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  • About | Believe in Me

    Learn About Us + See Our Vision for the Future Our Vision Our vision is to empower all children to develop the self-confidence they need to succeed. Our Mission With your generosity, we fund youth empowerment programs that provide marginalized kids with a safe place to call home, a family that loves them, a feeling of community, and opportunities to learn, build self-esteem, and have fun. Our Views On Diversity & Inclusion Our core mission is centered around cultivating a space that radiates warmth, inclusivity, and friendship, where every individual can confidently explore their potential. We are resolute in our commitment to upholding equal opportunities for all, irrespective of backgrounds or circumstances. Our unwavering dedication extends to the creation of a nurturing community that celebrates individuality, nurturing an environment for not just survival, but for meaningful growth and realization of personal potential. Click here to review our DEI Pollicy . Our Values We are Caring Our compassionate programs positively impact struggling kids in the community with the hope and inspiration they need for a lifetime. We are Trustworthy Our team of reliable professionals transparently manage your donations to ensure the sustainability and success of our programs. We are Innovative Our grants empower progressive and energetic programs that help troubled kids heal and develop self-confidence in new and different ways. We are Fair Equity is central to our values, as we dedicate ourselves to cultivating an inclusive community where everyone can flourish regardless of their background. What Are Marginalized Kids? Marginalization, also referred to as social exclusion, occurs when certain groups of kids do not have equal access to various resources within our society. Marginalization causes the lack or denial of resources, rights, goods, and services and the inability to participate in relationships and activities available to most people in our community. Children are especially susceptible to these forms of marginalization as their childhood experiences pave the way for their adult lives. It is our goal to bridge the gap for these marginalized kids. ​ At Believe in Me, your donations go directly to support programs that are helping these marginalized groups of kids: ​ Ethnicity, Race, and Origin • American Indian and Alaska Native • Asian • African American • Hispanic or Latino • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders • Multi-race • Immigrant or Refugee status Economic Factors • Living in poverty or low-income households • Experiencing food insecurity • Lack of access to adequate housing or homelessness Family Dynamics • Aged out of the Foster Care system • Currently living in Foster Care or wards of the State • Adopted • Kids with incarcerated parents • Kids of unemployed parents • Children of parents with low educational attainment (e.g., did not graduate from high school or attend college) • Single-parent households Health & Ability • Physical disabilities • Mental health issues • Learning disabilities • Chronic illnesses • Substance abuse disorders Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity • LGBTQ+ identification (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, etc.) • Gender non-conforming or non-binary identity • Intersex Religious & Cultural Background • Belonging to minority religious groups Educational & Cognitive • Limited or no access to quality education • Early school leavers or dropouts • Learning difficulties not classified as disabilities Traumatic Experiences • Survivors of domestic violence, abuse, or trauma • Survivors of human trafficking • Experiences with the juvenile justice system Social & Geographic • Living in neighborhoods with high crime rates • Living in rural areas with limited access to resources or services • Isolation due to lack of technological access Language & Communication • Non-native English speakers in predominantly English-speaking regions • Lack of fluency in the dominant language(s) of the region they reside in Others • Pregnant teens or young parents • Being an out-of-place youth (e.g., city kid in a rural setting or vice versa) • Youth who are stateless or lack official documentation • Youth involved in child labor Charities We Support Volunteer with Us How to Donate How We Fundraise Get to Know Our Board of Directors Community Activist. I get involved by diving in headfirst to tackle the problems facing our community. In everything I do, I fight to ensure social justice, empowerment, equality, and enrichment for all. Chairman of the Board Aaron Riley Affliations: Long-term Care Ombudsman, Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners Consultant, New Leaf America Commissioner, City of Spokane Human Rights Commission Former Planning and Evaluation Specialist, Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Board of Franklin County Committee Positions: Member, Board of Directors since May 2020 Member, Grants Administration Committee Education: B.A. Business Administration, Ohio Dominican University Member, Delta Epsilon Sigma National Honor Society Rule Follower. I use my experience in healthcare management, patient privacy, HIPAA, compliance, and auditing to dig into the heart of it all; building and strengthening relationships based on trust and transparency. Treasurer Lori Brennan, MBA, RHIA, CHC Affiliations: Corporate Compliance & Privacy Manager: Inland Northwest Region, Multicare Health System Committee Positions: Member, Board of Directors since April 2019 Chair, Finance, Property Management, and Investments Committee Member, Grants Administration Committee Education: MBA, Western Governors University B.S. Health Administration, University of Phoenix Creative Genius. I help make community connections through integrated digital storytelling. Over the past thirty years I've used my diverse talents to creatively connect people with the solutions they are seeking. Board Member Shawn Davis Affiliations: Principal and Creative Director, Zipline Interactive Former Creative Director, ROBiDEAX Marketing and Design Committee Positions: Member, Board of Directors since July 2020 Chair, Marketing and Fundraising Committee Member, Video Production Team Education / Awards: B.S. Communications & Advertising, Washington State University 2013 AAF Spokane Ad Fed Ad Pro of the Year Diplomatic Liaison. I like to bring people together and help find common benefits to maximize value for the participants. And in so doing over the span of time and deals, add just a bit to the global good. Board Member Dan Menser Affiliations: Chairman, Alliance of Angels General Counsel, Teal Communications, Inc. Member of the Board of Advisors, Pollen System Corporation & Everyvine Corporation Committee Positions: Member, Finance, Property Management, and Investments Committee Education / Awards: J.D. Program - Cum Laude, Seattle University School of Law B.A. Finance - Cum Laude, Washington State University Traveling Geek. I’ve found a mission for myself in finding ways to help children of all ages learn how to use technology to improve their lives and careers. Starting as early as possible letting them understand how they have the power to control some things in their lives; no matter how hard the world around them may be. Board Member Paul Hutton Affiliations: Member, WA State Board for Community and Technical Colleges Member, WA Technology Center Board Member, NSF’s National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies Board President, Blue Earth Cruises LLC Past President, Thought Engineering LLC Committee Positions: Member, Board of Directors since August 2022 Education / Awards: BA Mathematics & Computer Science, Eastern Washington University Executive Certificate, Technology Leadership, Sloan School of Management, MIT US Air Force Commendation Medal Solutions Architect. I have been active in economic development matters across Washington State. I'm passionate about serving youth and contributing to community development. Board Member John Powers Affiliations: Founder and CEO, Powers Economics Committee Positions: Member, Board of Directors since August 2022 Member, Finance, Property Management, and Investments Committee Education / Awards: BBA Business Administration - Finance, University of Notre Dame - Mendoza College of Business Juris Doctorate - Law, Gonzaga University School of Law Legal Eagle. I serve as the Vice Chair of the Advisory Board of the Center for Entrepreneurship at Eastern Washington University and the Alumni Advisory Board for the Delta Iota Chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity at Washington State University. Board Member Keith Trefry Affiliations: Partner, Paine Hamblen LLP Vice Chair of the Advisory Board of the Center for Entrepreneurship, Eastern Washington University Alumni Advisory Board for the Delta Iota Chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Washington State University. Committee Positions: Member, Board of Directors since August 2022 Member, Finance, Property Management, and Investments Committee Education: B.A. Pre-Law, Cum Laude, Washington State University JD Law, Cum Laude, Gonzaga University School of Law Media Maven. The mission of the Believe in Me organization is something that resonates with me as the mother of 5 and grandmother of 2. Children need someone to care, someone to act and someone to believe. This organization does all three. Board Member Nikki Hilton Affiliations: Senior Vice President, iHeart Media Multi Platform Group- Spokane President, Red Farm Media Committee Positions: Member, Board of Directors since January 2023 - Passionate Producer. Humans are builders. We build houses, we build teams, we build ideas, & we build lifelong relationships. I want to leverage my decades of experience in building relationships, to provide the foundation for people that don’t have a strong network, to help them build & accomplish their own dreams. Board Member John Reznicek Affiliations: Director of Sales, Alliance Door Products Committee Positions: Member, Board of Directors since January 2023 - Letter from CEO Schedule to Meet Read this important message from our Chief Executive Officer. You can even schedule to meet with our CEO in-person. An Important Message from Our Dedicated CEO Meet Our Administrative Team Change Maker. The only constant in life is change and I choose to embrace it to make a positive impact. Caring individuals, transparent processes, and innovative technology; I leverage everything I’ve got to make a difference in kids' lives every day. Chief Executive Officer Julie Wukelic, MBA Affiliations: Former Director of Account Based Marketing, Ignitium - Spokane, WA Former Director of Clinical Research, Rockwood Clinic - Spokane, WA Committee Positions: Active member on all Believe in Me committees Education: MBA, Washington State University B.A. Finance, Washington State University Relationship Builder. As a WSU Hall of Fame and local radio sports broadcaster, I do what I can to make sure it's a win/win situation for everyone! I bring my experiences in building community to help with event management, sales, marketing and more. Development Director Paul Sorensen Affiliations: Senior VP, Vision Marketing LLC 2017 Washington State University Hall of Fame, Football Former VP and Director of Sales, Palouse Ridge Golf Course Board Member, CougsFirst! Board Member, Cougar Collective Board Member, Inland Empire Baseball Association Committee Positions: Member, Board of Directors since July 2020 Member, Marketing and Fundraising Committee Education: B.A. Economics, Washington State University Transformative Wordsmith. As a grants professional, I have always considered myself a wordsmith above all else. Words, when stewarded well, can bring creative visions to life and affect change that leaves a lasting positive impact in our communities. I love working in the nonprofit sector because both my personal passions and professional pursuits get to operate in tandem. ( Meet with Me | Office Hours ) Grants Administrator Leslie Cogley Affiliations: Member, Leadership Spokane, Class of 2023-24 Former Community Development Specialist, Panhandle Area Council, INC. Former Grant Writer, Real Escape from the Sex Trade Committee Positions: Lead Member, Grants Administration Committee Member, Fundraising & Events Committee Education: B.A. Creative Writing, Western Washington University

