Featured Article & Newsletter Archive – Blue Mountain Community Foundation

Featured Articles from Prior Years

Below you can access articles about Blue Mountain Community Foundation that were published in prior years. Read to learn a little more about what we do in the community.

Walla Walla Valley weekend picks: Christmas pageant, crafts and festive tunes

Christmas is getting closer, and the festive events aren’t slowing down. If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, there are plenty of craft activities and festive shows to keep up the holiday spirit.

Valley Giving Guide returns for 2025 season with more organizations in need

About 185 regional nonprofits and organizations are hoping to reach community members and raise funds for operations and projects during this year’s Valley Giving Guide.

Designs evolve for Walla Walla Public Library renovation; permits are filed

The central feature of the Walla Walla Public Library renovation is the new entry: a great hall with glass facades and a cavernous central space that designers envision as a community gathering place.

WWCC Supercharged His Career in Electrical Engineering

Juan C. Gaytán didn’t consider going to college until he was in his 30s, already married and working a grueling minimum wage job at an onion-packing facility.

The Perch shows College Place students choices after high school

Whether a student wants to go to a university, trade program or straight into the workforce, College Place High School aims to prepare them early for whichever path they choose.

Committee launches College Place High School Scholarship Fund

The College Place High School Scholarship Fund has been launched, said CPHSSF Steering Committee chair Gayle See, who serves on the committee with Cory Davis, Jason Grove and Matthew See.

Registration for 2025 Valley Giving Guide to open in mid-September

Registration for the annual donation event begins on Monday, Sept. 15 and ends on Wednesday, Oct. 15. During this time, nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status residing in either Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Umatilla County can sign up.

Wildhorse Foundation awards more than $145K to area initiatives

As part of its quarterly grant awards, the Wildhorse Foundation has provided funding to 14 regional projects, ranging from building improvements and maintenance to supporting community celebrations.

Business notes: Blue Mountain Community Foundation opens 2025 grant program

The Blue Mountain Community Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2025 community grant program. Eligible applicants must either be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or church residing in Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield or Umatilla counties.

AAUW announces $63,000 in scholarships awards, again surpassing the prior year

The $63,000 in funds raised from the most recent Walla Walla Branch of American Association of University Women-hosted book sale and kitchen tour is the highest dollar amount raised for local scholarships.

Public feedback displayed at open house for Walla Walla Public Library renovation

Displays showed new renderings of the interior and exterior of the building at 238 E. Alder St., including a “great hall” in glass that will expand the current entry by about 500 square feet and early plans for landscaping around the building.

Walla Walla Public Library capital project continues with open houses, donor incentives

Renovation plans at the Walla Walla Public Library are turning tactile, with carpet tiles and paint samples.

Business notes: Kate Morrison joins Blue Mountain Community Foundation

The Blue Mountain Community Foundation announced it has a new communication and grants director: Kate Morrison.

Green Park Elementary wins Battle of the Books

Green Park Elementary School students clinched their second consecutive championship at the Battle of the Books, an annual competition between all five of Walla Walla School District’s elementary schools.

Blue Mountain Community Foundation offers spring grant programs

The Blue Mountain Community Foundation has opened grant applications for nonprofit groups within Walla Walla, Columbia and Umatilla counties through three different grant initiatives during March and April. These programs are designed to provide monetary assistance to local entities dedicated to improving the communities in these areas.

Application deadline set March 10 for new American Association of University Women scholarship

American Association of University Women-Walla Walla has expanded its scholarship fund to include women enrolled or intending to enroll in a trade program offered at Walla Walla Community College.

Raise the Blues Campaign exceeds goal by $12M

The 21-month educational campaign began in March 2023 and ended Dec. 31 with the goal of creating additional unrestricted funds for nonprofit organizations in Garfield, Columbia, Walla Walla and Umatilla counties.

