History, accomplishments, and transition of the Kirkland Community Foundation

Mar 10, 2025 6:40 PM

Carmin Dalziel of Kirkland Community Foundation

Carmin Dalziel is the executive director of the Kirkland Community Foundation. During Carmin's talk, she plans to share about the foundation's history, key accomplishments in the community, and the transition from a parks foundation to a broader community foundation. She'll highlight the foundation's role in supporting local nonprofits and initiatives, as well as how it helps people in our community build their best life through philanthropy and partnerships.

In its first five years, the Foundation raised over $443,000 for park projects. During this time, it became clear that Kirklanders’ interests extended beyond park enhancements to broader community initiatives. In 2020, recognizing the community’s expanding needs, KCF rebranded and broadened its mission to become the Kirkland Parks & Community Foundation. With an expanded mission, KCF can now support a variety of causes important to Kirkland’s residents. While park projects remain a focus, KCF has taken on other issues, like homelessness and education. Its first major project was raising funds for a counseling center at The Sophia Way, a shelter for women and children. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, KCF acted quickly to provide support for homeless families and hungry school kids.

Carmin is a long-term Kirkland resident, enjoying the beauty of the Pacific Northwest through hiking and kayaking, and frequently visiting her favorite local parks like Waverly Beach Park. With a successful career spanning various industries, Carmin brings a wealth of experience in business development, government, non-profits, and churches to her role as Executive Director of the Kirkland Community Foundation. She has a deep passion for leadership, fostering high-performing teams, and building strong community relations. Carmin has also been recognized on the Northshore Wall of Honor for her contributions. With her grown daughter now thriving on her own and her loyal dog, Pinot, by her side, Carmin is fully invested in the work KCF does to enhance the Kirkland community. She is proud to contribute her fundraising expertise, public speaking skills, and dedication to sustainable growth, and she is excited to help shape a brighter, more inclusive future for all.