PHOTO: United Way
We're Greater Together

Last month, I had the pleasure to participate in United Way of Pierce County's Love United celebration. Community members from a spectrum of organizations and causes posed for photos to show our support for the good being done through United Way. 

My experience with United Way was a great example of the warm, cooperative culture of Pierce County. We all know that no matter what our background, income, or affiliation, we are all committed to taking care of the place we call home.

In this newsletter, you will find a variety of stories about individuals and organizations working together to build a thriving community, now and into the future. I hope you will be as inspired as I am by the amazing things being done locally. 

Greater Tacoma Community Foundation is committed to providing the resources that will keep Pierce Country strong for generations to come. Please let us know how we can help you achieve your vision.

President/CEO, GTCF
PHOTO: Vision of Eastside Step Team

From dance groups to literary journals, and culture-infused health programs to large-scale festivals, our most recent group of Spark Grant recipients are building a thriving Pierce County in unique ways. 

The next round of Spark Grant applications closes on Friday, March 9. 
PHOTO: Tacoma Housing Authority Bay Terrace

The good news is that Tacoma is being recognized for its quality of life. Sunset Magazine named Tacoma a  "Game-Changing Place to Live"  earlier this year saying, "housing ­remains startlingly affordable".

The bad news is Tacoma's unprecedented growth is undermining that affordability even as it's being celebrated.  To afford a two-bedroom apartment in Tacoma requires a full-time wage of $21 per hour. That means 83 percent of rental housing in Tacoma is not affordable to very low-income households.

PHOTO: Girl Scouts of Western Washington

Every February we send out annual grants, a majority of which are endowed funds donors have established with GTCF in order to provide ongoing support to causes in our community. This year, 233 grants were distributed providing a total of $1.26 million to over 120 organizations.  Each one of those grants has its own story of individuals committed to building a thriving Pierce County.  

PHOTO: Buffalo Soldiers Museum

We believe great things happen when community gathers together. From family-friendly events, to educational opportunities, community celebrations, or  fundraisers to support local nonprofits, our GTCF Community Calendar is the place to share and learn about great events going on in Pierce County. 
 
GTCF Events

Upcoming Fundraisers
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