  • Meet Our Volunteers | Believe in Me

    Volunteer Opportunities Volunteer with Us How to Volunteer These Volunteers are the Secrets to Our Success Believe in Me (the Foundation) is primarily staffed with volunteers. We consider our volunteers and paid staff to be our greatest asset. Most of our volunteers have joined our mission because of their desire to make a contribution to our community in impactful ways, solving our society's biggest problems for our most disadvantaged citizens; the kids. We take great pride in our ability to recruit, train, and retain the talented individuals who provide their unique gifts and talents to help us carry out our mission. We couldn’t do it without them! Meet the Volunteers Who Make the Magic Happen Vine Adowei Volunteer Coordinator Deepti Aggarwal Quality Assurance Engineer Volunteer Jorgelina Alba IT & Security Volunteer Shafiel Ali Video Production Volunteer Christopher Bibb Volunteer Social Media Marketing Manager Casey Bourque IT & Security Volunteer Cori Bryant Volunteer Coordinator Fatima Abd Elmajid IT & Security Volunteer Malaika Chandler Software Engineer Volunteer Schuyler Dunphy Finance Volunteer Elizabeth Estevez Copywriting Volunteer Tom Fehse Volunteer Software Engineering Director Avonlea Fisher Data Analyst Volunteer Poonam Gillurkar Data Analyst Volunteer Andrew Goldstein IT & Security Volunteer MaryNell Holden Volunteer Photographer Sujai Karunakaran Data Analyst Volunteer Arjun Jain Software Engineer Volunteer Jason Jung Volunteer Salesforce Consultant Lance Laurier Grants Volunteer Nathan Luu Software Engineer Volunteer Joshua Mandilk Copywriting Volunteer Mai Nguyen Investment Analyst Volunteer Mary O'Shea Copywriting Volunteer Sade Patterson Vounteer Grant Researcher Keith Preciados Salesforce Administrator/Developer Volunteer Volunteer Grant Reseacher Colin Prestesater Charitable Giving Advisor Philip Priolo Investment Analyst Volunteer Preston Robertson Software Engineer Volunteer Rina Russ Marketing Project Manager Volunteer Jeremiah Sargent Copywriting Volunteer Matthew Schafer Software Engineer Volunteer Betty Seablom General Support Volunteer Priyanka Shankar Investment Analyst Volunteer Sonya Shen Investment Analyst Volunteer Minjung Shin Software Engineer Volunteer Bryan Smith General Support Volunteer Makena Snider Charitable Giving Advisor Volunteer Kaylyn Turnbough Graphic Design Volunteer Vani Vellaturi Salesforce Administrator/Developer Volunteer Andrew Wittwer Marketing Project Manager Volunteer Barbara Bullen Scriptwriter Volunteer

  • Fundraising | Believe in Me

    Fundraising Success with Transparency, Trust, & Innovation Individual Donations Small, one-time or recurring, donations made by an individual or household. Fundraising Events Consists of selling event tickets and soliciting donations at events. Major Giving Large, one-time or recurring, donations made by an individual or household. Non-Cash Donations Donations consisting of goods, services, or time rather than cash. Planned Giving Includes charitable trusts, annuities, and tools that provide income to donors. Charitable Bequests Funds donated through a will or a documented estate plan. Corporate Giving Social and philanthropic initiatives launched by a company; donating to support and advocate for our joint mission. Wealth Management Income from interest payments, dividends, capital gains collected upon the sale of securities or other assets. Community Investments Learn how the Foundation invests in Spokane-based startup companies. How We Do It Grants Program Become a Volunteer Donate Today Get To Know The Stewards Of Our Financial Portfolio Rule Follower. I use my experience in healthcare management, patient privacy, HIPAA, compliance, and auditing to dig into the heart of it all; building and strengthening relationships based on trust and transparency. Treasurer Lori Brennan, MBA, RHIA, CHC Affiliations: Corporate Compliance & Privacy Manager: Inland Northwest Region, Multicare Health System Committee Positions: Member, Board of Directors since April 2019 Chair, Finance, Property Management, and Investments Committee Member, Grants Administration Committee Education: MBA, Western Governors University B.S. Health Administration, University of Phoenix Diplomatic Liaison. I like to bring people together and help find common benefits to maximize value for the participants. And in so doing over the span of time and deals, add just a bit to the global good. Board Member Dan Menser Affiliations: Chairman, Alliance of Angels General Counsel, Teal Communications, Inc. Member of the Board of Advisors, Pollen System Corporation & Everyvine Corporation Committee Positions: Member, Finance, Property Management, and Investments Committee Education / Awards: J.D. Program - Cum Laude, Seattle University School of Law B.A. Finance - Cum Laude, Washington State University Solutions Architect. I have been active in economic development matters across Washington State. I'm passionate about serving youth and contributing to community development. Board Member John Powers Affiliations: Founder and CEO, Powers Economics Committee Positions: Member, Board of Directors since August 2022 Member, Finance, Property Management, and Investments Committee Education / Awards: BBA Business Administration - Finance, University of Notre Dame - Mendoza College of Business Juris Doctorate - Law, Gonzaga University School of Law Legal Eagle. I serve as the Vice Chair of the Advisory Board of the Center for Entrepreneurship at Eastern Washington University and the Alumni Advisory Board for the Delta Iota Chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity at Washington State University. Board Member Keith Trefry Affiliations: Partner, Paine Hamblen LLP Vice Chair of the Advisory Board of the Center for Entrepreneurship, Eastern Washington University Alumni Advisory Board for the Delta Iota Chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Washington State University. Committee Positions: Member, Board of Directors since August 2022 Member, Finance, Property Management, and Investments Committee Education: B.A. Pre-Law, Cum Laude, Washington State University JD Law, Cum Laude, Gonzaga University School of Law An Insider's Look Behind the Scenes We believe that we must innovate to ensure the ongoing mission of Believe in Me (the Foundation) and its programs. Earning your trust with transparency and consistency is the key to our strategy for long-term success. ​ We rely upon the joint efforts of a team of finance and business professionals that comprise our Finance, Investments, and Property Management Committee. We consistently strive for new and different ways to stretch the value of every donation. Our innovative team has developed a diversified portfolio to ensure the sustainability of our mission for generations to come. 2020 Annual Report

  • Board of Directors | Believe in Me

    Stepping Up to the Challenge We understand that Board members have a great responsibility to ensure the financial health and sustainability of our organization. We encourage Board members to actively participate in the discussion and decision-making process, engage in organizational self-study and assessment, and stay abreast of current legal and financial regulations. With the support of our committed Board, we are confident that Believe in Me will continue to make a difference for years to come. Meet Our Board of Directors Community Activist. I get involved by diving in headfirst to tackle the problems facing our community. In everything I do, I fight to ensure social justice, empowerment, equality, and enrichment for all. Chairman of the Board Aaron Riley Affliations: Long-term Care Ombudsman, Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners Consultant, New Leaf America Commissioner, City of Spokane Human Rights Commission Former Planning and Evaluation Specialist, Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Board of Franklin County Committee Positions: Member, Board of Directors since May 2020 Member, Grants Administration Committee Education: B.A. Business Administration, Ohio Dominican University Member, Delta Epsilon Sigma National Honor Society Rule Follower. I use my experience in healthcare management, patient privacy, HIPAA, compliance, and auditing to dig into the heart of it all; building and strengthening relationships based on trust and transparency. Treasurer Lori Brennan, MBA, RHIA, CHC Affiliations: Corporate Compliance & Privacy Manager: Inland Northwest Region, Multicare Health System Committee Positions: Member, Board of Directors since April 2019 Chair, Finance, Property Management, and Investments Committee Member, Grants Administration Committee Education: MBA, Western Governors University B.S. Health Administration, University of Phoenix Creative Genius. I help make community connections through integrated digital storytelling. Over the past thirty years I've used my diverse talents to creatively connect people with the solutions they are seeking. Board Member Shawn Davis Affiliations: Principal and Creative Director, Zipline Interactive Former Creative Director, ROBiDEAX Marketing and Design Committee Positions: Member, Board of Directors since July 2020 Chair, Marketing and Fundraising Committee Member, Video Production Team Education / Awards: B.S. Communications & Advertising, Washington State University 2013 AAF Spokane Ad Fed Ad Pro of the Year Diplomatic Liaison. I like to bring people together and help find common benefits to maximize value for the participants. And in so doing over the span of time and deals, add just a bit to the global good. Board Member Dan Menser Affiliations: Chairman, Alliance of Angels General Counsel, Teal Communications, Inc. Member of the Board of Advisors, Pollen System Corporation & Everyvine Corporation Committee Positions: Member, Finance, Property Management, and Investments Committee Education / Awards: J.D. Program - Cum Laude, Seattle University School of Law B.A. Finance - Cum Laude, Washington State University Traveling Geek. I’ve found a mission for myself in finding ways to help children of all ages learn how to use technology to improve their lives and careers. Starting as early as possible letting them understand how they have the power to control some things in their lives; no matter how hard the world around them may be. Board Member Paul Hutton Affiliations: Member, WA State Board for Community and Technical Colleges Member, WA Technology Center Board Member, NSF’s National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies Board President, Blue Earth Cruises LLC Past President, Thought Engineering LLC Committee Positions: Member, Board of Directors since August 2022 Education / Awards: BA Mathematics & Computer Science, Eastern Washington University Executive Certificate, Technology Leadership, Sloan School of Management, MIT US Air Force Commendation Medal Solutions Architect. I have been active in economic development matters across Washington State. I'm passionate about serving youth and contributing to community development. Board Member John Powers Affiliations: Founder and CEO, Powers Economics Committee Positions: Member, Board of Directors since August 2022 Member, Finance, Property Management, and Investments Committee Education / Awards: BBA Business Administration - Finance, University of Notre Dame - Mendoza College of Business Juris Doctorate - Law, Gonzaga University School of Law Legal Eagle. I serve as the Vice Chair of the Advisory Board of the Center for Entrepreneurship at Eastern Washington University and the Alumni Advisory Board for the Delta Iota Chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity at Washington State University. Board Member Keith Trefry Affiliations: Partner, Paine Hamblen LLP Vice Chair of the Advisory Board of the Center for Entrepreneurship, Eastern Washington University Alumni Advisory Board for the Delta Iota Chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Washington State University. Committee Positions: Member, Board of Directors since August 2022 Member, Finance, Property Management, and Investments Committee Education: B.A. Pre-Law, Cum Laude, Washington State University JD Law, Cum Laude, Gonzaga University School of Law Media Maven. The mission of the Believe in Me organization is something that resonates with me as the mother of 5 and grandmother of 2. Children need someone to care, someone to act and someone to believe. This organization does all three. Board Member Nikki Hilton Affiliations: Senior Vice President, iHeart Media Multi Platform Group- Spokane President, Red Farm Media Committee Positions: Member, Board of Directors since January 2023 - Passionate Producer. Humans are builders. We build houses, we build teams, we build ideas, & we build lifelong relationships. I want to leverage my decades of experience in building relationships, to provide the foundation for people that don’t have a strong network, to help them build & accomplish their own dreams. Board Member John Reznicek Affiliations: Director of Sales, Alliance Door Products Committee Positions: Member, Board of Directors since January 2023 - Get to Know Our Board of Directors Our Executive Governance Committee is an essential part of our organization. Not only do they help Believe in Me react quickly to pressing issues, but they also increase the effectiveness of the entire board. Each committee member has been elected by the board of directors and meets regularly to discuss important matters. By delegating decision-making authority to the executive governance committee, the Believe in Me board is able to focus on longer-term strategic initiatives that can help ensure our success. These dedicated individuals are an invaluable asset in Believe in Me's governance framework. Executive Governance Team Chairman of the Board Vice President Secretary Treasurer Aaron Riley Vacant Lori Brennan Vacant View View View View

