History & Mission

Blue Mountain Community Foundation started in 1984 based on the idea that the area needed a place for donors who cared about the community to make long-term investments. Joining a community foundation movement in the United States that began in 1914, BMCF is one of over 650 community foundations. A group of 36 local citizens, under the guidance of Pete Peery and John Reese, were the initial corporate members that resolved to form a non-profit corporation. Since securing its first endowed fund, the Foundation has grown to over $26 million in 250 charitable funds.

The Foundation is committed to:

• Be a constructive catalyst in the local philanthropic community to identify problems and opportunities and to shape effective responses to them
• Honor intent and meet the charitable objectives of donors through offering a variety of fund types and accepting gifts of various forms and amounts
• Make grants addressing needs identified in area communities across the domains of basic needs, health & wellness, education, economy, arts & culture, neighborhoods & communities and the environment
• Award scholarships to students seeking higher education
• Be a competent fiduciary in management of the Foundation's assets understanding the investment horizon and associated risks
• Serve Walla Walla, Columbia and Garfield Counties in Washington, and Northern Umatilla County in Oregon
• Recruit and retain the best people to serve as volunteers and staff
• Use technology to advance the Foundation's mission
• Assess and evaluate progress relative to the goals and objectives of the Foundation's Strategic Plan

The Foundation will be a leader in community philanthropy.