The Palmer Community Foundation has reached a milestone, a one million dollar endowment in less than ten years.
Foundation board member Mike Liebing notes that the organization was established in 2017. It has steadily built its financial base. The goal is to create a permanent source of funding for local nonprofit organizations.
Donations to the foundation help the community for generations. The foundation makes grants from the interest earned on its endowment fund. Liebing says people who want to create lasting change in Palmer can donate to the foundation as a way to support local organizations over the long term.
At the same time, Liebing emphasizes that the Palmer Community Foundation is not intended to compete with nonprofits. Citizens are encouraged to continue supporting their favorite charities and community organizations. These nonprofits depend on direct donations to carry out their work.
Liebing recognizes the support from the Alaska Community Foundation along with contributions from organizations such as the Mat-Su Health Foundation, the former Palmer Economic Development Authority, and the Rasmuson Foundation. These groups have helped the Palmer Community Foundation establish and grow its operations.
The Palmer Community Foundation hosts its annual Community Celebration tomorrow at the Palmer Depot. The event runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. All are welcome.
This is the foundation’s fifth or sixth annual community celebration. It recognizes local donors and supporters, celebrates the organizations that received grants during the 2026 grant cycle, and highlights the projects those organizations have completed.
This annual celebration offers an opportunity for people to learn more about the foundation, understand its mission, and see the results of local generosity. It recognizes the work already accomplished and looks toward the future of permanent local giving.
The organization is run by a volunteer board of directors. Several board members reach the end of their terms over the next year. This creates opportunities for other community members to get involved.
Anyone interested in serving on the board is encouraged to attend the celebration or visit the website. Board members are available to explain what volunteering involves and how residents can contribute.
Information about the foundation is available online at palmercf.org. The website also provides information about the Alaska Community Foundation. This parent organization supports 12 affiliate community foundations across Alaska.
Liebing discussed the celebration and the ongoing support of nonprofits in an interview on Big Cabbage Radio earlier this week. You can listen to the interview at bigcabbageradio.org in Morning Show Interviews under Podcasts.
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Mike Chmielewski reported this Page Two article and yours truly, Lee Henrikson produced it. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.
That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Wednesday September 23, 2026.
Image credit: Palmer Community Foundation