Business notes: Blue Mountain Community Foundation ends Raise the Blues Endowment campaign

The Blue Mountain Community Foundation announced its Raise the Blues Endowment campaign raised more than $52 million.

2024 Valley Giving Guide exceeds fundraising goal by more than $400K

The Valley Giving Guide, an annual fundraiser to support local nonprofits in the Walla Walla Valley, raised more than $3.9 million in 2024.

Walla Walla and state associations offer education-related scholarships

Walla Walla-Columbia School Retirees Association is offering two $2,000 scholarships this year, said scholarship chair Mardel Bierwagen.

Blue Mountain Community Foundation awards grants to 22 local organizations

The Blue Mountain Community Foundation announced more than $223,000 in grants Wednesday to local nonprofits serving Walla Walla, Umatilla, Columbia and Garfield counties.

On GivingTuesday, you can help develop the next generation of local journalists

If we’re going to ensure the Walla Walla Valley does not become a news desert in the next decade, we need to begin training the next generation of journalists whose roots are here — skilled young journalists committed to the place where they have family and friends.

Valley Giving Guide aims to increase donations during holiday season

The annual Valley Giving Guide returns Tuesday, Dec. 3, creating a way for residents and businesses to donate to various organizations and nonprofits based in Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Umatilla counties.

Dunham Cellars donates $1,600 to suicide prevention in Walla Walla

Dunham Cellars, a Walla Walla winery, donated $1,600 this year to Reach Out Walla Walla for suicide prevention.

Prescott area voters to decide on levy for pool, parks

Some Walla Walla County and Columbia County residents will vote on a $145,000 maintenance and operation levy during the upcoming Tuesday, Nov. 5, general election.

Walla Walla Public Schools Foundation breakfast raises $15K for student programs

The second annual All In for Schools breakfast sponsored by the Walla Walla Public Schools Foundation on Sept. 26 at Pioneer Middle School netted $15,420 to continue foundation work providing field trips and overnight and outdoor experiences for public school students.

Longtime Walla Walla agronomist, education scholarship proponent dies

An idea percolated in native Walla Wallan Jerry Lynn Zahl’s mind when 11 years ago he volunteered to hear Walla Walla High School students give their culminating project/senior presentations.

Scholarship roundup for Walla Walla Valley 2024 seniors

Hundreds of scholarships were given to graduating seniors in the Walla Walla Valley this year.

Area nonprofits can register for the 2024 Valley Giving Guide starting Monday

The Valley Giving Guide will return to the Walla Walla Valley, and with it the chance to support various nonprofit organizations in the region, on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

Eight students garner Walla Walla Public High Schools scholarships

The Walla Walla Public High Schools Scholarship Fund awarded eight $1,000 scholarships to graduates in 2024, the highest number of recipients in the fund’s 11-year history, said Walla Walla Public Schools Foundation Executive Director Elsa Watson.

Walla Walla Public Library secures architect for $16M renovation project

The Walla Walla Public Library at 238 E. Alder St. was buzzing — quietly — the afternoon of Wednesday, Aug. 14.

Blue Mountain Community Foundation’s Raise the Blues Campaign approaches goal

Since March 2023, the foundation has reached out to inform residents in Garfield, Columbia, Walla Walla and Umatilla counties about its campaign to support and fund community-based projects.

Business notes: Applications available for Blue Mountain Community Foundation 2024 Discretionary Grant

On Thursday, Aug. 1, the Blue Mountain Community Foundation will begin to accept applications for its 2024 Discretionary Grant Program and will allow submissions through Thursday, Aug. 29.

Tickets on sale for Shindig food and wine benefit

Tickets are available for the fourth annual Shindig benefit, which in 2023, raised $215,000 for local youth agricultural programs and wine and culinary students and workers.

American Association of University Women Walla Walla offers largest scholarships in its history

The Walla Walla Chapter of the American Association of University Women is offering $48,000 in college scholarships this spring.

