Jessica Stevens Community Foundation (JSCF), an Affiliate of The Alaska Community Foundation, celebrated their annual Donor Celebration this past weekend in Talkeetna. It is always a treat to attend an event hosted by one of The Alaska Community Foundation’s Affiliate communities.
ACF’s Affiliate Program currently supports ten Affiliate communities across Alaska to build localized philanthropy. It was started with help from a Community Assets Building Initiative grant from Rasmuson Foundation. The intent of this program is rooted in the belief that individual communities are the best advocates for their own community enrichment and should have direct influence over the funding that affects their communities. In 2018 alone, the Jessica Stevens Community Foundation has made 23 individual grants and injected more than $28,000 into the community.
One of the heartwarming stories retold at the JSCF event included funding for the Trapper Creek Free Box, a program that provides free supplies to residents, such as used clothing, toys, baby necessities, and blankets. Started as a labor of love, the Free Box received $1,650 in 2017 and $1,500 in 2018 to support the program.
Kathy Trump, JSCF Secretary commented, “The dedication of these women makes the Jessica Stevens Community Foundation proud to sponsor the Trapper Creek Free Box for the second year in a row with a Healthy Community Grant. We salute the spirit of community found in these incredible volunteers.”
Money from the grant will fund maintenance necessities such as electricity, heater maintenance, fuel oil, and cleaning supplies. Grants like these are the driving force behind locally supported philanthropy. Since JSCF’s inception in 2008, they have made 113 grants totaling $126,522.
