Meet Beth Stipe, Executive Director of Community Foundation of North Central Washington

For nearly four decades, the Community Foundation of North Central Washington (CFNCW) has been a driving force for good across Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties—connecting donors with causes, strengthening nonprofits, and investing in the long-term vitality of the region. At the heart of this mission is Beth Stipe, who has served as Executive Director for more than 20 years.

Under her leadership, the Foundation has grown from a $2.1 million startup fund to over $180 million in charitable assets, distributing more than $75 million in grants and scholarships to benefit the region. Stipe’s steady guidance, passion for community, and belief that “good grows here” have helped CFNCW expand both its reach and its role in supporting local philanthropy.

In this Q&A, Stipe reflects on her journey in philanthropy, the Foundation’s evolving mission, and the spirit of generosity that defines North Central Washington.

Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself.

I grew up in a small town in a farming community in Indiana and was a competitive swimmer in High School. I still love to swim and have found the joy of combining swimming with looking at the underwater world with a snorkel and mask. I graduated from Indiana University with a degree in English and have added a Masters of Nonprofit Management degree from Regis University and a Certified Advisor in Philanthropy certificate from the American College. I love living in a place that provides skiing, lakes and rivers, mountain biking, hiking, the world's best fruit and wine! 

Please tell our readers about the Community Foundation of NCW and its impact in the region.

CFNCW was started in 1986 with the sale of the Chelan Medical Blue Shield program. The beneficiaries of that program were our regional physicians who made the decision, rather than return the assets to themselves, donated the proceeds of the sale to establish a regional charitable foundation – The Community Foundation of NCW to benefit charitable causes in the region and engage other donors in that mission. Next year it will be 40 years since that decision was made. Since that original $2.1M gift, the Foundation has grown to over $180M in charitable assets to benefit Chelan, Douglas and Okanogan counties. In those years, over $75M in grants and scholarships have been granted in our communities of NCW to causes ranging from the arts, environment, basic needs and education. 

Can you share a bit about your professional journey and what led you to become the executive director of the Community Foundation of NCW?

Early in my career I had the great experience of being the first Executive Director of a private family foundation, building the grantmaking program from the beginning. After 7 years I was looking to relocate from the very busy front range of Colorado and my ideal job would be to work for a community foundation. I had a list of qualities I was looking for in a new community including four seasons and outdoor recreation. Back in those days, opportunities for jobs in philanthropy were listed in advertisements in a periodical called the Chronicle on Philanthropy. I saw the ad for the Executive Director of CFNCW and threw my resume in the mail. I was one of 95 applicants. When they invited me to come for an in person interview I was pretty sure that I wasn’t going to get the job. I was the only woman and the youngest candidate. I am forever grateful for the opportunity that was offered to me 22 years ago, because I have spent those two decades in the most wonderful region working with amazing people and helping to steward the generosity of this region! 

You’ve led the Community Foundation of NCW for many years. What first drew you to this work, and what continues to inspire you today?

I have always been a fan of community foundations. There are over 800 community foundations across the country and I’m a donor at the community foundation in my home town in Indiana. They all have a common governance structure of people who care deeply about their community and want to provide long term charitable resources for generations to come. There is nothing more exciting than an opportunity to work with a group of people whose only mission is to make the community a better place for everyone! 

How would you describe the Foundation’s core mission and how it’s evolved to meet the needs of North Central Washington?

The mission of the Foundation is to grow, protect and connect charitable gifts in support of strong communities. The Foundation has grown from a small grant and scholarship organization to a robust community and donor service organization. Our Nonprofit Practices Institute provides high-quality skill building opportunities for the volunteers and professionals working at our nonprofits to help them be effective and efficient at fulfilling their missions. The Give Campaigns – Methow and NCW – have collectively raised over $6.5M over the last 10 years, providing direct operating support to our nonprofit partners and providing everyone in our community the chance to participate in giving back to the region we love. The Leadership Institute of NCW is now in its second year of providing an intensive civics education program to build community leaders.

What are some recent projects or initiatives that you’re especially proud of?

It’s an exciting time at the foundation. We are two years into a new strategic plan that has several new initiatives including Impact Investing, Leadership Institute of NCW, a second office located in Omak and a redesign of our grantmaking program as Legacy Funds with local advisory board volunteers making grant decisions. 

Can you share a story that illustrates the kind of community impact you strive for?

There are so many great stories! But I would say that if I would ask those involved with the Foundation their favorite stories, it would always be to talk about our scholarship recipients and the adversity that they overcome to achieve their goals. One that sticks out in particular was a young woman who was homeless, living on a friend’s couch. She was able to motivate herself to excel in her classes, plus work 40+ hours a week at a local nursing facility in the kitchen. Her drive and determination made a lasting impression on our scholarship selection committee. The hard work and the access to scholarships from CFNCW led to her being able to attend the University of Washington!

What are some of the biggest challenges nonprofits in North Central Washington are currently facing?

NCW is not immune to the greater issues we face as a nation. We have increasing levels of food insecurity, access to affordable housing and healthcare is getting even more difficult, pressure on our environmental resources, developing and maintaining living wage jobs and increasing difficulty with educational achievement and higher education attainment.   

How does the Foundation help strengthen the nonprofit sector as a whole, beyond direct grantmaking?

For over a decade, CFNCW has provided capacity building opportunities for the nonprofit community. These programs provide access to high quality training and skill building to enable our nonprofit volunteers and professional staff to expand their expertise and improve their organizations in governance, fundraising, marketing, program delivery and finance. 

What leadership qualities do you think are most important in nonprofit work today?

Too often we see individuals in leadership roles who are dug in on a particular position, are looking to elevate their own individual status and not looking at the larger picture or in the best interest of the greater good. True leadership – in any realm - requires strong ethics, a healthy respect for various perspectives, ability to build consensus or understanding and humility. 

How do you stay connected to the communities you serve across such a large region?

We travel thousands of miles every year, visit every community we serve, provide hundreds of volunteer opportunities for people throughout NCW to participate in their Foundation and make an impact on their communities, as well as continually providing communications with our donors. We do a lot of listening, a lot of driving, a lot of learning and a lot of gratitude!  

What advice would you give to someone looking to start a career—or make an impact—in philanthropy or nonprofit leadership?

Nonprofit leadership is fulfilling work, but also requires a great deal of patience and empathy.  As with any career decision, find something you are passionate about! 

What are your priorities for the Foundation in the coming years?

CFNCW is midway through a strategic plan that prioritizes three core values in building strong communities – Leadership, Investment and Community Enrichment opportunities.

What gives you the most hope about the future of North Central Washington?

The work that is happening in the nonprofit sector is so inspiring! The volunteerism and generosity of the community that keeps that work alive is such a powerful source of good! I truly believe that GOOD GROWS HERE.