Retirees Association awards two scholarships to Walla Walla Valley students attending college

At their May luncheon, Walla Walla-Columbia County Retirees Association awarded scholarships of $2,000 each to two area students currently attending college.

Warren Community Action Fund awards $58K in grants to area nonprofits

The Warren Community Action Fund at the Blue Mountain Community Foundation has approved 19 grants to support area nonprofits providing services in Walla Walla and Columbia counties, according to a Foundation new release.

BIG Recyclers brings in 600 pounds of glass at first collection in Dayton

DAYTON — BIG Recyclers’ Chris Lueck and volunteer Dan Smith didn’t come entirely prepared for the level of support shown at the first glass collection event in Dayton.

RoseMary’s Place child care in Dayton to open April 1

DAYTON — Dayton hasn’t had a licensed child care service since 2020 — but all of that will change Monday, April 1, with the opening of RoseMary’s Place.

Sergio Orozco: Uplifting others an act of carrying on family legacy

As a youngster, Sergio Orozco used to make mixtapes for his friends and family to show them new music or introduce them to older music he liked.

Celebration of Giving honors locals, businesses making a difference

Five regional leaders received awards on Friday, March 1, for their work to make the Walla Walla Valley and surrounding areas a better place to live, play and thrive.

Blue Mountain Community Foundation announces spring grant programs

The programs are tailored for nonprofit groups within Walla Walla, Columbia, and Umatilla counties. Three distinct grant initiatives will be available throughout February, March and April, offering financial support to organizations committed to enhancing the communities in these regions.

Area organizations reflect on 2023, look ahead to 2024

The past year was full of ups and downs for area organizations navigating the post-pandemic economic landscape.

Blue Mountain Community Foundation awards $189K in local grants

Blue Mountain Community Foundation awarded $189,050 in grants in December to nonprofits based in and serving the communities of Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield and Umatilla counties.

Business notes: Milton-Freewater Chamber Downtown Alliance receives Grant

The Milton-Freewater Chamber Downtown Alliance has been awarded a discretionary grant from Blue Mountain Community Foundation in the amount of $2,000.

Valley Giving Guide provides donor pathway to 163 area organizations

To foster a culture of philanthropy and community support, the Valley Giving Guide again is open online for donations, providing a resource for residents and businesses to contribute to the betterment of the community.

Sherwood Trust empowers Walla Walla area organizations through impact grants

Walla Walla Area Crime Watch is working to make the cities of Walla Walla and College Place a safe place to live, and the $15,000 grant it received from Sherwood Trust will help.

Prescott Joint Parks and Recreation tax levy aims to keep water in the Prescott Pool

Prescott Joint Parks and Recreation Proposition 1 on the general election ballot is the organization’s yearly operational budget with the funding going toward the maintenance and operation costs of the Prescott Pool.

Community Q&A: Kol Medina leads journey of service at community foundation

Kol Medina said although he wasn’t born here, he spent the best part of his childhood in Walla Walla.

Blue Mountain Community Foundation seeks nominations for philanthropy awards

Blue Mountain Community Foundation is asking for nominations by Oct. 23 from area residents and businesses for the second annual Blue Mountain philanthropy awards.

Walla Walla scholarship fund gains foundation status and new director

Jerry Zahl, a member of the Walla Walla High School Class of 1962, has given his all to the Walla Walla Public High Schools Scholarship Fund since its founding 11 years ago.

Blue Zones Project teams with area businesses to help people make healthy choices

The Blue Zones Project theme is Address the Stress.

Dayton Columbia County Washington Fund disburses $39K in scholarships and grants

Grants and scholarships amounting to $39,500 were awarded to several organizations, said Blue Mountain Community Foundation Grants Program Manager Megan Patnode.

Walla Walla High School graduate receives top $32K scholarship to the University of Arizona

Walla Walla High School 2023 spring graduate Hayleigh Burke has received several scholarships to launch into her freshman year at college.

