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Doing well by doing good
The Firstenburg Legacy
E.W. Firstenburg opened First Independent Bank in 1929 to serve his community's financial needs during the Great Depression. Through tireless innovation and unwavering dedication to his customers, E.W. eventually grew First Independent into one of Southwest Washington's largest banks. But his commitment to his community didn't end there. Together with his beloved wife Mary, the Firstenburgs became one of Southwest Washington's leading philanthropists, establishing The Firstenburg Foundation in 2004. E.W. and Mary’s estate was given to the Foundation at their passing, which is now managed by their family, who continue their legacy of community giving.
The Firstenburgs, through the years
1950
E.W. and Mary Firstenburg purchase Ridgefield State Bank (Chartered in 1910).
1950-1990
Mary Firstenburg served on the First Independent Bank Board of Directors for over 40 years.
1986
E.W. and Mary Firstenburg created a family fund and contributed to the Administrative Endowment at the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington.
1950-1999
E.W. Firstenburg expands First Independent Bank throughout SW Washington.
1962
EW named Clark County’s First Citizen.
2000
$500,000 gifted to WSU Vancouver for public fountain.
2000
Ed and Mary give $1 million to create the Firstenburg Technology Center at the Clark County Vocational Skills Center.
2001
Ed and Mary fund the design and installation of 15 public drinking fountains located in the City of Vancouver now known as the Firstenburg Fountains.
2004
EW and Mary created The Firstenburg Foundation. William Firstenburg, Bruce Firstenburg, and Joyce Chiles were appointed as the first Board of Directors.
2005
EW retired from the First Independent Board of Directors, Firstenburgs give $1 million to WSU Vancouver to create the Firstenburg Student Commons.
2005
Ed and Mary pledge $3,000,000 to the City of Vancouver for the Firstenburg Community Center.
2005
Ed and Mary commit $15 million to Southwest Washington Medical Center.
2006
EW Firstenburg named Philanthropist of the Year by the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington.
2007
Firstenburgs receive the Howard and Jean Vollum Award for Lifetime Philanthropic Achievement from the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
2008
$1 Million gift to Innovative Services Northwest for the Mary Firstenburg Family Center.
2009
Mary Firstenburg passes away after 72 years of marriage.
2010
E.W. Firstenburg passes away, leaving his estate to The Firstenburg Foundation.
2011-Present
EW and Mary’s grandchildren - Jeffrey Wayne, Jeffrey William, Molly Linz, and Nicole Flack join the Foundation Board along with Shelly Firstenburg (spouse of Jeffrey Wayne).More than $22 million donated to local projects
The Firstenburg Foundation has left a lasting mark on Southwest Washington over the last two decades. In addition to supporting centerpiece projects like the Firstenburg Tower at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, the Foundation partnered with many other nonprofits doing important work in our community. As we look ahead to the next twenty years, we’re eager to uphold Ed and Mary Firstenburg’s legacy of generous giving to the home he loved so much.
Historic granting from 2004 to 2023