  • About | Believe in Me

    Our Vision Our vision is to empower all children to develop the self-confidence they need to succeed. Our Mission With your generosity, we fund youth empowerment programs that provide marginalized kids with a safe place to call home, a family that loves them, a feeling of community, and opportunities to learn, build self-esteem, and have fun. Our Views On Diversity & Inclusion Our core mission is centered around cultivating a space that radiates warmth, inclusivity, and friendship, where every individual can confidently explore their potential. We are resolute in our commitment to upholding equal opportunities for all, irrespective of backgrounds or circumstances. Our unwavering dedication extends to the creation of a nurturing community that celebrates individuality, nurturing an environment for not just survival, but for meaningful growth and realization of personal potential. Click here to review our DEI Policy . Charities We Support Volunteer with Us How to Donate How We Fundraise Letter from CEO Schedule to Meet Read this important message from our Chief Executive Officer. You can even schedule to meet with our CEO in-person. An Important Message from Our Dedicated CEO Learn About Us + See Our Vision for the Future About Volunteer Events News Students Nonprofits Ways to Give More Get to Know Our Board of Directors Community Activist. I get involved by diving in headfirst to tackle the problems facing our community. In everything I do, I fight to ensure social justice, empowerment, equality, and enrichment for all. Chairman of the Board Aaron Riley Affliations: Long-term Care Ombudsman, Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners Consultant, New Leaf America Commissioner, City of Spokane Human Rights Commission Former Planning and Evaluation Specialist, Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Board of Franklin County Committee Positions: Member, Board of Directors since May 2020 Member, Grants Administration Committee Education: B.A. Business Administration, Ohio Dominican University Member, Delta Epsilon Sigma National Honor Society Rule Follower. I use my experience in healthcare management, patient privacy, HIPAA, compliance, and auditing to dig into the heart of it all; building and strengthening relationships based on trust and transparency. Treasurer Lori Brennan, MBA, RHIA, CHC Affiliations: Corporate Compliance & Privacy Manager: Inland Northwest Region, Multicare Health System Committee Positions: Member, Board of Directors since April 2019 Chair, Finance, Property Management, and Investments Committee Member, Grants Administration Committee Education: MBA, Western Governors University B.S. Health Administration, University of Phoenix Creative Genius. I help make community connections through integrated digital storytelling. Over the past thirty years I've used my diverse talents to creatively connect people with the solutions they are seeking. Board Member Shawn Davis Affiliations: Principal and Creative Director, Zipline Interactive Former Creative Director, ROBiDEAX Marketing and Design Committee Positions: Member, Board of Directors since July 2020 Chair, Marketing and Fundraising Committee Member, Video Production Team Education / Awards: B.S. Communications & Advertising, Washington State University 2013 AAF Spokane Ad Fed Ad Pro of the Year Diplomatic Liaison. I like to bring people together and help find common benefits to maximize value for the participants. And in so doing over the span of time and deals, add just a bit to the global good. Board Member Dan Menser Affiliations: Chairman, Alliance of Angels General Counsel, Teal Communications, Inc. Member of the Board of Advisors, Pollen System Corporation & Everyvine Corporation Committee Positions: Member, Finance, Property Management, and Investments Committee Education / Awards: J.D. Program - Cum Laude, Seattle University School of Law B.A. Finance - Cum Laude, Washington State University Traveling Geek. I’ve found a mission for myself in finding ways to help children of all ages learn how to use technology to improve their lives and careers. Starting as early as possible letting them understand how they have the power to control some things in their lives; no matter how hard the world around them may be. Board Member Paul Hutton Affiliations: Member, WA State Board for Community and Technical Colleges Member, WA Technology Center Board Member, NSF’s National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies Board President, Blue Earth Cruises LLC Past President, Thought Engineering LLC Committee Positions: Member, Board of Directors since August 2022 Education / Awards: BA Mathematics & Computer Science, Eastern Washington University Executive Certificate, Technology Leadership, Sloan School of Management, MIT US Air Force Commendation Medal Solutions Architect. I have been active in economic development matters across Washington State. I'm passionate about serving youth and contributing to community development. Board Member John Powers Affiliations: Founder and CEO, Powers Economics Committee Positions: Member, Board of Directors since August 2022 Member, Finance, Property Management, and Investments Committee Education / Awards: BBA Business Administration - Finance, University of Notre Dame - Mendoza College of Business Juris Doctorate - Law, Gonzaga University School of Law Legal Eagle. I serve as the Vice Chair of the Advisory Board of the Center for Entrepreneurship at Eastern Washington University and the Alumni Advisory Board for the Delta Iota Chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity at Washington State University. Board Member Keith Trefry Affiliations: Partner, Paine Hamblen LLP Vice Chair of the Advisory Board of the Center for Entrepreneurship, Eastern Washington University Alumni Advisory Board for the Delta Iota Chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Washington State University. Committee Positions: Member, Board of Directors since August 2022 Member, Finance, Property Management, and Investments Committee Education: B.A. Pre-Law, Cum Laude, Washington State University JD Law, Cum Laude, Gonzaga University School of Law Media Maven. The mission of the Believe in Me organization is something that resonates with me as the mother of 5 and grandmother of 2. Children need someone to care, someone to act and someone to believe. This organization does all three. Board Member Nikki Hilton Affiliations: Senior Vice President, iHeart Media Multi Platform Group- Spokane President, Red Farm Media Committee Positions: Member, Board of Directors since January 2023 - Passionate Producer. Humans are builders. We build houses, we build teams, we build ideas, & we build lifelong relationships. I want to leverage my decades of experience in building relationships, to provide the foundation for people that don’t have a strong network, to help them build & accomplish their own dreams. Board Member John Reznicek Affiliations: Director of Sales, Alliance Door Products Committee Positions: Member, Board of Directors since January 2023 - Our Values We are Caring Our compassionate programs positively impact struggling kids in the community with the hope and inspiration they need for a lifetime. We are Trustworthy Our team of reliable professionals transparently manage your donations to ensure the sustainability and success of our programs. We are Innovative Our grants empower progressive and energetic programs that help troubled kids heal and develop self-confidence in new and different ways. We are Fair Equity is central to our Values, as we dedicate ourselves to cultivating an inclusive community where everyone can flourish regardless of their background. Meet Our Administrative Team Change Maker. The only constant in life is change and I choose to embrace it to make a positive impact. Caring individuals, transparent processes, and innovative technology; I leverage everything I’ve got to make a difference in kids' lives every day. Chief Executive Officer Julie Wukelic, MBA Affiliations: Former Director of Account Based Marketing, Ignitium - Spokane, WA Former Director of Clinical Research, Rockwood Clinic - Spokane, WA Committee Positions: Active member on all Believe in Me committees Education: MBA, Washington State University B.A. Finance, Washington State University Relationship Builder. As a WSU Hall of Fame and local radio sports broadcaster, I do what I can to make sure it's a win/win situation for everyone! I bring my experiences in building community to help with event management, sales, marketing and more. Development Director Paul Sorensen Affiliations: Senior VP, Vision Marketing LLC 2017 Washington State University Hall of Fame, Football Former VP and Director of Sales, Palouse Ridge Golf Course Board Member, CougsFirst! Board Member, Cougar Collective Board Member, Inland Empire Baseball Association Committee Positions: Member, Board of Directors since July 2020 Member, Marketing and Fundraising Committee Education: B.A. Economics, Washington State University Transformative Wordsmith. As a grants professional, I have always considered myself a wordsmith above all else. Words, when stewarded well, can bring creative visions to life and affect change that leaves a lasting positive impact in our communities. I love working in the nonprofit sector because both my personal passions and professional pursuits get to operate in tandem. ( Meet with Me | Office Hours ) Grants Administrator Leslie Cogley Affiliations: Member, Leadership Spokane, Class of 2023-24 Former Community Development Specialist, Panhandle Area Council, INC. Former Grant Writer, Real Escape from the Sex Trade Committee Positions: Lead Member, Grants Administration Committee Member, Fundraising & Events Committee Education: B.A. Creative Writing, Western Washington University What Are Marginalized Kids? Marginalization, also referred to as social exclusion, occurs when certain groups of kids do not have equal access to various resources within our society. Marginalization causes the lack or denial of resources, rights, goods, and services and the inability to participate in relationships and activities available to most people in our community. Children are especially susceptible to these forms of marginalization as their childhood experiences pave the way for their adult lives. It is our goal to bridge the gap for these marginalized kids. ​ At Believe in Me, your donations go directly to support programs that are helping these marginalized groups of kids: ​ Ethnicity, Race, and Origin • American Indian and Alaska Native • Asian • African American • Hispanic or Latino • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders • Multi-race • Immigrant or Refugee status Economic Factors • Living in poverty or low-income households • Experiencing food insecurity • Lack of access to adequate housing or homelessness Family Dynamics • Aged out of the Foster Care system • Currently living in Foster Care or wards of the State • Adopted • Kids with incarcerated parents • Kids of unemployed parents • Children of parents with low educational attainment (e.g., did not graduate from high school or attend college) • Single-parent households Health & Ability • Physical disabilities • Mental health issues • Learning disabilities • Chronic illnesses • Substance abuse disorders Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity • LGBTQ+ identification (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, etc.) • Gender non-conforming or non-binary identity • Intersex Religious & Cultural Background • Belonging to minority religious groups Educational & Cognitive • Limited or no access to quality education • Early school leavers or dropouts • Learning difficulties not classified as disabilities Traumatic Experiences • Survivors of domestic violence, abuse, or trauma • Survivors of human trafficking • Experiences with the juvenile justice system Social & Geographic • Living in neighborhoods with high crime rates • Living in rural areas with limited access to resources or services • Isolation due to lack of technological access Language & Communication • Non-native English speakers in predominantly English-speaking regions • Lack of fluency in the dominant language(s) of the region they reside in Others • Pregnant teens or young parents • Being an out-of-place youth (e.g., city kid in a rural setting or vice versa) • Youth who are stateless or lack official documentation • Youth involved in child labor

