Greater Gig Harbor Foundation

The Foundation's largest program is GGHF Curious by Nature School (CBNS), the community's only nature-based early learning center. CBNS uses a Reggio Emilia-inspired, nature-immersed curriculum that supports the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and early literacy, math, science, and arts skills. Since 2012, the program has served more than 4,500 children ages 2 to 6 and has provided over $70,000 in tuition assistance to help reduce barriers to high-quality early childhood education. In 2024, CBNS served more than 400 children ages 2 to 10 through school-year programming, nature-based camps, and environmental education activities. The Foundation awarded $7,500 in financial assistance through the Steward Scholarship Fund, expanded its outdoor immersion program to meet growing demand, and offered free hands-on learning activities at multiple community events. CBNS also granted more than $5,000 to support professional development for early learning educators, with a focus on math readiness, literacy, social-emotional learning, and environmental stewardship. During 2024, CBNS continued its work toward becoming one of Washington State's first fully licensed outdoor, nature-based early learning programs through the Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF). More than 300 children and their families participated in community-connected environmental learning through the Jr. Explorers Program. CBNS received grant support and proceeds from its annual fundraiser, The Green Gig, and benefited from more than 7,800 volunteer hours contributed by parents, grandparents, educators, scientists, interns, and community members. Summer school and camp programs engaged approximately 300 children ages 3 to 10 in extended outdoor learning experiences.

The Greater Gig Harbor Foundation's second-largest program is the Gig Harbor Senior Center (GHSC), the only community-based, self-funded center for active older adults in the greater Gig Harbor area. With more than 32% of the region's population now over age 60, GHSC continued expansion of its programs and services in 2024 to meet the growing needs of older adults seeking connection, wellness resources, educational opportunities, and social engagement. The Center has one 0.75 FTE director and one 0.35 FTE Tai Chi Instructor, and support from the Foundation's management and administrative staff for running day to day operations. Oversight and guidance is provided by a six-member Advisory Board. GHSC offereings include diverse programs that promote health, lifelong learning, community service, and social well-being. In 2024, GHSC built upon its 2023 professional services contract award from Pierce County Human Services by further developing and delivering programs specifically designed for adults age 60+. Membership and participation continued to increase, supported by a complex funding model that includes membership and program fees, private grants, business sponsorships, individual donations, and substantial financial and in-kind support from the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation. Approximately 70% of GHSC's annual operating budget was supported by private donations and two major fundraising events-INDULGE and Shamrock'n the Harbor-with membership fees providing roughly 9% of the budget and GGHF contributing about 17% through general fund support, staff time, and donated services and goods. In 2024, GHSC continued to strengthen its role as a vital resource for the region's expanding senior population, offering accessible programming and community engagement opportunities that enhance independence, wellness, and quality of life for older adults.

Harbor Center - In 2024, major trides were made toward the "Harbor Center" (working title/name) will be located at the intersection of Pt. Fosdick & 36th in Gig Harbor, Washington. The 13.15-acre site will eb transformed into a community hub that integrates a long overdue senior center, event center and the community's first ever environmental learning center. Additionally, the project will ensure the permanent conservation of approximately 9 acres adjacent to the 209 acres of permanently forested land owned and managed by Pierce County Public Works as part of the Tacoma Narrows Airport protected fly zone. Accomplishments of 2024, included finalizing all studies, civil engineering, phase I architectural design work, and inital conservation strategy for permanent protection of about 65% of the site. The Harbor Center will be a place where generations connect, learn, and thrive - a community campus that includes a dedicated senior center, flexible event and learning spaces, and a nine-acre conservation area. By late 2024, the majority of all work was completed to prepare for submitting to Pierce County for permitting.

The Minerva Scholarship Fund continues to grant scholarships to women in the Peninsula area.

Gig Harbor Basket Brigade - established in 1993 the Basket Brigade has provided more than 20,000 Thanksgiving meals (and more) to area families over the years. Each year, the Basket Brigade engages hundreds of volunteers. In 2022, while at the end of the pandemic, we were able to deliver more than 700 Thanksgiving Baskets to local families. More than 450 volunteers came to assist in the two-day operation, assembling baskets and delivering them.

Students of Distinction is a community recognition program that awards post-secondary scholarships. In 2022, the program returned to its pre COVID-19 in-person awards dinner platform to recognize and celebrate the nominated graduating seniors for their remarkable achievements before a crowd of 200+ teachers, sponsors, family, and the community. This year, 36 Peninsula School District high school seniors were honored for superior effort in seven categories: Academics, Athletics, Business & Entrepreneurship, Community Service, Music, Art & Drama, Overcoming Adversity, and Science & Technology. Scholarships awarded were $12,000. Nearly $245,000 in post secondary scholarships have been awarded since 2003 and over 580 students have been recognized.

Heron's Key Scholarship Fund. Started in 2018, the Heron's Key Scholarship Fund (HKSF) works to provide resources to Gig Harbor's youth in support of education programs within the Peninsula School District, including scholarship assistance to individual students and project support for staff enrichment. Since 2018, the fund has provided more than $40,000 in post secondary scholarships.

Lu Winsor Memorial Environmental Grant Fund. Over the past 18 years, the Lu Winsor Environmental Grant program has awarded over $225,000 to 31 entities. Funds have been particularly instrumental in setting the building blocks for local organization to develop environmental education programs such as the YMCA's Camp Seymour and Harbor Wild Watch, which have received nearly half of the 108 Lu Winsor grants to date. Over time, the funds available have grown with increased support from the Foundation and Pierce County. In the 2022 cycle, $22,000 in grants were awarded to nine local organizations, Pierce County Conservation District, Peninsula School District, and two private citizens carrying out stewardship work aligned with the program's mission.