Foundation’s Executive Director champions community philanthropy in NCW

Beth Stipe, Executive Director of Community Foundation of NCW.

COURTESY OF COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NCW

WENATCHEE – Motivated by a lifelong belief in the power of giving, Executive Director Beth Stipe has guided the Community Foundation of NCW to make a profound impact on the region, managing millions in charitable funds and fostering a spirit of collaboration that uplifts North Central Washington.

“I think one of the things that's so cool about the job that I've gotten to do for my whole career is I get to see the good that happens every day, the people who are out there working to solve problems, to make our communities better, to help those in need. And to me, that's so inspiring,” said Stipe.

Stipe’s first step into her career was a leap. While working at a temp agency shortly after college, she discovered an ad for an executive director at a new private family foundation. Although she had limited work experience, Stipe had grown up around philanthropy in her small town of Indiana, regularly donating to her community foundation. 

“I always say that growing up in a small rural community, you live philanthropy every day. You know, when you have a heavy snow, the neighbor comes and plows your driveway. When someone is sick in your family, people deliver meals. It's a part of the culture of this country,” said Stipe.

The private family foundation was looking for someone to grow in the position, and understood the true definition of philanthropy, landing her the job. In her new role, Stipe started calling seasoned professionals that ran family foundations to ask for advice, and sought out mentors within the field.

“That's the other thing I think that's so beautiful about this field, is that there are no trade secrets. It really is all about lifting up the entire sector, and, in a sense, lifting up all of our communities. And so people are absolutely willing to share and be mentors to others, and give a helping hand. I was the lucky recipient of a lot of that good help,” said Stipe.

Stipe spent the next eight years in the role, building a grant making program for the foundation. During that time she also earned her Master’s in Nonprofit Management. 

“Be open to learning about different things, find a space that you can connect with people who you admire, and don't be afraid to ask them for help,” said Stipe.

Around 2003, Stipe was looking to move out of Colorado, and started applying to nonprofits out of state. With only the family foundation on her resume, Stipe applied to various development director roles to expand her experience. However, she also took a chance on her dream job, which was the Executive Director role at Community Foundation of NCW.

“I threw my name in the hat, and I was one of 95 applicants, and I was the only woman, and I was the youngest candidate,” said Stipe. “I remember thinking to myself, ‘There's no way I'm getting this job.’”

Nearly 20 years later, Stipe has guided the organization through challenging times such as the 2014 Carlton Complex Fire, and leads an organization that manages $139 million in assets, has awarded $63 million in scholarships and grants, and oversees over 600 charitable funds.

“People always think that it's the person that's the hired gun, the CEO, or the executive director, that really makes sure that the organization is going to be successful, and I disagree wholeheartedly. It's really about that board leadership and having a group of people that are committed.” said Stipe. “It's all about a team.”

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media