  • Transparency | Believe in Me

    Success with Transparency, Trust, & Innovation Good Stewards With Every Donation Made ​​Believe in Me is committed to maintaining the highest standards of financial integrity. Our annual reports and tax filings demonstrate our ongoing efforts to steward our assets judiciously and diversify our funding sources. Through our grantmaking, we provide a wide range of financial support to nonprofits that serve our community’s children and their most pressing needs. 2018 2019 2020 2021 IRS Form 990 IRS Form 990 IRS Form 990 IRS Form 990 Financial Statements Financial Statements Financial Statements Annual Report Financial Statements Annual Report 2022 IRS Form 990 Annual Report Individual Donations Small, one-time or recurring, donations made by an individual or household. Fundraising Events Consists of selling event tickets and soliciting donations at events. Major Giving Large, one-time or recurring, donations made by an individual or household. Non-Cash Donations Donations consisting of goods, services, or time rather than cash. Planned Giving Includes charitable trusts, annuities, and tools that provide income to donors. Charitable Bequests Funds donated through a will or a documented estate plan. Corporate Giving Social and philanthropic initiatives launched by a company; donating to support and advocate for our joint mission. Wealth Management Income from interest payments, dividends, capital gains collected upon the sale of securities or other assets. Community Investments Learn how the Foundation invests in Spokane-based startup companies. How We Raise Funds Governance and Policies Embrace the spirit of transparency and heartfelt governance at Believe in Me, where our actions are guided by unshakable ethics, love, and a deep-seated respect for every life we touch. Code of Ethics/Conduct This is our promise to always act with kindness and honesty in everything we do. We work hard to make the world better and keep our hearts in the right place. Conflict of Interest Policy Whistleblower Policy Privacy Policy Our Conflict of Interest Policy means we always choose what’s best for our mission, not what’s best for us personally. Your trust and our projects come first! Speaking up is brave! Our Whistleblower Policy protects our friends who tell us if something’s not right. It’s important to always do the right thing and keep each other safe. Your information is safe with us! Dive into our Privacy Policy to see how we protect your information and keep it just between us. Copyright and Intellectual Property Policies Nonprofit Registration & Tax Exemption Status Brand Guidelines We're proud to show you our official IRS Determination letter! This super-important letter proves we're a tax-exempt family. Peek inside and see our star status! We treasure everyone’s creations and ideas! Our Copyright and Intellectual Property Policies share how we respect and protect all the cool stuff we and others make. Our look is special, just like our mission! Peek into our Brand Guidelines to see how to share our name and logo the right way. Grants Program Become a Volunteer Donate Today Get To Know The Stewards Of Our Financial Portfolio Rule Follower. I use my experience in healthcare management, patient privacy, HIPAA, compliance, and auditing to dig into the heart of it all; building and strengthening relationships based on trust and transparency. Treasurer Lori Brennan, MBA, RHIA, CHC Affiliations: Corporate Compliance & Privacy Manager: Inland Northwest Region, Multicare Health System Committee Positions: Member, Board of Directors since April 2019 Chair, Finance, Property Management, and Investments Committee Member, Grants Administration Committee Education: MBA, Western Governors University B.S. Health Administration, University of Phoenix Diplomatic Liaison. I like to bring people together and help find common benefits to maximize value for the participants. And in so doing over the span of time and deals, add just a bit to the global good. Board Member Dan Menser Affiliations: Chairman, Alliance of Angels General Counsel, Teal Communications, Inc. Member of the Board of Advisors, Pollen System Corporation & Everyvine Corporation Committee Positions: Member, Finance, Property Management, and Investments Committee Education / Awards: J.D. Program - Cum Laude, Seattle University School of Law B.A. Finance - Cum Laude, Washington State University Solutions Architect. I have been active in economic development matters across Washington State. I'm passionate about serving youth and contributing to community development. Board Member John Powers Affiliations: Founder and CEO, Powers Economics Committee Positions: Member, Board of Directors since August 2022 Member, Finance, Property Management, and Investments Committee Education / Awards: BBA Business Administration - Finance, University of Notre Dame - Mendoza College of Business Juris Doctorate - Law, Gonzaga University School of Law Legal Eagle. I serve as the Vice Chair of the Advisory Board of the Center for Entrepreneurship at Eastern Washington University and the Alumni Advisory Board for the Delta Iota Chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity at Washington State University. Board Member Keith Trefry Affiliations: Partner, Paine Hamblen LLP Vice Chair of the Advisory Board of the Center for Entrepreneurship, Eastern Washington University Alumni Advisory Board for the Delta Iota Chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Washington State University. Committee Positions: Member, Board of Directors since August 2022 Member, Finance, Property Management, and Investments Committee Education: B.A. Pre-Law, Cum Laude, Washington State University JD Law, Cum Laude, Gonzaga University School of Law Investing in the Future Today Founded in 2006, Believe in Me is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) foundation dedicated to continually improving the lives of the children we serve. We focus on building long-term community assets in order to provide support for those in need. Our team of dedicated professionals works to ensure the resources we provide are effectively utilized, and that our donors’ charitable goals are met. We invite you to join us in our mission to strengthen and support our community’s kids by investing in Believe in Me today. Together, we can create a brighter future for all. Thank you for your support.

  • Committees | Believe in Me

    Believe in Me Committees At Believe in Me, we believe that every board member brings something unique to the table and should be empowered to use their skills and talents to their fullest potential. Committees are an excellent way to ensure that each individual's strengths are fully utilized and that our mission is advanced in a meaningful and impactful way. We appreciate the time and efforts of all our board members, and we strive to create an environment where they can be their best. Committees Getting the Work Done We invite you to join our mission and become a part of the Believe in Me family. We are always looking for dedicated individuals who share our passion and commitment to creating positive change in our community. ​ Learn how you can become a Board member today, and help us make a positive impact on the future! Interested in Joining our Board? Executive Governance Committee Finance, Investments & Property Management Committee Fundraising and Events Committee Marketing Committee View View View View To Learn More, Schedule a Meeting With Our CEO! Corporate Compliance Committee View

  • 2023 Annual Report | Believe in Me

    Annual Report 2 0 23 Donate to Help a Kid Donate to Help a Kid Donate to Help a Kid Donate to Help a Kid Donate to Help a Kid Donate to Help a Kid Donate to Help a Kid Donate to Help a Kid Donate to Help a Kid Read More As we step into the new year, I wish you and your family good health and joy. It's amazing how quickly 2023 flew by, a year of significant achievements for Believe in Me. Your support was crucial in funding 26 programs and launching new initiatives to support LGBTQIA+ youth and scholarships for 1st generation college students. We are immensely grateful for the time, talent, and resources our volunteers and donors have shared. Your contributions were essential to our success. Thank you for being a vital part of our journey! A Message From The CEO Julie Wukelic Grant Awards - $330,000 Native American Culture Connections Club $10,000 Keystone Enrichment $7,500 College Coaching for Low-Income, First-Generation, and Foster Youth $23,000 21st Century Enrichment $15,000 Sleep Safe Program $9,250 Kids Crew $18,000 Advocate Recruitment, Training, and Retention $10,000 JA Finance Park Virtual $10,000 Collaborative Problem Solving $10,000 One-on-One Music Therapy and Group Music + Art Therapy $30,000 Drop-In: Supportive Mentors $7,500 No Hit Zone $5,000 Keep Playing in Tri-Cities Program $6,000 Long-Term Mentoring $15,000 Slingshot Coaching $18,000 Hooptown Youth League $8,000 Olympia Community Songwriting Workshops for Underserved Youth $8,000 ISAAC'S Clubhouse $12,500 Freedom Railroad Program $7,500 Soccer for All $5,000 Native American Culture Connections Club $10,000 Keystone Enrichment $7,500 College Coaching for Low-Income, First-Generation, and Foster Youth $23,000 21st Century Enrichment $15,000 Sleep Safe Program $9,250 Kids Crew $18,000 Advocate Recruitment, Training, and Retention $10,000 JA Finance Park Virtual $10,000 Collaborative Problem Solving $10,000 One-on-One Music Therapy and Group Music + Art Therapy $30,000 Drop-In: Supportive Mentors $7,500 No Hit Zone $5,000 Keep Playing in Tri-Cities Program $6,000 Long-Term Mentoring $15,000 Slingshot Coaching $18,000 Hooptown Youth League $8,000 Olympia Community Songwriting Workshops for Underserved Youth $8,000 ISAAC'S Clubhouse $12,500 Freedom Railroad Program $7,500 Soccer for All $5,000 111 Youth Comforted 9,203 Youth Learning 4,629 Kids Supported 9,465 Kids Having Fun 289 Children Cared For Five Pillars of Caring Scholarship Recipients Suzanne Kay Nichols In a world where dreams are the catalyst for change, Suzanne Nichols emerges as a beacon of empowerment through her remarkable journey with Believe in Me. Join us as we delve into her inspiring story. Read Article View Submission Video Sofia Lopez Embark on a journey of empowerment and resilience with Sofia Lopez, a shining example of Believe in Me's mission. Discover how her unwavering determination is transforming her life and community. Read Article View Submission Video Reagan Eleanor Cox In the pursuit of empowerment and overcoming adversity, Regan Cox's inspiring journey with Believe in Me shines as a beacon of resilience. Join us as we delve into her story of triumph. Read Article View Submission Video Nelly Ahadi Join us as we embark on a remarkable journey, where determination meets empowerment. In this blog, we delve into Nelly Ahadi's story, a shining example of how Believe in Me transforms dreams into reality. Read Article View Submission Video Maximus Egypt Allen In a world where dreams often face adversity, join us as we delve into the inspirational journey of Maximus Allen with Believe in Me, a tale of educational empowerment and unwavering determination. Read Article View Submission Video Bryan Chel Lara Meet Bryan Lara, a shining example of academic excellence and community leadership. Discover his inspiring journey as a recipient of the prestigious $10,000 Believe in Me Scholarship. Read Article View Submission Video Brianna Lee Horner Discover the inspiring journey of Brianna Horner through the Believe in Me scholarship program. From White River High School to Gonzaga University, her resilience and determination shine. Brianna aspires to become a social worker, making a meaningful impact on her community. Read Article View Submission Video Heaven McIntyre Welcome to the inspirational story of Heaven McIntyre, a beacon of empowerment through the Believe in Me scholarship program. Her journey embodies resilience, dreams, and the power of education. Explore how Heaven's determination is shaping her path to success. Read Article View Submission Video Makayla J Lopin-Hersh In a world where adversity can often overshadow potential, Makayla Lopin-Hersh's inspiring journey with Believe in Me is a beacon of hope. Join us as we delve into the remarkable resilience of a young woman determined to overcome obstacles and achieve her dreams. Read Article View Submission Video Donors → Individuals who have demonstrated their generosity and support to the kids in our community. Sponsors → Local businesses that have sponsorship and are aligned with our mission. Volunteers → Individuals who have donated their knowledge and skills to contribute the Foundation's mission. Media Partnerships → Media partnerships are collaborations that are can help us to raise the visibility of our cause. Thank You! Allow two kids to have access to an online video-based course called Nature at Home, encouraging nature exploration in parks and backyards at no cost Inspire and encourage two youths in a low-income situation to go to college, and support them with the tools and resources they need to succeed Allows ten victims of human trafficking to be relocated to a safe place and provide them with care for trauma Provides five foster families a love box full of items to celebrate special months like the beginning of the school year, birthdays, thanksgiving, Christmas and more. Cover the expenses of two kids to enroll in the Youth Symphony, and perform concerts in the Woldson Theater at the Fox Donations Make A Difference DONATE How Believe in Me Is Working Towards Gender Equality for All Kids Read More Gender equality is a crucial topic today. At Believe in Me, we understand how essential it is to ensure every child has equal rights and opportunities, regardless of gender. How Believe in Me is Tackling Educational Inequities in the Foster Care System Read More It’s no secret that children in foster care often face educational disadvantages. Unfortunately, those disadvantages can follow them for the rest of their lives and make reaching success even harder. Education For Success: How Great Educators Make The Difference Read More After conducting some research, it became clear that education isn’t empirical. Even the finest primary, secondary, and post-secondary educational institutions can produce bad results. International Day of Women and Girls in Science: Inspiring Girls to Become Heroes Read More International Day of Women and Girls in Science, created by UNESCO , aims to encourage more women and girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The Shocking Truth About LGBTQ+ Youth Suicide and What You Can Do to Help Read More Every year, countless young people take their own lives because they feel hopeless, alone, and rejected by society. We need to do better for these kids. Believe in Me Promotes Equity on International Day for Ending Racism Read More International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is an annual event that takes place on March 21. Celebrating Neurodiversity and Supporting Individuals with Autism Read More April is Autism Awareness Month, and as the world celebrates neurodiversity and raises awareness about autism, we want to share our work to support individuals with autism and promote inclusion in the community. National Child Abuse Prevention Month: How to Spot, Prevent, and Join the Fight Against Child Abuse with Believe in Me Read More The history of National Child Abuse Prevention Month dates back to 1983, when President Ronald Reagan declared April as the month to raise awareness about child abuse. Stories Of Impact Diversity & Inclusion We are committed to building a more just and equitable organization and community where all individual can achieve their full potential. It is the policy of the Foundation to provide and promote equal opportunity for all people without regard for race, color, creed, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, familial status, veteran status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability. Upcoming Events Fundraising Events Program Expense Ratio X.X The program expense ratio is the percentage of its expenses that go towards programs and services rather than overhead or fundraising, and it is important for donors as a measure of how efficiently the organization is using its resources to fulfill its mission, with a higher ratio generally considered better. Liabilities to Assets Ratio X.X The liabilities to asset ratio measures the organization's financial leverage and risk by comparing its debts to its total assets; this metric is important for donors as it provides insight into the organization's financial stability, and a lower ratio is generally considered better. Administrative Expense Ratio X.X The administrative expense ratio is the percentage of its total expenses that are spent on administrative and overhead costs, and it is important for donors to understand how efficiently a nonprofit uses their donations, with a lower ratio indicating more efficient use of funds. Fundraising Expense Ratio X.X The fundraising expense ratio is the percentage of its total expenses that go toward fundraising activities, and it is important for donors as a measure of how efficiently a nonprofit is using its resources to raise funds, with a lower ratio indicating more efficient fundraising practices. Working Capital Ratio 1.41 The working capital ratio measures its ability to cover short-term liabilities with available assets, and it's important for donors as it indicates the organization's financial health; a higher ratio is generally better as it signifies greater liquidity and financial stability. Financial Summary Vision Mission Our mission is to fund children’s charities that provide disadvantaged kids with a safe place to call home, a family that loves them, a feeling of community, and opportunities to learn, build self-esteem, and have fun. Our vision is to help every kid to develop the self-coincidence they need to succeed. Basic Human Needs $27,250 Our basic human needs grants provide support, resources, and a safe place to call home for marginalized kids Love & Belonging $10,000 Our love and belonging grants help protect, stabilize, and nurture the most marginalized children in our community Community Support $70,000 Our community support grants use teamwork and coordinated resources to provide healing for struggling kids Education Program $101,250 Our educational grants engage, empower, and inspire marginalized kids to believe in their own potential and future Enrichment Program $103,500 Our enrichment grants nurture curiosity, wonder, and creativity in kids through play, the arts, and outdoor immersion 2023 Grants