Warren Community Action Fund awards $52K to grant recipients

The Warren Community Action Fund at Blue Mountain Community Foundation approved 19 grants to support local nonprofits providing services in eastern Walla Walla and Columbia counties, according to a release.

38 area organizations to benefit from Wildhorse Foundation grants

More than $380,000 in grants from Wildhorse Foundation will help 38 area organizations support the communities they serve.

Applications open through March for Walla Walla area FFA and 4-H grant

Applications are being accepted through the March 31 deadline for the Shindig Funds.

Celebration of Giving honors individuals, businesses in the Blue Mountain region

The Blue Mountain Celebration of Giving harbored inspiring testimonies and acceptance speeches from award recipients and keynote speakers on Friday, March 3.

Deadline to apply for Walla Walla Public High Schools Scholarship funds is March 6

The Walla Walla Public High Schools Scholarship Fund now has surpassed the $225,000, said its founder Jerry Zahl, Walla Walla High School Class of 1962.

Annual book sale to benefit Walla Walla area scholarships, community programs

The 58th annual Walla Walla Chapter of American Association of University Women Book Sale will be Feb. 24-26 at The Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center, 6 W. Rose St.

Walla Walla Public High Schools Scholarship Fund crests $200K in 2022

“As always, the generosity of the community and classmates is very admirable,” said Jerry Zahl, founder of the Walla Walla Public High Schools Scholarship Fund.

Letter: Scholarships help women return to college, study STEM

Did you know that women constitute only 34% of the STEM workforce? How about the fact that women hold nearly two thirds of all student debt? Despite the huge strides we have made toward gender equity in the United States, we clearly still have a long way to go.

Various education-related scholarship applications available

Applications are being accepted for four scholarships, two from Walla Walla-Columbia School Retirees Association and two from Washington State School Retirees Association, according to WWCSRA committee chair Mardel Bierwagen.

Blue Mountain Community Foundation awards more than $287K in grants

Blue Mountain Community Foundation awarded $287,503.50 in grants to area nonprofits based in and/or serving the communities of Umatilla, Walla Walla, Columbia and Garfield counties, said Greer G. Buchanan, BMCF grants manager.

Walla Walla High School remembers Dick Neher with dedication of student plaza

Walla Walla High School students seeking time outdoors can now step outside the commons building and hang out in the new Dick Neher Plaza.

Blue Mountain Community Foundation grant application opens

Applications have opened for the Blue Mountain Community Foundation’s 2022 Discretionary Grant Program.

Walla Walla Public High Schools Scholarship Fund grows by $45,000

Just this year, members of the Walla Walla High School reunion classes of 1962, 1970 and 1972 have given the Walla Walla Public High Schools Scholarship Fund a tremendous boost of more than $45,000, said founder Jerry Zahl in a release.

Walla Walla alums throw down the scholarship fundraising gauntlet

Walla Walla High School has always had its Blue Devils, but as Class of 1962 alum Jerry Zahl says, there are also Blue Angels — and we don’t mean the U.S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron.

Warren Fund grants dollars for community projects in Walla Walla, Columbia counties

Blue Mountain Community Foundation officials announced that the Warren Community Action Fund has approved 15 grants to support local nonprofits in Walla Walla and Columbia counties.

Federal pandemic dollars to benefit post-pandemic recovery in Walla Walla

The Blue Mountain Community Foundation, along with the city of Walla Walla, has distributed $142,500 in American Recovery Plan Act funding to 19 local nonprofits.

Local foundation first to complete Blue Zones Project checklist and approval status

The Blue Mountain Community Foundation is the first organization in the Walla Walla Valley to complete the Blue Zones Project organization checklist to reach the project’s approval status, Executive Director Meghan Debolt said in a news release.

