About NW Community Centers
Mission and vision · History · Friendship Festival · Documents · More about our work
NW Community Centers (NWCC), formerly Northwest Culture Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Pierce County, Washington (EIN 91-2025901). Our mission is to promote community development through multicultural and multilingual programs. Established in 1987, NWCC serves as a hub for cultural exchange for immigrants, refugees, and low-income families. We focus on multi-ethnic education and culture, and more than 80% of our programs are offered free of charge.
- 1987
- Founded as a foundation.
- 2000
- Incorporated.
- Jan 18, 2024
- IRS letter confirming NWCC’s 501(c)(3) public charity status, effective January 4, 2024.
- Jan 8, 2025
- Northwest Culture Foundation changed its name to NW Community Centers.
Welcome
Here at NWCC, we promote community development through multicultural and multilingual programs.
Mission statement
NWCC collaborates with Native and multi-ethnic communities to support cultural and educational programs and community service.
Vision statement
NWCC is dedicated to empowering communities by providing cultural education to a diverse group of people.
Change begins with a new way of thinking. By joining us, you become part of a mission to make the world kinder, brighter, and more hopeful. Your unique voice and actions can help shape a better future. Let’s make life more beautiful, together. When you think differently and act with purpose, you help build a world filled with hope, compassion, and opportunity.
Established in 1987, NWCC was created to address the growing necessity for cross-cultural understanding within their community.
Our history
The NWCC organization was established in 1987 as a foundation and became an incorporated association in 2000. It initially focused on providing services specifically to children in the Korean community through the Next Generation Education and Culture Program. Over time, the program gained success and served an increasing number of students. As a result of its popularity beyond the Korean community and the growing influx of new immigrants from other Southeast Asian countries, NWCC expanded its outreach in 2009 to offer the program to those outside the Korean community. Community leaders have recognized the significance of multi-ethnic cultural education and have requested that programs be broadened to include multi-ethnic cultural education programs for other diverse cultures, such as European and Native American cultures. Recently, initiatives for the well-being of the elderly have been in development.
Overview
The NW Community Center is a center for cultural exchange, providing programs and services that promote greater awareness, understanding, equity, and inclusion of diverse multi-family communities, including Native Americans and Europeans. This community encompasses immigrants, refugees, children, youth, seniors, elders, and low-income individuals. Established in 1987, NWCC was created to address the growing necessity for cross-cultural understanding within its community. As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Tacoma, Washington, NWCC proudly serves the Greater Washington area. With a core mission to advocate for and engage with local communities, NWCC offers a diverse range of programs and activities, many of which are free or affordable. NWCC’s primary objective is to unite people in an atmosphere of inclusivity and empathy, thereby contributing to the establishment of a more robust, healthier, and dynamic community for both current and future generations.
Friendship Festival history
The Friendship Festival is the first multi-ethnic cultural festival in Washington, hosted by NWCC. Its purpose is not only to present various genres of multiculturalism to mainstream American society but also to foster next-generation cultural talent.
It is a relay-type cultural event that promotes harmony and friendship in the local community by featuring multi-ethnic cultural performances from each country. The event includes folk dances from each country, a performance of folk instruments, an introduction to folk crafts, special products and food, a fashion show of traditional costumes from each country, and an art exhibition. It is a community event that includes plays, theater, etc., and sports camps (golf, baseball, soccer). Contributing to community unity and development through cultural events.
Events
- U.S. & Canada “Friendship” Annual Tour Performance, presented by NWCC. Washington, Oregon, Canada.
- New Year Celebration Performance, presented by NWCC. Lakewood, WA.
- Community Night, presented by NWCC. Annual community service (volunteer) meal service and multi-culture performance for veterans, homeless, and disabled.
Documents
NW Community Centers is a 501(c)(3) public charity, EIN 91-2025901.
More about our work
Cultural history
For decades, the NWCC has served as a vibrant bridge between cultures, bringing the rich traditions of the Pacific Northwest to life through movement, education, and art. From premier stages like Seattle’s Seafair and Northwest Folklife to local heritage festivals across Pierce and King Counties, our history is defined by a commitment to cultural preservation and community exchange. We strive to deliver impactful experiences that honor our diverse roots, including our deep ties to the Korean-American community, while fostering a future where every neighbor feels connected through shared celebration.
Reward history
Our commitment to cultural bridge-building has been recognized by local, state, and international leaders. From the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea to the City of Tacoma, NWCC has received numerous awards for our dedication to community service, education, and the arts. These accolades reflect decades of collaboration with our partners and our ongoing mission to foster inclusive community spaces across the Pacific Northwest.
Education history
Founded as the Korean Culture Academy, NWCC has evolved into a premier educational hub dedicated to global exchange and talent development. Through strategic partnerships with the Washington State Government, Pierce County public institutions, and school districts from Tacoma to Puyallup, we bridge the gap between local students and international opportunities. Our history is rooted in fostering J-1 exchange programs, teacher internships, and specialized training in IT and medical fields, ensuring that our community remains competitive and connected in an increasingly globalized world.
Outreach history
The outreach initiatives at NWCC extend far beyond our local borders, creating a global network of professional and academic opportunities. Through prestigious partnerships with the U.S. Department of State’s J-1 program and government-affiliated talent development initiatives, we facilitate high-impact exchange for scholars, interns, and trainees. By maintaining sisterhood relationships with international hubs such as Seoul and Ulsan, and by signing strategic agreements with IT and medical institutions, NWCC serves as a vital pipeline for overseas employment and cultural diplomacy, ensuring our community has a seat at the global table.