  • Drag Beauty Pageant | Believe in Me

    SATURDAY TBD - June For times, see detailed event schedule Get Ready for a Fabulous Evening of Fun and Frill! Setting the Scene: Envision a stylish, modern lounge fused with a dimly lit speakeasy. The room sparkles with glitter and vibrant accents, illuminated by soft, dramatic lighting. Patrons indulge in colorful, inventive cocktails, adding to the lively, sophisticated atmosphere. This setting is a blend of contemporary elegance and the mysterious allure of the past. ​ Dress code : Fabulous cocktail attire, darling! Check Back Check Back Help Us Crown the Next Believe in Me Queen or King! Whether you're straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer, be proud of who you are, and show your support for kids and LGBTQ+ equality by attending the Believe in Me Drag Beauty Pageant! ​ Allied with the LGBTQ+ community in Spokane, we are excited to crown the next Believe in Me Queen or King in 2024. Come out to this exclusive event, enjoy a decadent selection of bar beverages, and feast on hearty hors d'oeuvres while actively participating in the area's most entertaining beauty pageant. You're sure to be delighted with the lineup of queens and kings, from the evening gown competition to a talent show and public speaking. ​ All profit from this event goes to support LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention. ​ Thank you for your support! Event Details TBD Contestant Intro - Passed Hors d'oeuvres TBD Talent Competition TBD Public Speaking/Evening Gown Competition TBD Paddle Raise/Silent Auction Close TBD Crowning of Miss/Mr. Believe in Me $100 Per Person $125 *VIP Per Person $375 Table of 4 $450 *VIP Table of 4 2023 Ticket Pricing Check Back *VIP Ticket includes: Runway seating, Believe in Me Clack Fan, Photo with Top 3 Winners UPCOMING EVENT Believe in Me Drag Beau ty Pa geant Date & Time: TBD - June Location TBD Tickets: TBD +21 event Check Back Meet The 2023 Contestants Soraya Courvoisier Aquasha DeLusty Arianna D. Spanic Rita Fine Penta Graham Hybrid Sativa Black Jones StJames Ivy Rachael Mae Crystal Marché Violet Valentine Open Event Day Audience Vote! Rate the Contestants Meet The Hostess On this night full of glamour, Nova is invited to host and judge our eleven contestants for this beauty pageant. Nova's ability to perform goes further than a master’s degree in theater arts. Nova's also passionate about the opportunities this has created for advocacy. The proceeds from at least 50% of the work Nova has done in drag since moving to Spokane in the early 2000s have gone to support charitable causes and organizations like the Spokane AIDS Network, Odyssey Youth Center, and Believe in Me. Sponsorship Packages Satin Sash Sponsor $5,000 8 Tickets & Dinner, Drinks Full page ad in Commemorative program Priority Seating Valet Parking Clack fan for each guest in your party! Photo with winning contestants Your LOGO on: - Winning Contestant Sashes - Event Webpage - Post-Event Blog ShoutOUT on: Weekly Social Media Posts Quarterly Newsletter Event Press Release & Radio Spot PLUS: Entry for 8 after the Pageant! Let's Chat Crown Jewel Sponsor $2,500 6 Tickets & Dinner, Drinks Half-page ad in the Commemorative program Priority Seating Valet Parking Clack fan for each guest in your party! Photo with winning contestants ​ Your LOGO on: - Event Webpage - Post-Event Blog ShoutOUT on: Weekly Social Media Posts Quarterly Newsletter Event Press Release & Radio Spot PLUS: Entry for 6 after the Pageant! ​ Let's Chat Runway Renegade Sponsor $1,000 4 Tickets & Dinner, Drinks 1/4 page ad in the Commemorative program Priority Seating Valet Parking Clack fan for each guest in your party! Photo with winning contestants ​ Your LOGO on: - Event Webpage - Post-Event Blog ShoutOUT on: Weekly Social Media Posts Quarterly Newsletter PLUS: Entry for 4 after the Pageant! ​ ​ ​ Let's Chat Red Carpet Sponsor $500 2 Tickets & Dinner, Drinks Logo in Commemorative program Priority Seating Valet Parking Clack fan for each guest in your party! Photo with winning contestants ​ Your LOGO on: - Event Webpage - Post-Event Blog ShoutOUT on: Weekly Social Media Posts Quarterly Newsletter PLUS: Entry for 2 after the Pageant! ​ ​ ​ Let's Chat Meet Last Year's Sponsors Vivian Von Jager Vivian came to life in 2002 as a co-host of the "12 Queens" Benefits for Hospice. Soon she moved to perform at local clubs regularly. As a staple of the Drag community in Dayton, Ohio, Vivian started to judge Pageants, produce Drag shows, and mentor young Drag queens. From Ohio, Vivian moved to Spokane, WA. In Spokane, Viviand joined Nova Kain's cast of misfits in 2012. Since joining the troupe, Vivian has become a valuable asset with her campy brand of classic Drag and leadership. Vivian and Nova worked to maintain quality drag in the Spokane area while the clubs struggled to maintain viability as the local economies suffered in the late 2010s. Vivian returns to the Drag stage with a vengeance along with Nova Kaine as Co-Host, Co-Producer of Nova Kaines Don't Tell Mama Cabaret, where she hopes once again to bring high-quality shows and entertainment to the Spokane region. Eunice Kennedy Smith Eunice has been a part of the Imperial Court System since 1981. In 1987 she was crowned Empress 16 of The Imperial Sovereign Court of Spokane and All Eastern Washington State. In addition, Eunice is passionate about supporting the charities like the Marty 5 Children with Aids Benefit Fund. For the last 20 years, she has produced and directed this fundraiser, raising thousands of dollars, with proceeds going to The Wishing Star Foundation and Camp Starlight. In 1994 Eunice helped create The Imperial Sovereign Court of the State of Montana. She continues to help and advise this organization. Over the years, Eunice has also supported and mentored people wanting to get involved and expand their art. She encourages people to explore it and perfect it where they are comfortable. Because of her continued help, support, guidance, and dedication, she has been given the honor and named Queen Mother of All Montana and Queen Mother of All Eastern Washington. Nathan SiJohn Nathan SiJohn is the Practice Manager for Stiller Aesthetics. Growing up, he always helped and cared for others. Since he was a kid, he has been fascinated with medicine. In fact, his favorite game was with his state-of-the-art Fisherprice DR bag and trusty plastic stethoscope. Years later, he was off to treat real live patients after graduating from college. Two years ago, he worked with a skilled and talented surgeon named Dr. Geoffrey Stiller. Dr. Stiller opened Stiller Aesthetics in 2019. They are a surgical practice that focuses on cosmetic and Gender Affirmation Surgery. Dr. Stiller is one of a handful of surgeons trained and qualified to complete bottom surgeries from start to finish. In 2022 Dr. Stiller was recognized as the Northwest's top Cosmetic Surgeon. At Stiller Aesthetics, they are committed to providing a safe, caring, and understanding environment that promotes self-love and happiness and encourages all to embrace who they are. Mystery Judge Vivian Von Jager Vivian came to life in 2002 as a co-host of the "12 Queens" Benefits for Hospice. Soon she moved to perform at local clubs regularly. As a staple of the Drag community in Dayton, Ohio, Vivian started to judge Pageants, produce Drag shows, and mentor young Drag queens. From Ohio, Vivian moved to Spokane, WA. In Spokane, Viviand joined Nova Kain's cast of misfits in 2012. Since joining the troupe, Vivian has become a valuable asset with her campy brand of classic Drag and leadership. Vivian and Nova worked to maintain quality drag in the Spokane area while the clubs struggled to maintain viability as the local economies suffered in the late 2010s. Vivian returns to the Drag stage with a vengeance along with Nova Kaine as Co-Host, Co-Producer of Nova Kaines Don't Tell Mama Cabaret, where she hopes once again to bring high-quality shows and entertainment to the Spokane region. Eunice Kennedy Smith Eunice has been a part of the Imperial Court System since 1981. In 1987 she was crowned Empress 16 of The Imperial Sovereign Court of Spokane and All Eastern Washington State. In addition, Eunice is passionate about supporting the charities like the Marty 5 Children with Aids Benefit Fund. For the last 20 years, she has produced and directed this fundraiser, raising thousands of dollars, with proceeds going to The Wishing Star Foundation and Camp Starlight. In 1994 Eunice helped create The Imperial Sovereign Court of the State of Montana. She continues to help and advise this organization. Over the years, Eunice has also supported and mentored people wanting to get involved and expand their art. She encourages people to explore it and perfect it where they are comfortable. Because of her continued help, support, guidance, and dedication, she has been given the honor and named Queen Mother of All Montana and Queen Mother of All Eastern Washington. Nathan SiJohn Nathan SiJohn is the Practice Manager for Stiller Aesthetics. Growing up, he always helped and cared for others. Since he was a kid, he has been fascinated with medicine. In fact, his favorite game was with his state-of-the-art Fisherprice DR bag and trusty plastic stethoscope. Years later, he was off to treat real live patients after graduating from college. Two years ago, he worked with a skilled and talented surgeon named Dr. Geoffrey Stiller. Dr. Stiller opened Stiller Aesthetics in 2019. They are a surgical practice that focuses on cosmetic and Gender Affirmation Surgery. Dr. Stiller is one of a handful of surgeons trained and qualified to complete bottom surgeries from start to finish. In 2022 Dr. Stiller was recognized as the Northwest's top Cosmetic Surgeon. At Stiller Aesthetics, they are committed to providing a safe, caring, and understanding environment that promotes self-love and happiness and encourages all to embrace who they are. Mystery Judge Vivian Von Jager Vivian came to life in 2002 as a co-host of the "12 Queens" Benefits for Hospice. Soon she moved to perform at local clubs regularly. As a staple of the Drag community in Dayton, Ohio, Vivian started to judge Pageants, produce Drag shows, and mentor young Drag queens. From Ohio, Vivian moved to Spokane, WA. In Spokane, Viviand joined Nova Kain's cast of misfits in 2012. Since joining the troupe, Vivian has become a valuable asset with her campy brand of classic Drag and leadership. Vivian and Nova worked to maintain quality drag in the Spokane area while the clubs struggled to maintain viability as the local economies suffered in the late 2010s. Vivian returns to the Drag stage with a vengeance along with Nova Kaine as Co-Host, Co-Producer of Nova Kaines Don't Tell Mama Cabaret, where she hopes once again to bring high-quality shows and entertainment to the Spokane region. Eunice Kennedy Smith Eunice has been a part of the Imperial Court System since 1981. In 1987 she was crowned Empress 16 of The Imperial Sovereign Court of Spokane and All Eastern Washington State. In addition, Eunice is passionate about supporting the charities like the Marty 5 Children with Aids Benefit Fund. For the last 20 years, she has produced and directed this fundraiser, raising thousands of dollars, with proceeds going to The Wishing Star Foundation and Camp Starlight. In 1994 Eunice helped create The Imperial Sovereign Court of the State of Montana. She continues to help and advise this organization. Over the years, Eunice has also supported and mentored people wanting to get involved and expand their art. She encourages people to explore it and perfect it where they are comfortable. Because of her continued help, support, guidance, and dedication, she has been given the honor and named Queen Mother of All Montana and Queen Mother of All Eastern Washington. Nathan SiJohn Nathan SiJohn is the Practice Manager for Stiller Aesthetics. Growing up, he always helped and cared for others. Since he was a kid, he has been fascinated with medicine. In fact, his favorite game was with his state-of-the-art Fisherprice DR bag and trusty plastic stethoscope. Years later, he was off to treat real live patients after graduating from college. Two years ago, he worked with a skilled and talented surgeon named Dr. Geoffrey Stiller. Dr. Stiller opened Stiller Aesthetics in 2019. They are a surgical practice that focuses on cosmetic and Gender Affirmation Surgery. Dr. Stiller is one of a handful of surgeons trained and qualified to complete bottom surgeries from start to finish. In 2022 Dr. Stiller was recognized as the Northwest's top Cosmetic Surgeon. At Stiller Aesthetics, they are committed to providing a safe, caring, and understanding environment that promotes self-love and happiness and encourages all to embrace who they are. Mystery Judge Vivian Von Jager Vivian came to life in 2002 as a co-host of the "12 Queens" Benefits for Hospice. Soon she moved to perform at local clubs regularly. As a staple of the Drag community in Dayton, Ohio, Vivian started to judge Pageants, produce Drag shows, and mentor young Drag queens. From Ohio, Vivian moved to Spokane, WA. In Spokane, Viviand joined Nova Kain's cast of misfits in 2012. Since joining the troupe, Vivian has become a valuable asset with her campy brand of classic Drag and leadership. Vivian and Nova worked to maintain quality drag in the Spokane area while the clubs struggled to maintain viability as the local economies suffered in the late 2010s. Vivian returns to the Drag stage with a vengeance along with Nova Kaine as Co-Host, Co-Producer of Nova Kaines Don't Tell Mama Cabaret, where she hopes once again to bring high-quality shows and entertainment to the Spokane region. Eunice Kennedy Smith Eunice has been a part of the Imperial