Seattle Foundation mourns the passing of Anne V. Farrell, former President and CEO, and one of the most influential civic leaders in our region’s history. Anne led the Foundation from 1983 to 2003, a time of profound transformation for both the city and the field of philanthropy. She passed away on June 15, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, at the age of 89.
Under her visionary leadership, Seattle Foundation became a leader in efforts to make our region a place where everyone can thrive. Anne helped shape modern philanthropy across the community foundation field and in the Seattle region, ensuring Seattle Foundation was not only a steward of charitable dollars but a catalyst for equity, justice, and opportunity.
She believed deeply that philanthropy must evolve alongside the needs and voices of the community. During her tenure, Seattle Foundation became an early funder in the AIDS crisis, providing funding to organizations dedicated to meeting the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS. She championed environmental innovation and expanded access for grassroots nonprofits, helping to reshape who is included in the philanthropic conversation.
Anne also helped introduce donor-advised funds (DAFs) to the Foundation’s service offering. An innovation at the time, DAFs empower philanthropists to invest in their communities with greater intention and flexibility. She was instrumental in launching other programs that continue to shape our work today, including early support for the Washington Women’s Foundation and Social Venture Partners.
One of the most lasting reflections of Anne’s leadership is the creation of Neighbor to Neighbor (N2N) in 1991. What began as a small grants program in response to calls for greater investment in underrepresented communities, Neighbor to Neighbor has become a key part of the Foundation’s work in the community and is still thriving today. N2N exemplifies Anne’s belief that investing in community is investing in the collective “us.”
Anne’s leadership embedded her values into the very DNA of Seattle Foundation. Following her tenure as the second President & CEO of the Foundation, Anne generously continued to serve as a mentor to members of our staff and Board; the impact of her leadership can be felt throughout the organization. Her legacy lives on not only through the thousands of grants Seattle Foundation made during her tenure, but through the broader ethos of our work today: guided by community, led by purpose, and powered by the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Beyond her work at Seattle Foundation, Anne was a trailblazer in civic leadership. She was the first woman to serve as president of both the Rainier Club and Seattle Rotary Club #4, and co-founded Seattle CityClub and Washington Women’s Foundation. She led with quiet power, opening doors for others—especially women—to lead, serve, and make lasting change.
As our current President and CEO, Alesha Washington, shared:
“Anne’s passing is a tremendous loss for our community. She broke new ground for women leaders in business and philanthropy. She knew that no one sector alone could overcome the challenges Seattle faces; that’s why she worked tirelessly to make life in the city better through impactful philanthropy, partnering with our region’s corporations, and using her voice as a strong civic leader. In these difficult times, when so many folks in our community feel threatened, Anne’s leadership, vision, and commitment to making Seattle a vibrant place for all inspires me to keep moving forward.”
Seattle Foundation honors Anne not only for the milestones she achieved but for the enduring spirit she brought to every endeavor, and her belief that community is not something we observe but something we build together.
We extend our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones, and our heartfelt gratitude for her extraordinary legacy.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Anne V. Farrell Fund at Seattle Foundation. Gifts will support the Anne Van Ness Farrell Reading Room at Seattle University.
Anne V. Farrell family photo. (Courtesy Ginny Day)