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After raising more than $26 million from private donors, government partners, religious institutions and corporations, the Lynnwood Neighborhood Center is turning to the broader community to raise the final $351,000 needed to unlock the remaining $318,000 available through a $1 million matching challenge and complete the campaign.
Reaching the goal will allow the center to operate debt-free, ensuring resources remain focused on serving the thousands of residents across South Snohomish County and surrounding communities who need support most, the Neighborhood Center said in a news release.
To encourage community participation, travel author, broadcaster and philanthropist Rick Steves has committed a $1 million matching challenge for community donations. More than half of the match has already been fulfilled, with $318,000 still available to double the impact of gifts made before the campaign closes on June 30.
The community portion of the fundraising campaign marks the final stretch of a project that has created a welcoming gathering space for all members of the community, designed to address a critical shortage of human services in the region. The LNC is a collaborative effort between Trinity Lutheran Church & Schools, Rick Steves and Volunteers of America Western Washington, which owns and operates the center.
Many residents in the surrounding area struggle to afford basic necessities such as food, clothing, rent, transportation, utilities and medical care, the news release said. The LNC is designed to meet those needs head-on, bringing together trusted service partners under one roof to deliver coordinated, lasting impact.
“South Snohomish County is a community I’ve called home my entire life,” Steves said. “The Lynnwood Neighborhood Center is our chance to make sure that everyone in this community, no matter their background or circumstance, has access to the resources they need to thrive. I’m proud to be part of this effort, and I’m asking our neighbors to join us for this final push.”
Developed with direct input from the communities it will serve, the LNC offers access to quality healthcare, educational opportunities for children and youth, economic stability and workforce development resources, and programming designed to strengthen community connection across generations and cultures.
The center’s integrated model brings together service partners to improve the conditions that shape long-term health and well-being, helping create stronger and more sustainable outcomes for individuals and families.
Donations can be made online at lnc.org. To learn more or give by phone, contact Joel Feldman, philanthropy officer with Volunteers of America Western Washington, at [email protected] or 425-474-5785.
Donations can also be mailed to:
Volunteers of America Western Washington
PO Box 839
Everett, WA 98206
Donors contributing $1,000 or more by June 30 will be recognized on the Lynnwood Neighborhood Center donor wall, creating a lasting tribute to the individuals and organizations who helped bring this community space to life.
Community members are also invited to attend Piazza of Possibilities, an Evening of Support, on June 27 at the Lynnwood Neighborhood Center. Proceeds from the event will support completion of the campaign. Tickets are available at https://bit.ly/pop-2026
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