Blue Mountain Community Foundation
Blue Mountain Community Foundation (BMCF) is a public charity based in Walla Walla, Washington. Founded in 1984, it serves as a charitable foundation for the Blue Mountain region, connecting donors, charitable causes, and community needs. Its grantmaking includes support for organizations and scholarships for students pursuing higher education.
Blue Mountain Community Foundation at a glance
In short: Blue Mountain Community Foundation gave $5.5M across 121 grants in 2025 (avg $46K), mostly in Washington. 19% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $5,526,254
- -13.6% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 121
- +4.3% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $45,672
- -17.2% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $16,285
- Total assets
- $112,619,064
- +35.8% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 19% first-time grantees (23 of 118, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Washington (96% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Blue Mountain Community Foundation
- Contact
Mailing address: P O Box 603, Walla Walla, WA 99362
Phone: (509) 529-4371
Website: https://bluemountainfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
12 open opportunities from Blue Mountain Community Foundation
Blue Mountain Community Foundation Common Scholarship Grant
Blue Mountain Community Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Blue Mountain Community Foundation: Homer & Persephone Watts Scholarship Grant
Blue Mountain Community Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Blue Mountain Community Foundation: Unforeseen Needs Grant
Blue Mountain Community Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Blue Mountain Community Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Christian Aid Center ($501K). Together the top 10 received $2.5M.
Grant Size Distribution
601 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 449 grants of 601 (75%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
BMCF’s 2024 filing describes its grantmaking as primarily serving southeastern Washington’s Blue Mountain area and Umatilla County, Oregon. Its 2026 programs also identify service areas including Walla Walla County, Garfield County, Columbia County, Waitsburg, Milton-Freewater, Athena, and Weston. In 2025, 96% of reported grant dollars went to Washington recipients and 3% to Oregon recipients.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 121 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Blue Mountain Community Foundation open to new grantees?
19%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 23 of 118 grantees (19%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $24K; repeat grants $52K. How we count
Medians: $9K first-time, $21K repeat.
- 70% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (+12%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $2.4M (2020) to $7.9M (2021). In 2025 it made 121 grants totaling $5.5M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Christian Aid Center Walla Walla, WA | Various Purposes as Approved by BMCF Board | $501,340 |
| YWCA Walla Walla, WA | Various Purposes as Approved by BMCF Board | $301,944 |
| Blue Mountain Land Trust Walla Walla, WA | Various Purposes as Approved by BMCF Board | $279,903 |
| Providence St Mary Foundation Walla Walla, WA | Various Purposes as Approved by BMCF Board | $278,428 |
| Walla Walla Catholic Schools Walla Walla, WA | Various Purposes as Approved by BMCF Board | $226,894 |
| Walla Walla Community College Foundation Walla Walla, WA | Various Purposes as Approved by BMCF Board | $201,569 |
| Walla Walla Symphony Walla Walla, WA | Various Purposes as Approved by BMCF Board | $173,958 |
| Blue Mountain Humane Society Walla Walla, WA | Various Purposes as Approved by BMCF Board | $165,828 |
| Blue Mountain Action Council (Bmac) Walla Walla, WA | Various Purposes as Approved by BMCF Board | $156,765 |
| Vital Wines Walla Walla, WA | Various Purposes as Approved by BMCF Board | $152,148 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
BMCF’s website states that it had more than $130 million under management as of the first quarter of 2026.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $112,619,064 | $31,941,954 | $9,153,128 | $5,526,254 | 121 | $2,530,152 |
| 2024 | $82,907,759 | $13,107,627 | $9,069,814 | $6,394,639 | 116 | $1,060,318 |
| 2023 | $67,281,776 | $9,803,660 | $7,435,155 | $5,135,997 | 123 | $1,015,361 |
| 2022 | $59,624,094 | $14,162,735 | $8,776,364 | $4,953,962 | 107 | $1,385,720 |
| 2021 | $63,373,665 | $13,731,724 | $9,555,629 | $7,851,820 | 134 | $3,200,001 |
| 2020 | $47,717,463 | $3,712,861 | $4,058,196 | $2,422,010 | 76 | $1,083,480 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
BMCF’s mission is to be “the catalyst that transforms the Blue Mountain region by growing generosity and connecting people, charitable causes, and community needs.”
Its 2024 filing describes grants addressing basic needs, health and wellness, education, vibrant economies, arts and culture, neighborhoods and communities, and the environment. Examples of supported organizations illustrate this range: the YWCA says its mission is to eliminate racism and empower women; Blue Mountain Land Trust says it protects regional lands and waters; and Walla Walla Community College Foundation says it supports student access and educational excellence. Other 2025 grantees describe work in healthcare access, services for low-income families, animal welfare, and live orchestral music.
Grantmaking
In 2025, BMCF reported 121 grants totaling $5,526,254. Grant amounts ranged from $5,051 to $501,340, with a median of $16,285. In its 2024 filing, the foundation reported grants to 289 organizations and scholarship support for 348 students pursuing higher education.
Among the largest reported 2025 grants were $501,340 to Christian Aid Center, $301,944 to YWCA, $279,903 to Blue Mountain Land Trust, $278,428 to Providence St Mary Foundation, and $226,894 to Walla Walla Catholic Schools. The filing lists the purpose for these grants as “various purposes as approved by BMCF Board.”
BMCF’s 2026 Walla Walla County Community Grants program offers general operating support of up to $20,000 for eligible organizations serving Walla Walla County. The Milton-Freewater, Athena, Weston Community Grants program offers general operating support of up to $10,000 for eligible organizations serving those Oregon communities. Both programs’ 2026 application windows ran from August 1 through August 31, with decisions expected in mid-November; those deadlines have passed. The stated eligibility categories include 501(c)(3) public charities, private operating foundations, religious organizations with an IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter, and municipalities, including tribal governments. Other organizations may apply through a fiscal sponsor.
