Seattle Foundation strengthens the health and vitality of our community by connecting donors to effective philanthropic strategies

The Role of Philanthropy

Few regions in the world match Seattle’s growth and prosperity. But accompanying our good fortunes are great challenges, including widening wealth disparities, that weaken our community’s vibrancy. Philanthropy can—and must—step in. Using our philanthropic expertise, deep community roots, and network of partners, Seattle Foundation develops targeted strategies to create a stronger community.

Seattle Foundation is an agent of change. Every day, we convene, communicate with, and catalyze our philanthropic partners to advance this ideal, uniting passion and discipline to create lasting impact. Together, we ignite powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

Local Focus, National Reach, Global Awareness

“Community” means more than just a neighborhood. Seattle Foundation knows our community philanthropists are committed to local, national, and global causes. That’s why we collaborate with hundreds of nonprofits to develop local giving strategies that make the greatest impact. We access a network of more than 700 community foundations to support giving outside our region. We facilitate global giving through our partner, Seattle International Foundation.

Give locally  Give globally

Award Winning Impact

Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2016 Secretary’s Award for Public Philanthropic Partnership

This award recognizes the neighborhood partnerships initiative Communities of Opportunity – an effort launched by Seattle Foundation and King County to address inequities in health, social, racial, and economic outcomes.

International Rescue Committee Philanthropy Award 2017

Seattle Foundation was given the inaugural Philanthropy Award in honor of their efforts to spearhead fundraising for critical needs in Seattle. Through initiatives like “GiveBIG” Seattle Foundation acts as a catalyst driving donor funding and awareness for programs serving refugee and immigrant communities.

King County Municipal League Foundation James R. Ellis Regional Leadership Award 2018

The individual or organization who has contributed significant leadership to the region in the examination of regional public policy problems and solutions. This recognition was shared with King County for the Communities of Opportunity partnership.

Charity Navigator Four Star Rating

Charity Navigator has awarded Seattle Foundation four stars for good governance and other best practices to minimize the chance of unethical activities and consistently execute our mission in a fiscally responsible way.

Our Leadership

Seattle Foundation ignites powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all. Driving this mission are the dedicated people who work here. Our staff possesses diverse expertise, with specialists in public policy, nonprofit effectiveness, community action, family philanthropy, planned giving, research and more. Our team’s philanthropic passions reflect a breadth of issues, enriching the collective knowledge we bring to our partnerships.

We’re managing over
$1 billion
in philanthropic investments.

View our financials

Partner with us

Giving to a cause you believe in can make a tangible impact in a community, and also yields great satisfaction and pride. We invite you to talk with one of our Philanthropic Advisors regarding the issues you feel most passionate about. We’ll help guide your interests toward a giving strategy that meets both your financial and philanthropic goals.

Be a catalyst

Tell us about yourself and how you’d like to invest in your community. A philanthropic advisor will be in touch soon.