Workforce Southwest Washington And The Community Foundation Build Prosperity And Resilience With Department Of Commerce Funding (Photo) -01/22/25
Vancouver, Wash. (Jan. 22, 2025) -- Last Thursday, Workforce Southwest Washington (WSW) and the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington hosted United for Reinvestment, an event showcasing early successes spurred by $5.5 million in grants from the Washington State Department of Commerce's Community Reinvestment Project (CRP). These funds are being used to strengthen local businesses and nonprofits, especially those owned by or serving individuals from historically marginalized communities.
More than 80 people filled Fourth Plain Commons to hear from the diverse organizations putting CRP funds into action. Speakers touted the positive impact CRP funding is making in local communities and urged state legislators to continue funding the project in 2025. Attendees included area businesses, nonprofits, community leaders, elected officials and representatives from the Washington State Office of Equity.
"We appreciate the Department of Commerce for fostering investments that empower local businesses to grow and thrive sustainably," said Miriam Halliday, CEO of Workforce Southwest Washington. "Supporting small businesses strengthens the community and drives the vitality of the local economy."
WSW, a nonprofit and the regional workforce development board, is allocating approximately $3.6 million to bolster local small business growth and sustainability. These investments include funding for community partners whose programs help individuals find pathways to self-sufficiency through job training and employment.
The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington received $1.9 million to provide grants to local nonprofits through its Social Justice and Resiliency Fund. These dollars are improving communities by building the capacity of local nonprofits that provide vital services and advocate for those with fewer opportunities.
"Even at this early stage, these dollars have become a stabilizing force for dozens of organizations and community members," Community Foundation for Southwest Washington president Matt Morton said. "Targeted reinvestments like these allow our neighbors to overcome longstanding barriers and chart their own course to a better life."
CRP funding aims to support communities most impacted by failed policies like the war on drugs, particularly Black, Latine, and Tribal communities, businesses and organizations.
WSW Grant Recipients
| Business Impact NW | Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber | Lower Columbia Community Action Program |
| Fourth Plain Forward | LatinoBuilt | WorkSource |
Community Foundation Grant Recipients
| Ashby Family Services | LNESC Upward Bound | OneAmerica |
| Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program | Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon | Rooted Schools |
| Ethnic Support Council | Mullen-Polk Foundation | The Foundation |
| Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber | Multilingual Community Association | Unity Center |
| Hispanic Disability Support SWWA |
Northwest Native Chamber |
Youth & Family Link |
| Latino Community Resource Group | Odyssey World International Education Services | YWCA Clark County |
| Latino Leadership Northwest | One Community Health |
About Workforce Southwest Washington -- Workforce Southwest Washington (WSW) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the Local Workforce Development Board for Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties. WSW leads regional workforce development efforts, collaborating with partners to invest in workforce programs and services that equip individuals for employment, career growth, and self-sufficiency. WSW also supports business growth by funding and working with companies on recruitment, training, and employee retention.
About the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington -- Established in 1984, the Community Foundation helps residents create a flourishing and just southwest Washington by fostering impactful giving, trusted partnerships and civic engagement. Its team of experts has partnered with local donors and professional advisors to establish more than 380 charitable funds. Collectively, these funds expand opportunities every year by providing grants for nonprofits and scholarships for students. Find out how you can become a part of its giving community at cfsww.org.