Court System since 1981. In 1987 she was crowned Empress 16 of The Imperial Sovereign Court of Spokane and All Eastern Washington State. In addition, Eunice is passionate about supporting the charities like the Marty 5 Children with Aids Benefit Fund. For the last 20 years, she has produced and directed this fundraiser, raising thousands of dollars, with proceeds going to The Wishing Star Foundation and Camp Starlight. In 1994 Eunice helped create The Imperial Sovereign Court of the State of Montana. She continues to help and advise this organization. Over the years, Eunice has also supported and mentored people wanting to get involved and expand their art. She encourages people to explore it and perfect it where they are comfortable. Because of her continued help, support, guidance, and dedication, she has been given the honor and named Queen Mother of All Montana and Queen Mother of All Eastern Washington. Nathan SiJohn Nathan SiJohn is the Practice Manager for Stiller Aesthetics. Growing up, he always helped and cared for others. Since he was a kid, he has been fascinated with medicine. In fact, his favorite game was with his state-of-the-art Fisherprice DR bag and trusty plastic stethoscope. Years later, he was off to treat real live patients after graduating from college. Two years ago, he worked with a skilled and talented surgeon named Dr. Geoffrey Stiller. Dr. Stiller opened Stiller Aesthetics in 2019. They are a surgical practice that focuses on cosmetic and Gender Affirmation Surgery. Dr. Stiller is one of a handful of surgeons trained and qualified to complete bottom surgeries from start to finish. In 2022 Dr. Stiller was recognized as the Northwest's top Cosmetic Surgeon. At Stiller Aesthetics, they are committed to providing a safe, caring, and understanding environment that promotes self-love and happiness and encourages all to embrace who they are. Mystery Judge Vivian Von Jager Vivian came to life in 2002 as a co-host of the "12 Queens" Benefits for Hospice. Soon she moved to perform at local clubs regularly. As a staple of the Drag community in Dayton, Ohio, Vivian started to judge Pageants, produce Drag shows, and mentor young Drag queens. From Ohio, Vivian moved to Spokane, WA. In Spokane, Viviand joined Nova Kain's cast of misfits in 2012. Since joining the troupe, Vivian has become a valuable asset with her campy brand of classic Drag and leadership. Vivian and Nova worked to maintain quality drag in the Spokane area while the clubs struggled to maintain viability as the local economies suffered in the late 2010s. Vivian returns to the Drag stage with a vengeance along with Nova Kaine as Co-Host, Co-Producer of Nova Kaines Don't Tell Mama Cabaret, where she hopes once again to bring high-quality shows and entertainment to the Spokane region. Eunice Kennedy Smith Eunice has been a part of the Imperial Court System since 1981. In 1987 she was crowned Empress 16 of The Imperial Sovereign Court of Spokane and All Eastern Washington State. In addition, Eunice is passionate about supporting the charities like the Marty 5 Children with Aids Benefit Fund. For the last 20 years, she has produced and directed this fundraiser, raising thousands of dollars, with proceeds going to The Wishing Star Foundation and Camp Starlight. In 1994 Eunice helped create The Imperial Sovereign Court of the State of Montana. She continues to help and advise this organization. Over the years, Eunice has also supported and mentored people wanting to get involved and expand their art. She encourages people to explore it and perfect it where they are comfortable. Because of her continued help, support, guidance, and dedication, she has been given the honor and named Queen Mother of All Montana and Queen Mother of All Eastern Washington. Nathan SiJohn Nathan SiJohn is the Practice Manager for Stiller Aesthetics. Growing up, he always helped and cared for others. Since he was a kid, he has been fascinated with medicine. In fact, his favorite game was with his state-of-the-art Fisherprice DR bag and trusty plastic stethoscope. Years later, he was off to treat real live patients after graduating from college. Two years ago, he worked with a skilled and talented surgeon named Dr. Geoffrey Stiller. Dr. Stiller opened Stiller Aesthetics in 2019. They are a surgical practice that focuses on cosmetic and Gender Affirmation Surgery. Dr. Stiller is one of a handful of surgeons trained and qualified to complete bottom surgeries from start to finish. In 2022 Dr. Stiller was recognized as the Northwest's top Cosmetic Surgeon. At Stiller Aesthetics, they are committed to providing a safe, caring, and understanding environment that promotes self-love and happiness and encourages all to embrace who they are. Mystery Judge Vivian Von Jager Vivian came to life in 2002 as a co-host of the "12 Queens" Benefits for Hospice. Soon she moved to perform at local clubs regularly. As a staple of the Drag community in Dayton, Ohio, Vivian started to judge Pageants, produce Drag shows, and mentor young Drag queens. From Ohio, Vivian moved to Spokane, WA. In Spokane, Viviand joined Nova Kain's cast of misfits in 2012. Since joining the troupe, Vivian has become a valuable asset with her campy brand of classic Drag and leadership. Vivian and Nova worked to maintain quality drag in the Spokane area while the clubs struggled to maintain viability as the local economies suffered in the late 2010s. Vivian returns to the Drag stage with a vengeance along with Nova Kaine as Co-Host, Co-Producer of Nova Kaines Don't Tell Mama Cabaret, where she hopes once again to bring high-quality shows and entertainment to the Spokane region. Eunice Kennedy Smith Eunice has been a part of the Imperial Court System since 1981. In 1987 she was crowned Empress 16 of The Imperial Sovereign Court of Spokane and All Eastern Washington State. In addition, Eunice is passionate about supporting the charities like the Marty 5 Children with Aids Benefit Fund. For the last 20 years, she has produced and directed this fundraiser, raising thousands of dollars, with proceeds going to The Wishing Star Foundation and Camp Starlight. In 1994 Eunice helped create The Imperial Sovereign Court of the State of Montana. She continues to help and advise this organization. Over the years, Eunice has also supported and mentored people wanting to get involved and expand their art. She encourages people to explore it and perfect it where they are comfortable. Because of her continued help, support, guidance, and dedication, she has been given the honor and named Queen Mother of All Montana and Queen Mother of All Eastern Washington. Nathan SiJohn Nathan SiJohn is the Practice Manager for Stiller Aesthetics. Growing up, he always helped and cared for others. Since he was a kid, he has been fascinated with medicine. In fact, his favorite game was with his state-of-the-art Fisherprice DR bag and trusty plastic stethoscope. Years later, he was off to treat real live patients after graduating from college. Two years ago, he worked with a skilled and talented surgeon named Dr. Geoffrey Stiller. Dr. Stiller opened Stiller Aesthetics in 2019. They are a surgical practice that focuses on cosmetic and Gender Affirmation Surgery. Dr. Stiller is one of a handful of surgeons trained and qualified to complete bottom surgeries from start to finish. In 2022 Dr. Stiller was recognized as the Northwest's top Cosmetic Surgeon. At Stiller Aesthetics, they are committed to providing a safe, caring, and understanding environment that promotes self-love and happiness and encourages all to embrace who they are. Mystery Judge Vivian Von Jager Vivian came to life in 2002 as a co-host of the "12 Queens" Benefits for Hospice. Soon she moved to perform at local clubs regularly. As a staple of the Drag community in Dayton, Ohio, Vivian started to judge Pageants, produce Drag shows, and mentor young Drag queens. From Ohio, Vivian moved to Spokane, WA. In Spokane, Viviand joined Nova Kain's cast of misfits in 2012. Since joining the troupe, Vivian has become a valuable asset with her campy brand of classic Drag and leadership. Vivian and Nova worked to maintain quality drag in the Spokane area while the clubs struggled to maintain viability as the local economies suffered in the late 2010s. Vivian returns to the Drag stage with a vengeance along with Nova Kaine as Co-Host, Co-Producer of Nova Kaines Don't Tell Mama Cabaret, where she hopes once again to bring high-quality shows and entertainment to the Spokane region. Eunice Kennedy Smith Eunice has been a part of the Imperial Court System since 1981. In 1987 she was crowned Empress 16 of The Imperial Sovereign Court of Spokane and All Eastern Washington State. In addition, Eunice is passionate about supporting the charities like the Marty 5 Children with Aids Benefit Fund. For the last 20 years, she has produced and directed this fundraiser, raising thousands of dollars, with proceeds going to The Wishing Star Foundation and Camp Starlight. In 1994 Eunice helped create The Imperial Sovereign Court of the State of Montana. She continues to help and advise this organization. Over the years, Eunice has also supported and mentored people wanting to get involved and expand their art. She encourages people to explore it and perfect it where they are comfortable. Because of her continued help, support, guidance, and dedication, she has been given the honor and named Queen Mother of All Montana and Queen Mother of All Eastern Washington. Nathan SiJohn Nathan SiJohn is the Practice Manager for Stiller Aesthetics. Growing up, he always helped and cared for others. Since he was a kid, he has been fascinated with medicine. In fact, his favorite game was with his state-of-the-art Fisherprice DR bag and trusty plastic stethoscope. Years later, he was off to treat real live patients after graduating from college. Two years ago, he worked with a skilled and talented surgeon named Dr. Geoffrey Stiller. Dr. Stiller opened Stiller Aesthetics in 2019. They are a surgical practice that focuses on cosmetic and Gender Affirmation Surgery. Dr. Stiller is one of a handful of surgeons trained and qualified to complete bottom surgeries from start to finish. In 2022 Dr. Stiller was recognized as the Northwest's top Cosmetic Surgeon. At Stiller Aesthetics, they are committed to providing a safe, caring, and understanding environment that promotes self-love and happiness and encourages all to embrace who they are. Mystery Judge Vivian Von Jager Vivian came to life in 2002 as a co-host of the "12 Queens" Benefits for Hospice. Soon she moved to perform at local clubs regularly. As a staple of the Drag community in Dayton, Ohio, Vivian started to judge Pageants, produce Drag shows, and mentor young Drag queens. From Ohio, Vivian moved to Spokane, WA. In Spokane, Viviand joined Nova Kain's cast of misfits in 2012. Since joining the troupe, Vivian has become a valuable asset with her campy brand of classic Drag and leadership. Vivian and Nova worked to maintain quality drag in the Spokane area while the clubs struggled to maintain viability as the local economies suffered in the late 2010s. Vivian returns to the Drag stage with a vengeance along with Nova Kaine as Co-Host, Co-Producer of Nova Kaines Don't Tell Mama Cabaret, where she hopes once again to bring high-quality shows and entertainment to the Spokane region. Eunice Kennedy Smith Eunice has been a part of the Imperial Court System since 1981. In 1987 she was crowned Empress 16 of The Imperial Sovereign Court of Spokane and All Eastern Washington State. In addition, Eunice is passionate about supporting the charities like the Marty 5 Children with Aids Benefit Fund. For the last 20 years, she has produced and directed this fundraiser, raising thousands of dollars, with proceeds going to The Wishing Star Foundation and Camp Starlight. In 1994 Eunice helped create The Imperial Sovereign Court of the State of Montana. She continues to help and advise this organization. Over the years, Eunice has also supported and mentored people wanting to get involved and expand their art. She encourages people to explore it and perfect it where they are comfortable. Because of her continued help, support, guidance, and dedication, she has been given the honor and named Queen Mother of All Montana and Queen Mother of All Eastern Washington. Nathan SiJohn Nathan SiJohn is the Practice Manager for Stiller Aesthetics. Growing up, he always helped and cared for others. Since he was a kid, he has been fascinated with medicine. In fact, his favorite game was with his state-of-the-art Fisherprice DR bag and trusty plastic stethoscope. Years later, he was off to treat real live patients after graduating from college. Two years ago, he worked with a skilled and talented surgeon named Dr. Geoffrey Stiller. Dr. Stiller opened Stiller Aesthetics in 2019. They are a surgical practice that focuses on cosmetic and Gender Affirmation Surgery. Dr. Stiller is one of a handful of surgeons trained and qualified to complete bottom surgeries from start to finish. In 2022 Dr. Stiller was recognized as the Northwest's top Cosmetic Surgeon. At Stiller Aesthetics, they are committed to providing a safe, caring, and understanding environment that promotes self-love and happiness and encourages all to embrace who they are. Mystery Judge Meet The 2023 Judges VIP Silent Auction Start dreaming of your next big escape! With our VIP Silent Auction Page, you can explore a world of possibility - from the romantic waterside views in Thousand Islands to thrilling cultural experiences in London. Take advantage now and make an offer for breathtaking trips to Savannah, Isle Of Capri, Spain or Croatia without leaving home. Get ready for a journey that will be remembered forever! Check back

