Leadership Circle Spotlight: Vicky Marsing
Vicky Marsing’s community work has had ripple effects across the Island. While starting her journey at Bainbridge Schools Foundation, she joined Bainbridge Community Foundation’s (BCF) Leadership Circle when the program started in 2017. BCF, considered “the bedrock of this community” by Vicky, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
After Vicky Marsing moved back to Bainbridge Island from Denmark in the late 2000s with her second- and fourth-grade children, she was intent on ensuring teachers could keep their jobs and children could have access to quality education even when the budget was tight. Vicky quickly became deeply involved with what is now the Bainbridge Schools Foundation, stepping in to support the school system during a period of financial need. With her background as a trained engineer, she brought a sharp analytical mind to the work, finding ways to strengthen the foundation and to use data to bridge the gap between the schools’ needs and the resources available..jpeg)
Vicky Marsing, a longtime member of the Bainbridge Island community, is a powerful example of someone whose contributions have made a lasting local impact. Vicky went on to serve as Executive Director of Bainbridge Schools Foundation, helping to foster a deeply community-driven approach to fundraising, where people were eager to contribute once they saw the need.
After retiring from Bainbridge Schools Foundation in 2016, Vicky attended a house party where she met Jim Hopper, the Executive Director of Bainbridge Community Foundation (BCF). She was immediately struck by the depth of BCF’s impact. After several conversations with Jim and learning more about the organization, she decided to join the board, beginning a new chapter of dedication to the community. She was particularly impressed with BCF’s community-led grantmaking process, where volunteers help vet and evaluate applications to ensure funding goes where it is most needed.
“BCF is a bedrock of this community,” Vicky shares. “It understands the issues, helps keep the community growing and vibrant, and at the same time makes sure that nobody is left behind. It funds access to hundreds of programs and services, often at free or reduced cost, so that all of our neighbors can enjoy a good quality of life.”
Vicky has been an active member of BCF’s Leadership Circle since its launch in 2017. The Leadership Circle brings together a group of generous, committed individuals who are dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our community. By contributing $1,000-$2,499 annually, or about $84 a month, members gain access to special programs and events while connecting with like-minded neighbors who share a passion for giving back. It also allows BCF to be nimble and respond to our community’s greatest needs as well as helping seed the Community Grants Cycle, this year up significantly compared to previous years for a total of $90,000. For Vicky, the Leadership Circle is a powerful way to support an organization that strengthens the community through vital programs—from legal aid for immigrants and sustaining core food services affected by federal cuts to providing access to unique arts and cultural experiences.
In a world where national and global progress can feel out of reach, Vicky believes local giving is where making a real difference is visible. She sees philanthropy as something that is taught, not innate, and believes instilling a spirit of giving in young families is essential. Focusing on making a difference at home has a far-reaching effect, benefiting both the person giving back and those whose lives are touched.
The Leadership Circle at BCF is one way to see that impact in action. Vicky says, “I joined the Leadership Circle because I see BCF as a one-stop giving hub for Bainbridge Island, supporting the people and institutions that make this community strong. When you give to BCF, you know your investment is addressing real needs, with thoughtful care to direct resources where they will have the greatest impact. This is why I first served on the board, then joined the development committee, and now continue to be part of the Leadership Circle as a meaningful way to invest in the long-term health and vitality of this community.”
When asked why she dedicates resources, time, and energy to this work, Vicky says, “It’s fun to be involved. You see the same incredible people over and over again, and you create history together. You build friendships, hear about families and their stories. It’s more than giving, it’s caring. It’s being part of something bigger than yourself, and it feels good.”
In addition to the Leadership Circle, BCF is celebrating its 25th anniversary with the introduction of the Silver Circle for annual donations of $2,500 and above. Learn more about these opportunities or contact Leah Stephens Clark at leah@bainbridgecf.org.
