Ignite Kirkland Giving Campaign: A Community Success Story

The Ignite Kirkland Giving Campaign is a shining testament to the power of community and collaboration. Launched by the Kirkland Community Foundation, the campaign brought together residents, local organizations, and businesses to support transformative initiatives across the city.

From the outset, the Ignite Kirkland Giving Campaign aimed to empower local nonprofits and address pressing community needs by uniting resources and energy under one banner. Through enthusiastic participation, the campaign exceeded expectations and created a ripple of positive impact throughout Kirkland.

A Community-Wide Effort: The Ignite Kirkland Giving Campaign in Action

The Ignite Kirkland campaign underscored the importance of partnerships, with local organizations sharing their needs and rallying together to champion their causes. Participants included SPLASHForward, Pride Across the Bridge, NAMI Eastside, Lake Washington Schools Foundation, Kirkland Arts Center, Africans on the Eastside, Friends of Youth, and 19 other local nonprofits. Each organization brought a unique perspective, showcasing the diversity of Kirkland’s vibrant nonprofit sector.

In total, 25 non-profits received a total of $46,387.00 in grant funds as a result of Ignite Kirkland.

Leadership that Inspires

The Ignite Kirkland campaign was guided by the KPCF Board of Directors, whose leadership turned this initiative into a community-wide movement. “What makes Kirkland special is the way we come together,” said Carmin Dalziel, Executive Director of KPCF. “This campaign was not about numbers; it was about impact—creating opportunities for nonprofits to thrive and for our community to grow stronger together.”

Building a Stronger Community

The Ignite Kirkland campaign will bring a variety of impactful projects to life, addressing critical needs and fostering a thriving, inclusive community. These initiatives span youth empowerment, arts and culture, health and well-being, and community engagement:

  • Youth Empowerment: Programs like SPLASHForward’s “Every 2nd Grader Learns to Swim” initiative, KTUB’s Residency Program, and Taproot Theatre’s school touring assemblies will support personal growth and education for Kirkland’s youth.
  • Arts and Culture: Public art projects, Kirkland Choral Society’s musical programs, and the Kirkland Civic Orchestra’s Guest Conductor Program will celebrate creativity and connect the community through shared cultural experiences.
  • Health and Well-Being: Projects like nutritious food support for Willows Youth Services Center, wellness training for community organizations, and revitalized playgrounds will enhance physical and mental health.
  • Community Engagement: Events such as the Kids Concert Series and Kirkland Wednesday Market’s Power of Produce program will foster connection and bring joy to residents.

A Key Role for Corporate Support

A pivotal factor in the campaign’s success was the support of Amazon, whose generous seed money made the initiative possible. This funding launched the campaign and provided additional resources to fill in funding gaps, amplifying the overall impact. “Amazon’s investment demonstrates the transformative role businesses can play in local philanthropy,” said Jonathan Huer, KPCF President. “Their support elevated our efforts and underscored the importance of corporate partnerships in building stronger communities.”

A Bright Future

The campaign culminated in a celebration on Giving Tuesday, emphasizing the power of collective giving during this global day of generosity. Reflecting on the campaign’s success, Dalziel shared, “This was a celebration of what makes Kirkland unique—our shared commitment to creating a place where everyone can thrive. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together and excited for what’s to come.”

With the momentum from Ignite Kirkland, the future of community philanthropy looks brighter than ever. By fostering partnerships and building bridges, KPCF continues to lead the way in turning bold visions into reality.

For more information about the Kirkland Parks and Community Foundation and how to get involved, visit www.kpcf.org.

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Spark Something Good - with the Kirkland Community Foundation

At the Kirkland Community Foundation, we serve as conveners, catalysts, and collaborators - and we know that new ideas need fuel to catch spark. That’s why we’ve created this space to hear from you.

Whether you’re ready to move forward with a community idea that shows the love in Kirkland, are seeking a small Spark Grant to bring something to life, or feel inspired to support a future project - you’re in the right place.

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Community Project Letter of Interest

Kirkland Community Foundation has long served as the hub for successful projects inititated by members of our community, including the Save Our Salmon mural and the Waverly Beach Picnic Shelter. Have an idea for a project? Please complete this form as an initial step in the process, and we'll be in touch!

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