  • Qualify for a Non-Profit Grant | Believe in Me

    Providing Grants That Solve the Problems We Care About Most 2025 Grant Applications Open September 2, 2024 In order for your nonprofit program to be considered for a grant, you must meet the following criteria: ​ Qualify as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization according to the Internal Revenue Service Code. Serve primarily in Washington, North Idaho, Oregon and surrounding communities. The program mission must align with a minimum of one of our Five Pillars of Caring ; max one grant request per pillar. Maintain current financial records, providing a copy of the operational budget and a statement of financial position. Individual grant requests amount must be between $5,000-15,000. Need to provide a list of board members and their affiliations. Must have a working board of directors, and management, governance, and accountability structures in place. Are You Eligible for a Grant? Check Eligibility Important Dates The Morning Star Foundation will be accepting online grant applications November 1-30. All materials must be received no later than 11:59 pm on November 30th to be considered. Applications will be reviewed throughout the month of December and applicants will be notified of their funding request status on or before December 31. Get Your Questions Answered For more information, questions about program eligibility or about applying, please call 509.448.1412 or send an email inquiry to admin@morningstar-foundation.org . How to Apply for a Morning Star Foundation Grant Check your organization’s eligibility after November 1. Step 1: Check Your Eligibility Step 2: Start Your Application If your organization is eligible, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to a pre-filled form to begin your application. You will be allowed to save your application and restart at any time using the link in the email. Send an email to admin@morningstar-foundation.org with any questions you have about the grant application process before Sunday, November 8th at 5:00 pm. These will be answered during the info session. Step 3: Submit Questions Attend an info session at 12:00 pm on Monday, November 9th to have your questions answered. We will be covering specific how-to tutorials and explaining the application process in detail. Step 4: Attend Info Session Step 5: Submit Your Application Gather all your documents and submit your application before 11:59 pm on Monday, November 30th. Please note that due to the high volume of applications and time constraints involved with properly reviewing them, we will not be extending this deadline under any circumstances. What You Can Expect from the Granting Committee The Morning Star Foundation is tasked with the stewardship and sustainability of the Foundation’s assets to support administration of grant funding to the programs that carry out our mission. Our Grants Administration Committee meets all throughout the year to streamline the granting cycle process, review applications for eligibility, and award grants to the nonprofits that solve the problems we care about the most. The granting committee intermittently reviews the progress of each program and reports the impact they are having back to our donors. A special meeting is held during the month of June to review the Foundation’s financial performance and determine the amount that will be available for granting throughout the next cycle. The funds available for granting varies from year to year and may be limited during times of economic downturn and organizational restructuring. For this reason, the Foundation does not provide grant funding to cover administrative costs and payroll related expenses. Important Dates Believe in Me accepts online grant applications from Sep. 1 - Oct. 1. All materials must be received no later than 11:59 pm PST on Oct. 1 to be considered. Applications will be reviewed throughout the month of November, and applicants will be notified of their funding request status on or before December 31st. Get Your Questions Answered For more information, questions about program eligibility, or about applying, please call 509.448.1412 or send an email inquiry to admin@believeinme.org . How To Apply For a Believe in Me Nonprofit Grant Check your organization’s grant funding eligibility . Step 1: Check Your Eligibility Step 2: Start Your Application If your organization is eligible, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to a pre-filled form to begin your application. You will be allowed to save your application and restart it at any time using the link in the email. Submit your questions to admin@believeinme.org before 5:00 pm PST on Friday, Sep. 1, to have your questions answered during our info session. Step 3: Submit Questions Attend the info session at 12:00 pm PST on the first Wednesday in September to have your questions answered. We will cover specific how-to tutorials and explain the application process in detail. Click the button that works better for you to add the meeting to your calendar. Join our Zoom Meeting on September 4, 2024 at noon: Meeting ID: 845 5163 0582 Passcode: 852033 Step 4: Attend Info Session Step 5: Submit Your Application Gather all your documents and submit your application before 11:59 pm PST on Oct. 15. Be sure to submit all the required documentation as incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Please note that we will not be extending this deadline under any circumstances due to the high volume of applications and time constraints involved with properly reviewing them. Google Calendar Missed the info session? Watch the recording to get all the details! Visit the Grant Application Process page to get step-by-step instructions. If you still have questions after watching the recording, you may schedule a time to meet with our CEO . We are here to help! ​ Outlook Calendar What You Can Expect from the Granting Committee Believe in Me is tasked with the stewardship and sustainability of the Foundation’s assets to support the administration of grant funding to the programs that carry out our mission. Our Grants Administration Committee meets all throughout the year to streamline the granting cycle process, review applications for eligibility, and award grants to the nonprofits that solve the problems we care about the most. The granting committee intermittently reviews the progress of each program and reports the impact they are having back to our donors. A special meeting is held during the month of June to review the Foundation’s financial performance and determine the amount that will be available for granting throughout the next cycle. The funds available for grants varies from year to year and may be limited during times of economic downturn and organizational restructuring. For this reason, the Foundation does not provide grant funding to cover administrative costs and payroll-related expenses.

