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 impact comes from within communities and a steadfast commitment to justice and human rights.
“The impact of Bill’s work, here in Seattle and across the globe, is immeasurable. His life is a testament to the difference one person can make through determination, heart, and optimism. Bill approached all he did with immense respect for and commitment to leaders on the frontlines of the work – from microfinance to Indigenous and immigrant rights, to gender equality and more. He led by listening and taking the time to understand what grantee partners needed to create change in their own communities,” said Michele Frix, Executive Vice President of Seattle Foundation and an early SIF staff member and longtime colleague.
Seattle Foundation has been honored to play a small role in SIF’s journey since its inception, and SIF remains a supporting organization to this day. Since 2008, SIF has made more than $40 million in grants to organizations around the world, including $18 million in Central America.
We honor Bill’s legacy not just for these investments made around the world, but also the values he instilled in the organization that continue to guide its mission, vision, and approach. Before stepping down from the board in 2020, Bill helped shape SIF into an organization that invests in local leadership and advances transformative change, especially in Central America – a region of the world he cared for deeply. Through SIF, the Clapps also inspired many other philanthropists in the Pacific Northwest to give both locally and globally.
Beyond his work to establish SIF, Bill was widely respected for founding several other impactful organizations, including Global Partnerships, Global Washington, and the Initiative for Global Development.
“Bill’s passing is an immense loss for our community. His generosity of spirit and unwavering commitment to fighting poverty and inequality were felt deeply by the many leaders and organizations who collaborated with him over the decades. His legacy reverberates around the world, and his memory now lives on through those he touched and supported throughout his life,” said Frix.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Paula, Bill’s family and all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages gifts in Bill’s memory to Global Partnerships and Native Americans in Philanthropy.
