Rooted Here. Ready for What’s Next

Looking ahead to 2026, the Gorge is facing change with an increased level of resilience, generosity, and care that have always defined this community.

That spirit is at the heart of the Gorge Community Foundation. For more than 25 years, GCF has worked quietly and steadily behind the scenes, helping generosity take root locally. Our role is to steward resources with care, keep giving grounded in local knowledge, and make sure today’s generosity continues to serve the Gorge for generations to come.

Community foundations across the country are leaning into this long view, and for good reason. Endowments and donor-advised funds provide stability when other funding sources fluctuate. They help nonprofits plan with confidence and ensure students can access opportunity even in uncertain times. Here in the Gorge, these funds aren’t abstract, they show up as scholarships, strong local organizations, and a more resilient community.

What makes GCF special is our scale and our relationships. We know the people doing the work. We understand the nuances of a bi-state, rural region. And every fund we manage stays right here, supporting the communities that make the Gorge such a remarkable place to live and care about.

Looking ahead, our focus remains steady: strengthening long-term support for nonprofits, expanding access to education, and helping donors build meaningful, values-driven legacies. The future will bring challenges, we know that. But it will also bring opportunity.

One opportunity we look forward to in 2026 is listening to more of your stories. I have had the pleasure of meeting with many of you about your funds, passions, work and hopes for the future. Although GCF prides itself on stability we also need to listen and evolve with the needs of the region. Please contact me to share your insights, stories, ideas and goals because together we can plant new seeds to grow and bring forth change underneath our steadfast commitment and collective strength.

With Gratitude,

Tucker Szymkowicz

Executive Director

Gorge Community Foundation

"You are invited to join the upcoming Community Legacy Initiative on Thursday, March 19 from 5:30-7:30 pm at The Fort Dalles Readiness Center.

This event is designed to educate the community about the profound impact of estate planning, connect families with empowering tools, and inspire charitable giving to organizations that are bettering our community. This is a free event and snacks will be provided.

During the Community Legacy Initiative event, you will be able to:

• Meet experts in financial planning and investing, accounting, law, and more
• Hear from a panel of professionals about the benefits and how-tos of estate planning
• Receive free resources to help you plan your financial future
• Learn about including charitable intentions into your estate planning

Gorge Community Foundation and Fergusson Wellman are proud sponsors of the 2026 Community Legacy Initiative.

The Community Legacy Initiative is organized by a group of passionate local non-profits, including Gorge Community Foundation, MCCAC, The Next Door Inc. (TNDI), Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP), the Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) Foundation, Columbia Gorge Food Bank (CGFB), Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association (CGOA), Great River Oregon (GRO) and Big River Community Land Trust (BRCLT). Space is limited, and we encourage pre-registration to reserve your place.

NOTE: Please share this information to your networks, friends and family. Only 30% of people have a will. Learn more about setting up yours or encourage others to take this important step.

NONPROFITS: If you would like to share information about your organization with attendees please fill out this Google Form.

For direct questions email development@nextdoorinc.org

RSVP now at our Eventbrite below.

2026 Wealth Planning Guide

From Ferguson Wellman

The beginning of the year is always a good time to reflect, create new goals, resolutions and update yourself about what is new in 2026. At GCF we entrust Fergusson Wellman with the management of our funds and have found their advice and insights to be very educational and beneficial. Please check out their new 2026 Wealth Planning Guide (above) and their latest blog about what’s new in 2026, (below).