Supporter Spotlights — North Cascades Institute

North Cascades Institute is so grateful for the many supporters who make transformative learning experiences in nature possible – from individuals, businesses who give cash and in-kind, grant funders, service clubs, and much more. Thank you!

Hugh Campbell and Dianne Dalton, Individual Retirement Account (IRA) Donors

We want to share our immense appreciation for Hugh Campbell and Dianne Dalton who started their endowment at North Cascades Institute in 2018 after taking the minimum distribution from Hugh’s IRA (Individual Retirement Account). Giving from their IRA is an easy way to have a tax-deferred donation every year that helps kids get outdoors who otherwise wouldn’t have such opportunity. Hugh spent over 36 years climbing with The Mountaineers (he was 66 when he did his last climb at South Early Winter’s Spire) and it’s where he and Dianne met (she asked for help during a map & compass class). They have also been volunteers for Washington Trails Association, Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group, and Friends of Camano Island Parks for more than 20 years. “I believe getting young people outside is the only way youth will know there is something worth saving,” said Hugh. “I wished I would have had something like Mountain School when I was in 5th grade,” said Dianne.

Learn more about how to make a meaningful and tax-efficient investment for the future by donating from your IRA today!

Jon and Joan Christoffersen, Donor Advised Fund (DAF) Supporters

Many thanks to Jon and Joan Christoffersen who have been Institute supporters since 2005 and have been giving through their Donor Advised Fund (DAF) since 2009!

“We love nature and we love the North Cascades! We believe the future is in the hands of the next generation. Giving annually to North Cascades Institute through our DAF marries good tax planning with giving that fosters environmental stewardship for years to come. While it was a tax-driven decision to establish our DAF, it has been a perfect way to leverage our charitable objectives. There is a lot of information available about DAFs, but the basic idea is to take a highly appreciated asset, receive full tax credit for your 'donation' to your DAF, yet avoid paying any capital gain on your sale to the DAF. There are some administrative and financial restrictions to be aware of, so donors should chat with a financial advisor or estate attorney to make certain that establishing a DAF is suitable for them and that they are following the rules. With that being said, it is NOT complicated!”

Learn more about why Donor Advised Funds have surged in popularity in recent years as one the easiest and most tax-advantageous ways to give.

Celicia Yeoman and Cambia Health Foundation

Many thanks to Celicia Yeoman who has been supporting the Institute through Cambia Health Solutions’ workplace giving campaign since 2017. “I wanted to support the Institute's efforts in making sure that kids had access to learning about the North Cascades."

We also want to thank Cambia Health Foundation for providing a 50% match to all of Celicia’s donations!

There are many other companies and organizations that offer annual employee giving campaigns, donations through payroll deduction, and corporate matching opportunities. Check with your Human Resources Department to see what programs they offer and maximize your power to foster environmental stewardship today!

Jan Stack-Leuze and Jeffrey Leuze, Headwaters Club Legacy Circle Members

Jan and Jeffrey have been generous Institute supporters since 2017 and became Headwaters Club Legacy Circle members that same year after notifying us that they had named the Institute as a beneficiary in their estate plans.

"When we first met Saul Weisberg in the spring of 2017 on his visit to eastern Washington and heard his vision for the growth of NCI, we knew this was something we wanted to support. While our support started with the graduate program, we know that continuing to support the education of young people in conservation, especially in such a beautiful place as the North Cascades, is absolutely vital. It is for this reason that we decided to leave NCI a legacy gift in our wills and will continue to support their efforts in educating children of all ages on the importance of protecting our vulnerable environment."

You can join our Headwaters Club Legacy Circle and leave the world a better place by naming the Institute as a beneficiary in your will, life insurance plan, trust, or retirement account.

Brian & Joan Poor, Monthly Donors

Brian and Joan have been generous Institute supporters and engaged participants since 2010 and started contributing monthly in 2017.

We love and support NCI for the wonder and the wander of the North Cascades.

For the wonder of mountain lady slippers along a beaver pond, and for tiny wrens with big voices perched somewhere on rocky canyon walls. For the wonder of Lily and her cubs on Sourdough and the glacial turquoise of Diablo.

For the wander among mossy logs and dappled trails with new friends and passionate naturalists at the gorgeous Environmental Learning Center. For the wander with sketchbooks and guidebooks, and the wild joy of discovery of the Skagit flats and the North Cascades.

In short, we support North Cascades Institute because we want to share the wealth of lifelong curiosity and the rich joy of wonder and exploration. We support engaged learning of our watersheds and ecosystems for the youth of our region and applaud their leadership forward.

With gratitude to all, Joan and Brian Poor

You can make a big impact by giving small! Monthly giving is a budget-friendly way—starting at just $5 per month— to provide the Institute with dependable funding to help even more people experience the North Cascades.

Gear Aid, Corporate Partner

For over a decade, Gear Aid has helped keep our youth programs and our gear going strong on backcountry adventures. From providing in-kind gifts, repairs, and funding, Gear Aid has helped the Institute offer hundreds of students life-changing experiences in nature. We're honored to be one of their ongoing partner organizations, working together to champion renewal, reuse and preservation in the outdoors.

To learn more and shop Gear Aid's product line, visit gearaid.com/shop.