The Northwest Fund started 2003 by making decisions to change our giving policies in response to the market downturn, and to streamline our grant application and review process.  At year end, we are financially sound and prepared for future downturns, and both Trustees and grantees seem to like our new grant application process.  After a difficult year of decisions, we came out stronger and more efficient.

The belt tightening forced us to look harder at the merits and potential impacts of each grant proposal.  In times of limited resources, we need everyone to pull together and see if we can, through collaboration and coordination, make the whole greater than the sum of its parts.  This is a challenge for grantees and grantors alike.

Beginning in 2004 Rod Brown will be our new President, Peter Golde our new Vice President, and Dave Mann and Parrish Jones will stay on as our Secretary and Treasurer respectively.

Please feel free to contact us to discuss your issues.  Like Margaret Meade, we don't doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.  And we want to help you.

Our best wishes to you for a successful 2004.
Derek Poon, Immediate Past President and Rod Brown, President