  • Children's Charities | Believe in Me | United States

    Believe in the Future... One Kid at a Time Invest in a nurturing and empowering world for children facing adversity. Get to Know Us Watch Our Emmy Award Winning Video! How We Make a Difference Your Donations Are Helping Kids Every Day 15 Love & Belonging 385 Community Support 4629 Education 9203 Enrichment 9465 We measure success by the lives that have been changed. That’s a difficult thing to quantify, so we’ve put together a few statistics for you. Thanks to the support of our generous donors, we’ve supported over 23,697 kids in 2023! Donate to Help a Kid Donate to Help a Kid Upcoming Events Jun. 17, 2024 Believe in Me Charity Golf Tournament Circling Raven Golf Club in Worley, ID. Cheating for Charity PM Round Sponsorships Packages Available Entrance Fee: $1,200 per foursome Learn More August 23, 2024 Tomorrow Never Dies Shaken Not Stirred Soirree Hidden Cellars SODO Seattle, WA ​ $250 per person Learn More Various Dates Washington State University Home Football Games GESA Field at Martin Stadium Pullman, WA ​ Come join our tailgate! ​ Learn More Dec. 7, 2024 A Place to Call Home Gingerbread Decorating Event for Foster Kids Holiday Event at the HUB Benefitting Children's Charities Assisting Kids Without a Home Corporate Sponsorships Available Gingerbread Kit Starting At $TBD Learn More See Your Donation at Work With 100% of your donation supporting our five pillars of caring, we’re able to ensure that every dollar you give helps the kids who need it most. We focus on investing in initiatives that create sustainable change and maximize the impact of your donation. Good Stewards With Every Donation Made Volunteers Make the Magic Come Alive In order to funnel your donations directly to the programs that are important to you, we save money by relying on the myriad of talents in our volunteer pool. Their support frees up precious resources to put more funds towards helping kids. Thanks to the support of our dedicated volunteers, we’ve completely rebuilt our business processes to be more efficient and streamlined, and we’re just getting started! Here are some examples of the great work our volunteers do. ​ Providing oversight on our board of directors Building, managing, and maintaining our website IT support, information security, and logistical assistance Bookkeeping and accounting support Analytics and business intelligence expertise Digital advertising and social media management Event planning and coordination Start Volunteering

  • Grant Application Process | Believe in Me

    Believe in Me Grant Application Process APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED SEP. 1 - OCT. 1 Empowering Youth One Step at a Time Welcome to the Believe in Me Grant Application Process page, your gateway to fostering positive change through youth empowerment. Embark on a guided journey that demystifies the application process, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience. Each step is designed to help you make a meaningful impact while navigating the application process with confidence. Join us in this transformative journey and unlock your organization’s potential to create a brighter future for the youth we serve. Step 1: Pre-Screening Stage Familiarize Yourself: Begin at our comprehensive Grants Overview Page to grasp the ins and outs of our Youth Empowerment Grants Program. Assess Fit: Visit our Grant Program Eligibility Page to review our eligibility criteria. Get Started: Fill out the Grant Eligibility Pre-Screening Form to pre-qualify for our application process. One submission per organization, please. Confirm Qualification: If you pass our Pre-Screening stage, you’ll receive an email confirming the next steps. UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITIES Check out our Grants Overview, assess eligibility, and submit the Pre-Screening Form for Youth Empowerment Grants - your path to success! Step 2: Open Application Phase Check Your Inbox: If you’ve passed our Pre-Screening stage, you will receive an email once our grant applications open. This will include a unique link to your pre-filled grant application form as well as a PDF of the blank form . Save the Date: Your email will also include an invitation to our live Grant Application Information Session at noon on the 1st Wednesday in September. Be sure to download the calendar invite to secure time on your calendar. Join our Zoom Meeting 1st Wed in Sep. at noon Meeting ID: 845 5163 0582 Passcode: 852033 Prepare to Learn: Review the blank application, note questions, and prep for the Grant Application Info Session. Watch the Tutorial: If you missed the session, no worries. Click Here to watch the most recent video recording. Gather Essential Items: Examples of what you’ll need include your IRS letter of determination, most recent 990, audited financial statements, operational budget, and program budget, to name a few. Download a comprehensive list of items to gather to streamline your process. Complete the Application: Begin working through the application and save your progress frequently! We do not accept paper submissions of the form. Here's a blank application for you to review. YOUR PATHWAY TO SUCCESS After passing Pre-Screening, you'll receive a pre-filled grant application, an invite to our info session, and essential tips for success—don't wait until the last day! IMPORTANT TIPS Save Your Progress: Thanks to our Save button, you won’t need to complete the entire application in one sitting. Use the New Link: Once you press SAVE, you will receive a NEW link to your saved application via email. Going forward, do not use the link provided in your original grant application invitation email as it will not contain the saved information. Don’t Procrastinate: Our application is 24 pages long, so it will be very difficult to submit a quality application if you wait until the last day to work on it. We’ve Got Your Back: Starting a week before the deadline, we’ll start sending out daily reminders to help you get your application submitted on time. Schedule Your Workshop: Your application will not be considered eligible until you’ve completed a Due Diligence Workshop with our Grants Administration Team. The Due Diligence Workshop must be scheduled after you’ve submitted the application and before October 20. MAKE LIFE EASIER ON YOURSELF Step 3: Grants Administration Committee Review Showcase Your Commitment: To move forward for consideration, gather your team and attend your Due Diligence Workshop to confirm your program details, fine-tune your SMART goals , and maximize impact to empower youth together. Play the Waiting Game: After your Due Diligence Workshop, our Grants Administration Committee will meet to review your application, make funding decisions, and recognize your impact. ELEVATE YOUR IMPACT Attend a Due Diligence Workshop to refine your program details and goals, then await the Grants Administration Committee's funding decisions as they recognize your impact. Step 4: Award Process Grant Award Announcement: We will host a Grant Award Announcement Ceremony live online on December 8 at noon PST. Keep an eye out for the invitation via email. We’ll announce the winners live! Here’s the recording of last year’s event . Grant Award Ceremony Friday, December 8 at noon Join our Zoom Meeting Sign the Grant Award Agreement: Shortly after the live event, we will email you your official Grant Award Agreement. Upon submission, you will be required to schedule your check presentation. Gather Your Team: During your official check presentation, we will present your program with a big check, take pictures, and conduct a video interview with one of your representatives. These will be used to promote your organization’s alignment with our mission. Delivery of Funds: Checks will be sent out via USPS on or before January 15. CELEBRATE YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS Gather your team for a celebratory Grant Award Announcement event, sign the Grant Award Agreement, schedule your check presentation, and receive funds by Jan. 15. Step 5: Impact Reporting Sustain Momentum! Join our Impact Reporting Info Session on March 1 to learn how to prepare for the upcoming impact reports. Use this link to access the Zoom Meeting. Stay on Track: Impact reports are due on May 15, Sep 15, and Jan 15. Visit our Grants Reporting page for more details. SHARING TRIUMPHS Mark your calendars for our Impact Reporting Info Session on March 1, and remember to submit impact reports by May 15, Sep 15, and Jan 15 to keep the momentum going! Check Eligibility Helpful Resources Save the Date Mark your calendar for the upcoming Grant Application Info Session. You won't want to miss this! Download Invite Grant Application Info Session Missed our Grant Application Info Session? Watch the recording and learn everything you need to know. Watch the Recording Sample Application Before diving head-long into the application, get a sneak peek by downloading the full form here. Download the Form Essential Documents We recommend downloading this helpful list of essential documents you'll need to gather to complete your application. Download Checklist SMART Goal Setting If you could use a little help with setting your SMART goals, we've got a step-by-step tutorial to help you. Download Worksheet Receipt Management Download this worksheet to get an idea of what documents are required after your organization is granted with an award. Download Worksheet We Are Here To Help! For inquiries about the application process or the program, please call our office at 509.488.1413, email our team at admin@believeinme.org , or plan to join Live Office Hours with our Grants Administrator on weekdays at 11:00 am. Who can I give life insurance to? A beneficiary can be an individual, charity, a company or trust. If your beneficiary is an individual, they can be related to you, one of your kids, a husband or wife, a friend or or anyone else you happen to know. Charities are a common type of beneficiary as well. What value is used to determine my tax deduction if I change the ownership of my life insurance policy to a charity? The paid in cost basis of the policy or the fair market value of the policy, whichever is lower. How to gift life insurance proceeds without tax As long as your life insurance has not converted to a modified endowment contract, there will not be any tax due. Who pays tax on personal life insurance given as a gift? No one will be required to pay tax on personal life insurance given as a gift. Do colleges like receiving life insurance as charitable gifts? Yes. Other nonprofits, like Believe in Me, also enjoy the benefits of receiving life insurance proceeds as a charitable gift. Is a life insurance planned gift revocable? If you own the life insurance policy, you are able to change the beneficiary at any time. if you are changing ownership of the life insurance policy to a charity to gain the tax benefits, you will not be able to revoke your planned gift. Can you deduct life insurance premiums + gifting? You can maximize your tax savings if you make a cash donation to the charity, restricting use to making premium payments on your life insurance policy. Can a fractional part of a life insurance policy be gifted? Yes. You may gift a % or the entire policy to charity. Can you gift life insurance premium payments? Yes, but you can maximize your tax savings if you make a cash donation to the charity, restricting use to making premium payments on your life insurance policy. "We are truly excited to witness the influx of innovative programs from passionate applicants, all of whom share our unwavering commitment to our Five Pillars of Caring and the empowerment of marginalized youth." -Julie Wukelic, CEO of Believe in Me

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