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Pendleton Foundation Trust Welcomes Hegarty as Inaugural Executive Director

The Pendleton Foundation Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Tiffany Hegarty as its inaugural Executive Director. This strategic move marks a significant milestone for the 96-year-old organization as it solidifies its commitment to enhancing the well-being of the Pendleton community.

Tiffany Hegarty brings to the Pendleton Foundation Trust a successful career history in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership. With a proven track record, Tiffany has consistently demonstrated a passion for creating positive change. As Development Director for the Pendleton Center for the Arts she helped secure approximately $500,000 in grants and contributions in two years with the local arts organization.

“I am honored and excited to join the Pendleton Foundation Trust.” Tiffany said. “This is an incredible opportunity to contribute to the betterment of Pendleton, and I look forward to working closely with the board and community partners to make a meaningful impact.”

Tiffany brings deep experience in philanthropy, with more than 30 years in the sector. In her role as a consultant, she has been instrumental in assisting numerous nonprofit organizations in achieving their missions through strategic planning and resource development. She has worked with several prominent statewide foundations including The Oregon Community Foundation and The Ford Family Foundation.

Beyond her professional achievements, Tiffany, along with her husband Mike, has been a proud resident of Pendleton since 2007, where they have raised two children, Morgan and Reilly. She is a board member of the Education Foundation of Pendleton and previously served on the Children’s Museum of Oregon’s Board of Directors.

As the inaugural Executive Director, Tiffany Hegarty will be instrumental in shaping the strategic vision of the Pendleton Foundation Trust. She will lead the organization in its commitment to fostering community well-being, supporting local initiatives, and building lasting partnerships.

The Board of Directors has expressed their excitement and confidence in Tiffany’s ability to lead the foundation into a new era. “Tiffany Hegarty’s exceptional leadership qualities and dedication to community philanthropy make her the perfect fit for the Pendleton Foundation Trust. We are thrilled to welcome her on board and look forward to achieving new heights under her guidance,” said Board Chair Lonnie Read.

As part of its commitment to sustained growth and impact on the Pendleton community, the Pendleton Foundation Trust is actively exploring opportunities to secure dedicated office space to establish a permanent home to further enhance its capacity for community engagement and collaboration.

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There are many ways to contribute to the Pendleton Foundation Trust!

— PLANNED GIVING —


The moto of the Pendleton Foundation Trust is “Pendleton People Helping Pendleton People.”
Established in 1928 the Pendleton Foundation Trust is the oldest community foundation in the State of Oregon and with over $6 million in assets the Pendleton Foundation grants tens of thousands of dollars yearly to organizations that promote the well-being of the citizens and inhabitants of Pendleton. Countless programs have been supported over the last 93 years.

Leave a legacy of your values and vision to the Pendleton Foundation through naming the Pendleton Foundation as a beneficiary of your will, retirement plan, life insurance policy or other planned giving vehicles. With a planned gift you can, enhance the livability of Pendleton, improve the lifestyle in Pendleton, and strengthen Pendleton for generations to come.

Contact the Pendleton Foundation Trust at 541-276-3331 – PO Box 218, Pendleton OR 97801 or contact your attorney and your financial advisor. Let them know you are considering a planned gift to the Pendleton Foundation. They can assist you in determining what type of gift best suits your personal and financial circumstances. Thank you for your support.


— CREATIVE GIVING —


Did you know there are many ways you can contribute to the Pendleton Foundation Trust? Your accountant or financial professional could help guide you to access funds that you may like to contribute. Most everyone knows they can write a check as a charitable donation to the Trust, but there are other ways that may be a benefit to you when it comes to tax time.

If you’re over 72 you are required to take Required Minimum Distributions from your Individual Retirement Account. Many times these distributions can be directly routed to PFT through your financial professional at distribution time. If you have a portion of your nest egg that you would like to use to offset a tax bill, a good way to do it is to make a charitable contribution to the Pendleton Foundation Trust.

How about proceeds from a well performing portfolio outside of an IRA? You can pay capital gains on the profit, or donate some of the proceeds to the Pendleton Foundation Trust. You can even gift actual shares of stock that you own. Make an appointment with your financial professional today for a consultation on how you can lower your personal tax liability and help your community at the same time, through a creative charitable contribution to Pendleton Foundation Trust!


— DIGITAL GIVING —


Did you know The Pendleton Foundation has updated its ability for offering digital giving? As we saw the growth of digital giving continue to grow, the Pendleton Foundation made an update to its website to make online giving convenient, fast, and secure options for your online donation considerations.

It’s as simple as clicking a button.