Foundation seeks grant applications from Walla Walla nonprofits

The Blue Mountain Community Foundation is accepting grant applications from nonprofits that can show financial impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Applications being accepted for Harpe Scholarship

The William & Delora Harpe Scholarship is currently accepting applications from high school seniors and previous graduates of Touchet, Burbank, Waitsburg and Prescott high schools, said Liz McClure scholarships and communications manager with Blue Mountain Community Foundation.

Giant, 57th annual book sale in Walla Walla set for mid-February by AAUW

Bibliophiles — bookworms really — will be in reader heaven amid a collection of approximately 40,000 tomes when the Walla Walla branch of American Association of University Women hosts its 57th annual book sale.

Donations continue to climb in Walla Walla schools scholarship fund

Walla Walla Public High Schools Scholarship Fund founder Jerry Zahl continues to set goals to increase the value of the fund that benefits graduates of Walla Walla schools.

Valley Giving Guide raises over $2.5 million for Walla Walla area nonprofits

The Valley Giving Guide, the latest version of an annual collation of charities and community groups organized by the Blue Mountain Community Foundation, raised over $2.5 million in December 2021 for 131 different nonprofits.

Pendleton bird rehab center hopes $45,000 gift will set up future

Blue Mountain Wildlife’s weekly newsletter ran through the normal humdrum of the nonprofit’s work before making a significant reveal: The bird rehabilitation center was brought a screech owl that had been trapped in a chimney, a rescued Cooper’s hawk died before reaching the group’s facility south of Pendleton, and the organization just received a $45,000 check from a trust.

New nonprofit aims to help improve racial equity in the Walla Walla Valley

Organizers with Running Waters Equity Fund are starting the group’s initial fundraising in hopes the money can quickly begin helping marginalized communities here.

Walla Walla high school scholarship fund swells with $8,400 in new donations

A contribution of more than $1,900 came into the Walla Walla Public High Schools Scholarship Fund from the Wa-Hi Class of 1960, followed immediately by $6,500 from friends and alumni of the educational system, said scholarship founder Jerry Zahl.

First annual Shindig at Yellowhawk Resort raises $163,000 for local organizations

More than $163,000 was raised for local organizations by the first annual Shindig, held Aug. 27-28 here at Yellowhawk Resort and Sparkling House, on Old Milton Highway, it was announced Thursday, Sept. 2.

Scholarships awarded to three Weston-McEwen High School graduates

Three Weston-McEwen High School Class of 2021 graduates received scholarships from the Earl & Jane Ferguson Scholarship Fund.

Five Walla Walla High School graduates awarded scholarships

Five Walla Walla High School spring 2021 graduates received $1,000 grants from the Walla Walla Public High Schools Scholarship Fund.

Walla Walla, Columbia county nonprofits receive over 100k to address Social Determinants of Health

A collaboration between the Blue Mountain Community Foundation and the Greater Columbia Accountable Community of Health gave a total of $116,400.49 to across 12 awards to nonprofits in Columbia and Walla Walla counties to better the health of residents across Southeastern Washington, the organizations announced.

Local Warren fund puts $60,000 into Walla Walla Valley projects

The Warren Community Action Fund, facilitated by Blue Mountain Community Foundation, recently approved 16 grants equaling about $60,000 to support local nonprofits providing services in Walla Walla and Columbia counties for a fifth year.

Blue Mountain Community Foundation seeks grant proposals

Blue Mountain Community Foundation, in collaboration with the Greater Columbia Accountable Community of Health, is accepting grant proposals to address specific social challenges affecting residents of Walla Walla and Columbia counties.

Growth continues for Walla Walla Public High Schools Scholarship Fund

Graduates of Lincoln and Walla Walla High schools have access to a special fund created just for them to pursue higher education on a need basis.

Local high school scholarship fund continues growth

One of the down sides of the coronavirus pandemic has been the inability to gather for high school class reunions in 2020, since protocols made congregating verboten.

