N2N Spotlight Spring 2022: New Connections of South King County

A fresh start for justice-involved youth, adults, and families. By: Aileen Balahadia, N2N Program Consultant New Connections has a 20-year history of serving the Kent and the South King County communities. Their mission is to connect justice-involved youth, adults, and families for a fresh start with education and resources. Justice-involved youth are those who have […]

Our Commitment to Black-led Organizations and Businesses in King County

Marking the One-year Anniversary of REPAIR (Racially Equitable Philanthropy Aimed at Initiating Reparations) By Jonathan Cunningham This month, Seattle Foundation marks the one-year anniversary of the Racially Equitable Philanthropy Aimed at Initiating Reparations (REPAIR) framework. Launched the week of Juneteenth in 2021, this framework is a large-scale, long-term effort to invest or direct necessary resources […]

Organizations Working to Decrease Gun Violence

Following the horrific tragedies in Uvalde and Buffalo, we turn to local and national organizations working to reduce gun violence. As we reel from the devastating school shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, that took the lives of 19 students and two teachers, it is more important than ever for communities to take […]

Healing and Celebrating

Uplifting Mental Health Challenges and Resources in AA-NHPI Communities By Seattle Foundation’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Collective Seattle Foundation envisions a thriving region of shared prosperity, belonging, and justice, where all individuals and communities have equitable access and outcomes. Through our Blueprint for Impact, we recognize and address the longstanding racial and […]

Highlighting the Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) pool for Seattle Foundation philanthropists

The Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) Pool, managed by Aperio, aligns with the three pillars of Seattle Foundation’s Blueprint for Impact: A Just Democracy, Equitable Economy, Resilient Environment. By Allison Parker, managing director, philanthropy strategies, and Guillermo Andalon, investments and fund accountant We have consistently heard from philanthropists that they want their donor advised funds invested […]

Interesting Ways That Interest Rates Affect Charitable Gifts

Donors can increase their giving by strategizing around federal discount rates. By Bill Zook, Senior Advisor, Gift Planning High or low, rising or falling, interest rates in the broader economy can have either a direct or an indirect impact on various charitable giving arrangements. In some cases, the impact can be sizeable, while in others […]

Announcing the Fund for Inclusive Recovery’s First Grantees

By Kris Hermanns Today, Seattle Foundation and our partners are elated to announce the first round of funding for the Fund for Inclusive Recovery. Twenty-one organizations led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals – those with intimate knowledge of the obstacles their communities face –will receive a total of $12.6 million. The […]

Transforming Our Region

Announcing the Fund for Inclusive Recovery’s First Grantees By Kris Hermanns Today, Seattle Foundation and our partners are elated to announce the first round of funding for the Fund for Inclusive Recovery. Twenty-one organizations led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals – those with intimate knowledge of the obstacles their communities face […]

N2N Spotlight Winter 2022: Inside White Center and the UpNUp

Our words, our way: A look at two community-based podcasts recently funded by N2N. By: Aileen Balahadia, N2N Program Consultant and Elaine Chu, Senior Philanthropic Officer Representation matters. In the mainstream media, we do not see accurate representation of the faces, languages, viewpoints, and lived experiences of diverse communities of color. Negative stereotypes, unbalanced reporting, […]

Seattle Foundation Welcomes Alesha Washington as New President and CEO

Washington’s expertise and commitment will advance Seattle Foundation’s mission — unleashing our collective potential to create stronger, more vibrant community for all. By Dr. Ed Taylor (Chair) and Ed Thomas (Search Committee Chair) After an extensive, nationwide search for our next President and CEO, we’re thrilled to welcome Alesha Washington to Seattle Foundation. Alesha brings a […]

Seattle Foundation welcomes Donna Moodie to its Board of Trustees

Moodie brings a wealth of community building, neighborhood activism and small business acumen. Seattle Foundation is thrilled to welcome Donna Moodie to its Board of Trustees. Moodie currently serves as Executive Director of Capitol Hill EcoDistrict and Community Roots Housing Executive Vice President. Moodie is also a well-known restauranteur whose restaurant, Marjorie, opened in 2003. […]

Our Commitment to the Black Community in Action

An update on Racially Equitable Philanthropy Aimed at Initiating Reparations (REPAIR) and our $25 million commitment to the Black community of the Greater Seattle Region. By Jonathan Cunningham,Senior Program Officer Canadian-based philosopher, entrepreneur, and author Matshona Dhliwayo once said, “You become strong by lifting others up, not pulling them down.” Seattle Foundation is on a […]

2021 Resilience Fund Grants Announced

Seattle Foundation grants $425,000 to address unexpected, emerging challenges in our region. Seattle Foundation is proudly announcing $425,000 in grants to 23 community-based organizations through our 2021 Resilience Fund. Selected organizations will use the funding to provide critical resources to communities that are negatively impacted by federal policy decisions, the national political climate, and anti-Black […]

Every Dollar – and Effort – Compounded

In honor of Black History Month, we’re highlighting three Black trailblazers who continue to make significant strides in Seattle. Voices are hushed. Steady music comes from the altar. And the worship leaders remind their congregation of the importance of contributing anything they can. The donations range from a $1 to $1,000. No amount is too […]

Taking “Many Roads” to Stronger Communities

A New Booklet Celebrates 30 Years of Neighbor to Neighbor. By Aileen Balahadia I have had the honor of partnering with countless community organizations through my work with Seattle Foundation’s grantmaking program Neighbor to Neighbor (N2N). For 30 years, N2N has advanced racial equity by investing in the power of community in Seattle-area neighborhoods. Today, […]

Amy Carter Joins Seattle Foundation’s Board of Trustees

Carter brings of wealth of philanthropic and strategic partnership experience to the organization. Seattle Foundation is excited to welcome new Board member Amy Carter, the Director of Community Engagement at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. In her current role, Carter works to build thriving, diverse and equitable communities in the greater Seattle region. Through […]