JCF grant funds next generation of South County maritime students

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Maritime programs for South County youths are expanding, thanks to a $19,000 grant awarded by the Jefferson Community Foundation (JCF).

The Quilcene-Brinnon Teen Leadership Maritime Skills Program received the grant for its Community Boat Project and Washington State University’s 4-H Youth Development Program at JCF’s annual grant makers forum on May 3.

“This grant will turbocharge youth activities in Quilcene, providing training for the next generation of Jefferson County’s maritime workplace, a gathering space for the community at large and a heck of a lot of fun for everyone,” said Wayne Chimenti, Community Boat Project executive director, in a press release.

“This grant also confirms that grassroots, volunteer organizations can be just as effective as the bigger-budget folks,” Chimenti said. “We’re overjoyed – and already, Quilcene and Brinnon folks are stepping up to make it a success.”

The grant makers forum was first held in 2007 as a way for nonprofits to see firsthand the grant-making process at work. Each year, local organizations submit proposals on a specific topic. This year, the focus was “Partnering for Resiliency.” Organizations were invited to attend a public forum, during which the proposals are openly reviewed and discussed by a panel of experienced grantors, who offer commendations and recommendations for each proposal received.

Funding for the grant is provided through the JCF Endowment Fund and a contribution from an anonymous donor.

The workshop is a centerpiece of the Jefferson County Nonprofit Alliance, a year-round membership program for Jefferson County nonprofits that offers educational opportunities and capacity-building assistance. The alliance is housed at JCF, which was founded in 2005 to support local nonprofits and to encourage and increase local philanthropy. To date, JCF has awarded nearly $700,000 to nonprofit organizations throughout the county.