Larry Benaroya Family Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Larry Benaroya Family Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to health, education, the arts, and Jewish causes.

IP TAKE: The foundation lacks transparency, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities, which is typical of funders of this size. This funder is narrowly limited in scope both as to geographic location and program services. It does not appear to be particularly approachable or responsive, so it’s important to network here to get on their radar.

PROFILE: Established in 2006, the Larry Benaroya Family Foundation is steered by real estate mogul Larry Benaroya and his wife Sherry. Larry Benaroya joined Benaroya Company in 1972 and serves as principal. Larry Benaroya graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in finance. Benaroya joined Benaroya Company in 1972 and serves as principal. The company was founded by his later father Jack. Larry Benaroya led the company's efforts in the sale of its 8 plus million square-foot Pacific Northwest portfolio in 1984 and its re-entry into real estate in 1995. Since then, Benaroya and The Benaroya Company have acquired and/or developed another 12+ million square-feet in the greater Seattle area.

The foundation does not maintain a website, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. According to tax records, the Larry Benaroya Family Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to health, education, the arts, and Jewish causes.

Grants for Education and Youth

Benaroya supports his alma mater University of Pennsylvania. Other grantees have included University of Washington, Rainier Scholars, College Success Foundation, Bellevue Schools Foundation, and Junior Achievement.

Grants for Health and Diseases

Benaroyas have been active in the diabetes community for more than three decades; Their son Michael was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The couple cofounded the Seattle Guild and Dream Gala, which help raise funds for JRDF.

Apart from this work, the couple have supported places like Swedish Medical Center Foundation, Parkinson's Resources of Oregon (Jack had Parkinson’s), Eisenhower Medical Center Foundation, and Virginia Mason Foundation via their foundation. The family has deep ties to Virginia Mason Medical Center, home to the Benaroya Research Institute, a “facility dedicated to solving the mysteries of diabetes and other auto-immune diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.”

Grants for Arts and Culture

The family are steady patrons of Tacoma Art Museum, home to the Rebecca and Jack Benaroya Collection. Other grantees have included Bellevue Arts Museum, and Seattle Symphony, home to Benaroya Hall. Rebecca and her late husband Jack donated $15 million to the Seattle Symphony via their foundation in the early 1990s.

Grants for Jewish Causes

Grantees have included Stroum Jewish Community Center and Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle. Jack was born to Lebanese Jewish immigrants in the south.

Important Grant Details:

Grants range from $250 to $403,000. In a recent fiscal year, the foundation gave away around $1 million. Past grantees include Rainier Scholars, College Success Foundation, Swedish Medical Center Foundation, Bellevue Arts Museum, and Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle.

While the foundation keeps a low profile, it does accept written proposals. There are no submission deadlines. The Larry Benaroya Family Foundation is narrowly limited in scope both as to geographic location and program services.

PEOPLE:

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CONTACT:

Larry R. Benaroya 
3600 136th Place SE, No 250
Bellevue, WA 98006