home/School Connection - Keep Books, Scenic Hill Elementary School
Kent Elementary Music Academy, Kent Elementary School
Becoming a Reader - Headsprout, Scenic Hill Elementary School

You can join the Friends of the Foundation by sending a contribution to The Kent Community Foundation, P.O. Box 128, Kent, WA 98035.

ANNUAL EVENTS

2009 Calendar of Events

Annual Awards Banquet
An Awards Banquet is held in June to honor the selected recipients of the scholarships and grants.

New Teacher Welcome
In August each year, a welcome presentation is made to the new teachers during their new teacher orientation at the Kent Schools.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2009 Board of Directors Bio's

Interested in Joining KCF? Click here for information