We envision a future where philanthropy is a relational and reparative force—rooted in trust, healing, and accountability—that boldly invests in the collective power of communities to lead systems transformation. By centering community wisdom, cultural expression, and the lived experiences of those most impacted, we support a vibrant ecosystem of movements, coalitions, and cultural arts that foster wellness, joy, and belonging.

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Grantmaking

Core Grantmaking: Our grantmaking program invests in community-led solutions by partnering deeply with those most impacted by inequitable systems. We build long-term, trusting relationships with grantees and learn alongside them—centering their expertise, lived experience, and leadership. Through strategic investments in arts/culture/wellness, community organizing, leadership, capacity building, policy advocacy, and public narrative, we work together to advance racial and economic equity across our region.

Strategic Partnerships: Strategic Partnerships are collaborative relationships that bring together Seattle Foundation and community, philanthropic, and public-sector partners to pursue shared goals that strengthen the region. These partnerships combine resources, expertise, and aligned strategies to advance systems change, support community‑led solutions, and expand opportunities for all who call our region home.

Impact-first Investing

We believe impact capital can be a catalyst for community-led economic transformation. Our vision is to invest in strategies that build generational wealth, preserve community ownership, and drive equitable economic growth.

Policy Advocacy

With localized knowledge and long-standing relationships, we use our expertise and voice to stand in power with communities to change policies and systems for greater racial and economic equity.  Seattle Foundation can uniquely leverage resources and relationships, convene cross-sector tables, and use our civic voice to uplift community representation and priorities in policymaking.

• Campaign Investments: Campaign work allows us to call attention to important ballot issues. We make strategic endorsements and contributions to local and state ballot measure campaigns–that align with our Blueprint for Impact and Strategic Plan, and address systems-level change–as well as invest in the capacity of organizations that are in the field.

Collective Action

• Convening: Our deep local relationships and understanding of community needs uniquely positions us to foster collaboration that strengthens nonprofit ecosystems, informs decisionmakers, and supports long-term community wellbeing.

• Responsive Efforts: These efforts prioritize flexibility, timeliness, and deep relationship building, allowing us to direct resources where they are most urgently needed and where community expertise points the way.
• Funder Collaboratives: We are able to strategically increase our impact in the community by working with our institutional peers, enabling us to achieve more together than we can alone.

Community and Nonprofit Support

Rooted in relational grantmaking, Seattle Foundation listens closely to community, nonprofit and grantee partners to understand pressing needs and emerging opportunities. We are often called to provide flexible, responsive support such as: 

• Technical assistance, provided directly or through trusted partners
• Capacity building support for emerging and grassroots nonprofit organizations
• Group learning opportunities such as site visits or conferences 
• Sharing relevant research, data and learning resources
• Modest sponsorship of aligned community events 
• Opportunities to uplift local community successes and tell the story of their impact broadly

Communities most impacted by the conditions we seek to change already have the expertise and solutions they need. We simply need to follow their lead.

— Alesha Washington

Program Principles

To create a more equitable and just Greater Seattle region, we must impact and influence change at every level: individual, organization, community, coalition, policy, public. Our Core Programs do just that. Grantees are led by Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) and communities experiencing low-income and are focused on these principles: