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Together for tomorrow
Pursuing a brighter future for Southwest Washington.
Creating a philanthropic legacy
In 2004, E.W. and Mary Firstenburg established The Firstenburg Foundation to advance their goal of fostering community strength and resilience in Southwest Washington. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded more than $22 million to local grantees, including Vancouver's Firstenburg Community Center and the Firstenburg Tower at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center. Today, E.W. and Mary's family leads the Foundation and continues their legacy of improving our community through giving.
Our mission
To serve as a trusted partner for nonprofits in Southwest Washington by providing essential investment and strategic support for their work.
Our vision
We envision a community where strategic investment, collaboration, and empathy converge to create a lasting and transformative impact that enhances the well-being of all.
Homelessness prevention and affordable housing
Housing insecurity is a growing problem in Southwest Washington, driven by high housing costs and scarce inventory. These conditions negatively contribute to the physical and mental well-being of individuals and families and push many people into homelessness. In response, the Foundation prioritizes grants towards proven interventions and strategies to keep residents stably housed, along with innovative ideas and organizational partnerships to address housing insecurity.
Small nonprofit capacity building
To serve as a trusted partner for small nonprofits and grassroots organizations in Southwest Washington by providing funding and technical support for their growth and organizational development.