Major Gift Supports Student Scholarships at Critical Time

A new donor to Eastern Washington University (EWU) has generously pledged $1.35 million in scholarship support to ensure students in need are able to graduate.

The gift from the Krumble Foundation, a Spokane charitable organization, includes a match challenging other donors to give and help change the course of these students’ lives during this difficult economic time.

“EWU is very grateful to partner with the Krumble Foundation to positively impact our hard-working students,” says Lisa Poplawski-Lewis, associate vice president of Philanthropy and Campaign director at Eastern. “Many of our students work part-time or multiple jobs. They use their Eagle grit to overcome academic and personal obstacles to secure a better future for themselves and their families. However, some need extra financial assistance to prevail.”

The gift will support four Krumble Foundation programs at EWU:

• Soaring Eagle Scholarship Fund: This fund will help up to 45 qualified juniors and seniors per academic year who have financial need and are assisting themselves in paying for college. Each student will be awarded $6,000. Lorren Morgan, a senior in the Biology Department’s Pre-Medical/Pre-Dental Program, is one of the first Soaring Eagle recipients. “I Look forward to growing and being able to serve others through medicine in the near future,” he says. “These funds will certainly help me continue to focus on both school and service.”
• Krumble Foundation Scholarship Match: As an incentive to encourage others to follow their lead, the Krumble Foundation will match qualifying (new/lapsed) donations made to student scholarships at Eastern through July 1. This match is part of EWU’s new Eagle Strong Scholarship Campaign. The Krumble Foundation dollar-for-dollar match will go to the Soaring Eagle fund, up to $250k.
• Krumble Foundation Micro-Grant Fund: Awarded to continuing students who are in good academic standing and are highly likely to graduate, but cannot register for the next quarter because of $1,000 or more in unpaid tuition and fees.
• Krumble Foundation Internship Stipend Program: Valuable internship opportunities sometimes come with housing or food expenses students can’t afford. Eagles working in unpaid internships at nonprofit or governmental agencies can apply for a one-time stipend of up to $3,000.

 Founded in 2019 to primarily support education, the Krumble Foundation founders are passionate about helping students who may just need that extra push to make it to the finish line. Their well-thought-out areas of support will benefit the entire community by ensuring more well-trained and ambitious employees enter the regional workforce.

The donors hope they can inspire additional alumni, parents, and friends of Eastern to consider a gift of any amount to support student scholarships—especially those who show that Eagle grit.

Please follow this link to support the Eagle Strong Scholarship Campaign.