The Shindig Fund supports FFA chapters and 4-H clubs serving Walla Walla County, Milton-Freewater, Athena, and Weston, with grants intended to increase youth access and reduce participation barriers. Listed exclusions include for-profit organizations, individuals, political or lobbying activities, endowments, fundraising events and sponsorships, and expenses already incurred or debt.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Barbara Roloff as chair, Cindy Widmer as vice chair, Bob Cox as treasurer, and Debbie Fortner as secretary. It also lists Jay Takemura as former secretary, Mark Sherry as chair emeritus, and Gary Ponti, Melissa Clubb, Bertha Poirier Clayton, and Tom Sawatzki as trustees.
Blue Mountain Community Foundation is led by Kol Medina, CEO on every filing since 2021; 1 of 18 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Kol Medina
CEO
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$10K (2021) → $173K (2025)
Barbara Roloff
Chair
Treasurer → Secretary, 2022
Secretary → Chair, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Bertha Poirier Clayton
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Gary Ponti
Trustee
President → Past Chair, 2022
Past Chair → Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tom Sawatzki
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Vesna Dodge
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Melissa Clubb
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sandy Garcia
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Casey Waddell
Trustee
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dennis Ledford
Trustee
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kent Marquardt
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lori Asmus
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rick Rambo
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jay Takemura
Former Secretary
Vice Chair → Secretary, 2024
Secretary → Former Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mark Sherry
Chair Emeritus
Vice President → Chair, 2022
Chair → Chair Emeritus, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Bob Cox
Treasurer
Trustee → Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Cindy Widmer
Vice Chair
Trustee → Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Debbie Fortner
Secretary
Trustee → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (14)
- Former: Chris Drabek (2020–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Greg Pepin (2021–2024) — Former Treasurer
- Former: Corinne Sams (2023–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Mark Kajita (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Sandi Blackaby (2020–2022) — Past President
- Former: Steve Van Ausdle (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Rodney Outlaw (2021–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Teri Barilla (2021–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Hollina Wadsworth (2022) — Trustee
- Former: Kari Isaacson (2020–2021) — Executive Director
- Former: Michelle Janning (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Norm Passmore (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Sherilee Coffey (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Tony Billingsley (2020) — Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $173K, to Kol Medina (CEO).
Frequently asked questions about Blue Mountain Community Foundation
How much does Blue Mountain Community Foundation give each year?
Blue Mountain Community Foundation gave $5.5M across 121 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $6.4M across 116 grants.
What is Blue Mountain Community Foundation's typical grant size?
Blue Mountain Community Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $16,285, and its average grant was $45,672, across 121 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Blue Mountain Community Foundation that year got $24K on average.
Where does Blue Mountain Community Foundation give grants?
Blue Mountain Community Foundation gives mostly in Washington: 96% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Walla Walla, WA (72 grants), Dayton, WA (17 grants), College Place, WA (6 grants) and Pendleton, OR (5 grants).
Does Blue Mountain Community Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 121 grants with a stated purpose on Blue Mountain Community Foundation's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Various Purposes as Approved by BMCF Board" (121 grants).
Who are Blue Mountain Community Foundation's largest grantees?
Blue Mountain Community Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Christian Aid Center ($501,340), YWCA ($301,944) and Blue Mountain Land Trust ($279,903), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 20% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Blue Mountain Community Foundation?
Blue Mountain Community Foundation reported $112.6M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $31.9M.
What does Blue Mountain Community Foundation fund?
BMCF’s mission is to be “the catalyst that transforms the Blue Mountain region by growing generosity and connecting people, charitable causes, and community needs.” See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Blue Mountain Community Foundation?
Blue Mountain Community Foundation has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check bluemountainfoundation.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Blue Mountain Community Foundation's EIN?
Blue Mountain Community Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 91-1250104. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS December 22, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS December 16, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS January 26, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS January 16, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS December 6, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS December 3, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Blue Mountain Community Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Funders that support many of the same organizations
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Sherwood Trust funds community-building, organizational capacity, and capital projects that strengthen belonging and well-being in the Walla Walla Valley, including Walla Walla and Columbia counties in Washington and Milton-Freewater, Oregon. Its 2024 grants ranged from $200 to $160,000, with a median of $5,000. It uses a competitive Core Grant process beginning with a Letter of Interest; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests outside that process.
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Assets
—
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The trust primarily funds youth programs, especially summer programs for children and young people, with other charitable purposes considered secondarily. It generally awards up to $5,000 per grant to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in the Walla Walla, Washington, area. Organizations can request an application from Baker Boyer Bank Wealth Management; the filing does not say whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
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George T Welch Testamentary Trust
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The trust funds scholarships for students and nonprofit projects that enrich Walla Walla County, Washington. Its 2025 grants ranged from $54 to $5,000, with a median of $1,500; community grants offer eligible nonprofits up to $4,000. It accepts unsolicited requests.
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Lamb Weston Charitable Foundation
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The foundation funds 501(c)(3) community programs, employee matching gifts, and scholarships for employees’ children, with recent grants supporting food banks and hunger relief. In 2024, grants ranged from $5,000 to $795,172, with a median of $40,565, and supported communities where Lamb Weston operates and employees live and work, including Idaho, Minnesota, Washington, and Oregon. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
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Total Given
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Blue Mountain Community Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 9, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/blue-mountain-community-foundation-morg_7f9b22e420be4cd5bd2fc3d868a61812
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_911250104_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Blue Mountain Community Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/blue-mountain-community-foundation-morg_7f9b22e420be4cd5bd2fc3d868a61812},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-09. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Blue Mountain Community Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Blue Mountain Community Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?