Kathleen Sutton Fund

Since its inception in 2003 the Kathleen Sutton Fund has assisted 1,263 women with over $769,184
In 2018 the fund formed an "Outreach Committee" to identify resources to increase the number of women assisted by the Kathleen Sutton Fund, within its identified area (Clallam, Jefferson, Kitsap, and Mason counties, within the state of Washington) by 10% and is slated to continue during the upcoming year (2022). In 2021 the fund distributed $122,475 of transportation reimbursement, to 168 women.

The Kathleen Sutton Fund has formed an "Outreach Committee", with the primary focus to identify and mobilize resources to reach an increased number of women within its assistance area. The planned initial outreach will consist of identifying and making contact with those resources/groups that may be in contact with women in need, and also not familiar with the fund and how it works.
Areas of Contact:
Womens Groups
Nurse Managers/Nurses within centers/clinics
Cancer Support Groups
Chambers of Commerce
Assisted Living Facilities
WA State Ferry/Bus Lines/Transport Services
Provide information/fliers/contact information regarding the fund and available assistance.
Schedule presentations/introductions with appropriate resources.
During the pandemic the mission and goals for the Kathleen Sutton Fund have not changed. We have continued to do Outreach through mailings and online meetings, with the primary goal to reach an increased number of women in need of assistance.

The Kathleen Sutton Fund has been very fortunate and honored to have generous donors, contributors, and sponsors. Our annual auction and in 2020-21 because of the inability to have an in-person auction, The Kathleen Sutton Fund Day of Giving was successful, and has had its expenses covered by our community sponsors. In addition, the 1st annual luncheon was initiated with the plan to implement as a "traveling annual luncheon", to the 4 counties that the fund reaches. This increased exposure of the fund will be positive, with a focus on education. Each has allowed 100% of the earnings of our primary fundraisers to go directly to the women we assist.
In 2018, because of the generosity of our individual donors and foundations, the Kathleen Sutton Fund was able to work with a financial advisor to set up a sustainability fund. One of the goals of the KSF Board of Directors, is to assure sustainability. The primary source of income for KSF has been its annual auction event. The sustainability fund provides the assurance that if the auction was not able, for whatever reason, to happen, the funding to the women would continue.
The Kathleen Sutton Fund is supported by a volunteer Board of Directors, its committee members, and volunteers. The funds first paid employee was hired in July of 2021, with the role of Director of Development. The role is positioned to increase outreach, funding, and connection with the community.

The Outreach Committee has developed a schedule/list of contacts and produced the resources to introduce the fund to an increased population. We will continue to document these resources, add to the list, and monitor the numbers of women (specifically new clients) and evaluate how and where these new contacts were made.
The Kathleen Sutton Fund, because of a generous donation from the Bainbridge Community Foundation, has completed both a Board Development and Strategic Plan, that will map out the progress, growth, and sustainability of the fund.