You will be able to choose how you support the foundation online with your donations as well. You have the ability to designate your gift as a general donation, a memorial gift, in honor of someone or to celebrate an occasion. And did you know that your donation supports community organizations in Pendleton, never leaving our community! Scholarships awarded through the Pendleton Foundation Trust are given to students who have attended and graduated from Pendleton School District. Your donations support local nonprofits and people right here in our community, leaving a lasting legacy.

Another way we have improved our website is by offering a convenient, fast, and secure option for those who are applying for grant funding. And again, it is as simple as clicking a button and following the prompts which walk you through the application process.

If you are a student or know a student you’ll find the scholarship application form streamlined as well. Just go to our website.

The Pendleton Foundation Trust is a non-profit, charitable organization that was founded in May 1928. Its purpose is to assist, encourage and promote the well-being of the citizens and inhabitants of the City of Pendleton, Oregon. In line with this purpose, it receives gifts of money and property from interested persons and organizations. In turn, it invests this money and property and receives and expends the income produced by this money and property annually for the benefit of the City of Pendleton and its inhabitants.
www.pendletonfoundationtrust.com

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Forever in Blue Jeans

I am often asked why I live in Pendleton. I usually respond that I prefer “the small-town feel” or “the slower pace of life,” but the question deserves a deeper, more thoughtful answer. For the most part, I am here because I was born and raised in Pendleton. According to the US Census Bureau, 72% of Americans live in or near the place where they grew up. Beyond the statistics, why do I choose to live in a small Oregon town, not lured away to the opportunities of the big city or the year-round warmth down south? If you Google the benefits of small-town living, you see reasons from brighter stars in the night sky to less traffic and fresh air. All these are good reasons, but I haven’t hitched my wagon to Pendleton to see brighter stars. For me, it’s a blue-jeans thing. You know, when you find that pair of pants that really fit you, you just want to wear them every day. Even though you can buy another pair the same size, it’s just not the same feel. With Pendleton, it’s about our unique identity.

We have a strong sense of community and history here in Pendleton. The story of the “Old West” is kept alive by our Pendleton Underground Tours, Umatilla Historical Society, and the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute; they remind us of where our town came from. The Pendleton Center for the Arts and Crow’s Shadow enrich our lives with world-class art and the Oregon East Symphony fills our ears and hearts with beautiful music several times a year. New events are being added every year including the Cattle Barons Weekend, Pendleton Whisky Music Fest, the Old Iron Show and Oktoberfest Pendleton. And, of course, you can’t hear the name “Pendleton” without thinking of the Round-Up and the Woolen Mills.

Even beyond these cultural attractions, we have a different approach to living here. The bonds between neighbors here are stronger and the sense of belonging is more profound than you might find in the big city. In Pendleton, people make the difference and volunteerism is at the heart of being a Pendletonian. If you are not finding Pendleton as enjoyable as you would like, get involved in our community. I urge you to volunteer your time and your talents and you can also volunteer by donating. Help out and contribute to your favorite non-profit organization or simply volunteer to help your neighbor. Pendleton has a plethora of causes and organizations to support. I guarantee that you will benefit just as much as those you serve and our community will be better for it.

Getting involved and staying engaged keep our community bonds strong and together we all make Pendleton a remarkable place to live. So, just like putting on that comfy pair of blue jeans, we can all get up every day, support our community, and be thankful we are at home here in Pendleton.

– Lonnie Read, Director, Pendleton Foundation Trust Board

Giving in a pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Directors met virtually to decide on Spring 2020 grants – a meeting that would have been together in a board room.

During these difficult times, and always, we are dedicated to aiding organizations in need with financial grants. Because of our donors and efforts made by our longstanding Board of Directors, we are able to fund a number of grants to numerous non-profit organizations in Pendleton, Oregon.

Lonnie Read, who serves on the PFT Board of Directors writes,

“I feel a sense of pride to be part of an organization that is helping other non-profits in Pendleton.  Working with a strong board who is dedicated to the task of making Pendleton better, gives me a deep satisfaction that I am doing my part. 

Many non-profits are operating on a shoestring and are is desperate need of funding special projects.  That is where the Pendleton Foundation Trust can step in and help.”

This spring, we announced allocations totaling $97,320.00 to 13 organizations and 7 memorial trust funds. Though our board room environment looked a bit different (we met virtually), the pandemic didn’t stop us from coming together – as we usually do – to go through applications from incredible organizations in our community. It has been the board’s focus to always map back to our purpose.

  • To assist civic and educational undertakings whether now supported by private gifts or public taxation.
  • To improve educational and scientific research.
  • To improve living conditions or to provide recreation or recreational grounds for all classes.
  • For such other civic or public purposes as will best make for the mental, moral and physical improvement of the inhabitants of the city of Pendleton.

