The following letter to the editor originally appeared in The Seattle Times in response to “Seattle area doesn’t have ‘enough family-sized units to go around” (Aug. 14, Business) Recent Seattle Times reporting highlighted a reality families across our communities are facing: There is a shrinking pool of affordable, larger-sized homes. Development of these projects historically faces barriers due to higher costs per unit (compared […]
Wong’s appointment ushers in a new era of growth for the organization as it celebrates 80 years of long-term investments across the Greater Seattle region Today, Seattle Foundation, the region’s leader in community-centered philanthropy and giving, announced the appointment of local Seattle strategist and grant maker Elizabeth Wong as Chief Philanthropy Officer. She will report […]
In the aftermath of the tragic shooting at Bite of Seattle, our community continues to carry deep sorrow, grief, and concern for the lives lost, those injured, and everyone impacted by gun violence. Moments like this test our region’s resilience and demand that we look beyond short-term crisis response to address the long-standing, systemic conditions […]
As Seattle Foundation celebrates 80 years of service, we announce newly appointed leaders of our board of trustees who will be instrumental in guiding our future. New Board Chair, Robin Lien Robin Lien, managing partner of Velix Group, is our new board of trustees chair. A tenured member of the board, Lien has served in various roles, including vice chair and as a member of our Governance Committee and the Organizational Strategy Working […]
First, we hold in our hearts the people who lost their lives or were injured in the shooting at Bite of Seattle, along with their loved ones and all who are carrying the pain, fear, and anguish that gun violence leaves behind. Gun violence is not inevitable. It is the consequence of long-standing systemic conditions […]
Celebrating 35 years of early, flexible funding for emerging organizations with an increase to $10,000 in grant awards SEATTLE, WASH. [June 23, 2026] — Today, Seattle Foundation celebrates its longstanding Neighbor to Neighbor (N2N) program that has mobilized $6 million in support of Greater Seattle-based grassroot, community-led organizations since its inception 35 years ago. As part of this programmatic milestone, Seattle Foundation increased its small grants funding to $10,000 per N2N grantee organization, beginning this spring, marking a significant expansion in support of organizations […]
By Alesha Washington and Phyllis Campbell The following opinion editorial originally appeared in The Seattle Times Over breakfast recently, we realized that 18 years separate the moment when the two of us each took the helm of Seattle Foundation as CEOs — first in 2004 (Phyllis) and then in 2022 (Alesha). As we marked the foundation’s 80th year, we reflected […]
Seattle Foundation joins our local and global community in mourning the loss of Bill Clapp, a longtime Seattle philanthropist and compassionate leader whose generosity changed many lives. He passed away on May 29, 2026, surrounded by his family, at the age of 84. In 2008, Bill and his wife, Paula Clapp, co-founded Seattle International Foundation (SIF) as a supporting organization of Seattle Foundation. They founded SIF from a place of deep conviction that lasting […]
Seven grantees were announced through a $5.5 million investment to advance Tribal sovereignty and Indigenous leadership SEATTLE, WASH. [April 14, 2026]— Today, Seattle Foundation, in partnership with the City of Seattle’s Office of Sustainability & Environment, announced the grantees selected for the First Peoples Climate Fund, a landmark $5.5 million investment that places Indigenous sovereignty, leadership, and […]
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 Lindsay Goes Behind Housing is a Human Right. According to a 2022 YouGov survey, 78% of Americans across political parties and ideological divides believe housing should be a basic human right. Here in Seattle, most of us share that belief as well. Every day, we see the consequences of a housing system that fails […]
Carrie Wilson joins the Board of Trustees with a track record of leading organizations through financial transformation with purpose and passion. Seattle Foundation is pleased to welcome Carrie to its Board. Carrie is the Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary at AAA Washington, a leading Pacific Northwest member-driven organization with over 1.2 million members. As […]
We believe a strong community is built on the understanding that we thrive together. We work with nonprofits, donors, and community leaders to support impactful philanthropy and create lasting solutions for a more equitable Greater Seattle. For thirty years, N2N’s funding and resources have strengthened local grassroots efforts to overcome poverty and racial disparities within […]
By: Lindsay Goes Behind As we step into spring, a season of renewal and possibility, I want to take a moment to reflect on our collective journey—one defined by resilience, vision, and a commitment to justice. Every day, we witness the strength, tenacity, and brilliance of community in action. Grassroots organizers shaping policies. Nonprofit leaders […]
Discover the inspiring organizations leading the way in Phases II and III of the Fund for Inclusive Recovery. Learn from the lessons we’ve gathered so far and find out how you can be part of shaping a more equitable future. A Look Back Nearly five years ago, the world came to a standstill as the […]
By: Andrea Mackin and Kendall Hill At Seattle Foundation, we recognize that childcare is essential to economic stability, educational success, and a more equitable future. Yet, too many families, particularly those in historically underserved communities face steep barriers to accessing high-quality early learning opportunities. That is why we invest in organizations like Start Early Washington, […]
By: Alesha Washington As we watch what unfolds in our nation’s capital, the onslaught of recent policy actions could have far-reaching and devastating effects on communities across our state. The basic services we need to navigate through life – whether access to affordable food or public transportation – could all be jeopardized. The humanity and […]
By: Aileen Balahadia, Director of Grantmaking and Community Engagement This quarter, N2N is proud to spotlight a return grantee Ase Theater and their series of intergenerational programs for Black and brown teen girls and adults supporting artistic and self-expression, led by Black womxn teaching artists across Seattle. Their mission is to engage and transform […]
Neighbor to Neighbor Summer 2024 Spotlight By: Aileen Balahadia Intersectional is a word that is often thrown around and used, but what does it mean in the context of the grassroots communities we serve in N2N? For two of our grantees this Summer, both the vibrancy of and the challenges that arise from multiple identities […]
By: Alesha Washington When I reflect on this year, I am heartened by the progress we are making at Seattle Foundation. We are in a healthy financial position, allowing us to invest in the systems and infrastructure to maximize our operations and services. We are creating more experiences to engage our philanthropists on key issues […]
Joy is when Seattle’s possibilities are shared by all. It is families in homes they love, connected to vibrant communities, with the opportunity for fulfilling lives.
Today, Seattle Foundation launches the Journey to Joy campaign, with an aim to bring this vision to life. We invite you to join a movement that creates lasting change for generations to come.