Milton-Freewater Senior Center bolstered by $10K grant

The Milton-Freewater Senior Center, 311 N. Main St., recently received two grants for $5,000 each, said center secretary Judi Hammer.

Walla Walla Valley nonprofits end 2020 on note of generosity and optimism

As everyone recuperates and ponders their situation after last year, area nonprofits are doing the same.

Walla Walla Valley pandemic relief donations top $4.7 million

The Walla Walla Valley will benefit from more than $4.7 million in COVID-19 relief funding through donations made in 2020 by businesses and people inspired by the All In WA Initiative, according to the Blue Mountain Community Foundation.

Blue Mountain Community Foundation’s new leader is back home

When I was at Berney Elementary, I was just a kid, but I was old enough to realize that I loved this town called Walla Walla. Throughout my life, I’ve often told people that my years in Walla Walla were the best years of my childhood, by far. My time here is what set me on my life’s path. It seems that it’s also what brought me back.

Scholarships available to Walla Walla, Columbia county students offered by local, state groups

Walla Walla-Columbia School Retirees Association and Washington State School Retirees Association have scholarships available.

Blue Mountain Community Foundation names new CEO

A new president and CEO will take the helm at Blue Mountain Community Foundation at the start of December.

Blue Mountain Community Foundation offers operating grants

Charities and nonprofit organizations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic can apply online for general operating grants from the Blue Mountain Community Foundation starting today.

W-M students awarded Ferguson scholarships

The Earl and Jane Ferguson Scholarship Fund presented six Weston-McEwen High School Class of 2020 members with scholarships. Recipients are Tessa Irvine, Ellie Scheibner, Emma Olson, Trinity Yunk, Josie Phillips and Calvin Papineau.

BMCF announces more COVID-19 fund recipients

Blue Mountain Community Foundation has announced nine more grants to eight local nonprofits as part of its COVID-19 Response Fund.

Four questions that might save your charity

Just as businesses are scrambling and innovating to figure out how to survive during the COVID-19 crisis, so too are charities and nonprofits.

Flood recovery funds are available through the city of Milton-Freewater

People who were affected by the February flood of the Walla Walla River, including the north and south forks, and the Oregon side of Mill Creek can apply for a grant to repair their primary residences.

AAUW donates $5K to BMCF COVID-19 fund

The Walla Walla Branch of American Association of University Women is responding to the current fundraising deficit by donating $5,000 to the Blue Mountain Community Foundation COVID-19 fund.

First round of grants announced for COVID-19 Response Fund

A 22-person advisory committee recommended allocations to three organizations in the Walla Walla Valley on Friday, according to a news release from the foundation.

Need for food critical during pandemic

CNN, Fox News and other 24/7 cable networks have been streaming live video into our homes showing the horrific problems caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Help the helpers: Give to Valley’ COVID-19 Response Fund

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the Walla Walla Valley. This means for most of us doing things very differently in the weeks ahead.

Charitable organizations critical in coronavirus crisis

As the coronavirus pandemic unfolds, creating more hardships each day, many are looking to government — federal, state and local — for help.

Charitable fund to help ease pandemic hardship

A new fund created by the Blue Mountain Community Foundation will help as a charitable resource in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Walla Walla ramps up Census outreach programs

With millions of taxpayer funding at stake and challenges in counting the local population, Walla Walla County organizations are going all out to educate people about the 2020 U.S. Census survey to improve response rates.

Local nonprofits work to help flood victims

The Walla Walla Valley is benefiting from a gathering of nonprofit organizations seeking to help with regional flood devastation.

Lamar cabin is being cared for

In the Feb. 13 Union-Bulletin, a letter from Steve Plucker of Prescott expressed concern that the Historic Lamar cabin was being neglected by Whitman College.

Gift fair raises $17K-plus for area charities

Blue Mountain Community Foundation’s and Sustainable Living Center’s Alternative Gift Fair and Giving Catalog raised $17,619.16 for 50 local charities during December.