Every time we go through the selection process, we are reminded of how proud we are to live in this community. So many people are working tirelessly to make our world – our Pendleton – a better place to live. If you haven’t already, take a look at our Spring grants for 2020, and learn about the inspiring organizations in our community. Advocating for not-for profits financially in Pendleton is in our DNA. We are Pendleton people, helping Pendleton people.

If you’d like to learn more about making an impact on Pendleton by donating to the Pendleton Foundation Trust, please click here.

Q&A with Board member, Pat Terjeson

We sat down with one of our longest serving Board members, Pat Terjeson who shared some insight into the amazing work we get to do and how she feels about our impact.

PFT: How many years have you lived in Pendleton?

PT: I was born and raised in Pendleton. I have lived in Eugene for four years, while I attended the University. Following my husband’s two years tour in the army on the east coast and Newfoundland, we returned to Eastern Oregon and farmed in the Helix County for 30 years. He raised wheat and cattle with his brothers.

PFT: What brought you to Pendleton?

PT: I moved back into Pendleton in 1983, and am living in the same house where I grew up.

PFT: How many years have you served on the PFT board? And what makes you so committed to our cause?

PT: I joined the Pendleton Foundation Trust (PFT) Board in 1996. Every time I leave a board meeting where we have made our grants, I feel happy because I know that we have helped so many others achieve their goals of improving their organizations’ projects. That is special.

Serving on the PFT Board has given me the most satisfaction of any of my other volunteer endeavors because of the good that is done to improve our community and its citizens.

PFT: Why is charitable giving so important?

PT: It is wonderful to work with the local people to help our students earn scholarships for their education following graduation from high school. Many of the same students benefited from our grants while they were attending school in Pendleton.

PFT: Why is charitable giving so important?

PT: Pendletonians gifts to our foundations are often a reason for them to celebrate or honor a friend. Some are matching gift donations with an employer. Others are memorials given in memory of a friend. Some choose to make an investment in Pendleton’s future with estate planning and bequests of stocks, bonds, cash, or other assets.

PFT: Why is the PFT so special?

PT: I am proud that the Pendleton Foundation Trust has made such a profound investment in Pendleton’s future for 92 years and counting. Our plan is to be Pendleton people helping Pendleton people.

PFT: Tell us a highlight during your service on the board.

PT: One of the highlights of my service on the Board took place in 2011, when the PFT received the Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals of the Oregon and S.W. Washington Chapter. The 25th annual celebration and luncheon was held at the Portland Hilton Hotel and attended by most of our Board members.

(left to right) Pat with her granddaughter, Addie Corey and daughter, Jan Hoffman
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Biggerstaff Joins PFT Board

Donna Biggerstaff, Board Member

PRESS RELEASE — The Pendleton Foundation Trust recently welcomed its newest board member, Donna Biggerstaff. Mayor John Turner appointed Biggerstaff to fill retired member Kathy Houk’s position as the city of Pendleton representative.

Celebrating more than 90 years of supporting Pendleton, the board ensures a wide range of perspective and experience in order to serve the community in the most positive and influential way. As an administrative assistant and deputy city recorder, Biggerstaff is well versed in community partnerships and brings a strong skill set to the PFT board. Heavily involved in Pendleton, she currently volunteers for many organizations, including Young Life, Altrusa International of Pendleton and P.E.O. Chapter CM.

“Having grown up in Pendleton, I’m honored to be part of such an amazing organization that provides funds to support many diverse needs in our community from a Round-Up sign to library carpet,” Biggerstaff said. “The people of Pendleton are worth investing in and I’m thrilled to play a role in such an awesome cause.”

A Foundation you can trust

*By Dr. John McBee, Guest Contributor 

With all the worthy places to donate your money in Pendleton, how do you select the right organization? You have to consider several important factors:

  • Where will you get the greatest satisfaction in giving to a certain charity?
  • Is this entity known for spending most of its income responsibly?
  • Will the organization honor your wishes as to how it will spend your contribution?

I have lived in Pendleton for 80 years and in that time, I have observed many charitable organizations. I can assure you that the Pendleton Foundation Trust treats each contribution with the utmost care and puts it to use to make this community a better place for its residents. Since its formation in 1928, the Pendleton Foundation Trust has built an impeccable reputation for wisely allocating its funds to improve the quality of life in Pendleton. With many charities, your funds are sent and you have no way of knowing how or where your contribution is spent. The Pendleton Foundation Trust thoroughly reviews and researches each request. If funds are granted, they may be used only for the specific purpose that was approved. If there are funds remaining after the project has been completed, the money is returned to the Foundation. You can be assured that your money is valued and carefully spent. Throughout this community, you will see the evidence of the grants the Foundation has made to make Pendleton a better place.

Dr. John Mcbee passed away in August of this year. He was a man of community in the truest form. We were honored by his service on our board for 43 years. His legacy will continue to inspire us all for years to come.