Foster Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Foster Foundation supports community development, hunger initiatives, K-12 education, disease research and arts and culture with a strong focus on the Pacific Northwest region.
IP TAKE: Foster no longer accepts unsolicited requests for funding, but appears to be open to a variety of disease work, including research and treatment. Grantseekers should note that grants are generally restricted to organizations in the Pacific Northwest. Note that organizations outside the Pacific Northwest may also be considered for funding on a case by case basis, but their work must benefit Pacific Northwest states.
This is not an accessible, regional funder nor is it particularly supportive of grantees. To develop internal relationships, reach out through the foundation’s online contact form by completing an Organization Information Form. As evidenced, the foundation tends to keep contact at arm’s length. This funder also tends to be risk-averse though its focus areas are clearly stated.
PROFILE: Established in 1984 by stock broker Albert Foster, along with his wife and son, the Foster Foundation works to “provide an ongoing avenue of support for the people and communities of the Pacific Northwest.” The Fosters were long-time pillars of the Seattle community, Albert being the founding president of the Seattle Opera Society, and his wife Evelyn as personal secretary to the founder of the Seattle Art Museum. Now run by Albert’s grandson Michael Foster, Jr., the foundation broadly supports organizations that work in its four priority funding areas of Social Services/Human Welfare, Education, Medical Research and Community Engagement.
Grants for Housing and Food Systems
The Foster Foundation’s grants for Social Services/Human Welfare support “emergency and critical human services that support people and families in need,” such as transitional housing, emergency housing, job training, food security and accessibility, and counseling in the Pacific Northwest. Grantees include the Together Center, New Beginnings, Sacred Heart Shelter, Compass Housing Alliance, Jubilee Women’s Center, Northwest Harvest and Youthcare.
Grants for K-12 Education
The Foster Foundation broadly supports educational initiatives in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. It prioritizes programs that improve “literacy, learning and academic success for all ages,” which approaches including “training, tutoring, mentoring and enrichment programs.” The foundation’s strategy consists of both direct support for public and private schools and districts, and partnerships with youth- and education-related nonprofits that work to improve educational outcomes for underserved students in the foundation’s giving region. Grantees include Hamlin Robinson School for special needs students, Rainier Scholars, Youth Eastside Services, Bellevue Schools, Prospect Enrichment Preschool and Seattle Urban Academy.
Grants for Diseases
Foster’s Medical, Research, Treatment & Care grantmaking program offers grants for promising research to help the medical community develop a better “understanding, treatment, and prevention of diseases.” The foundation does not name specific diseases of focus aside from HIV/AIDS research and education. Its disease-related grantmaking is diverse and has gone to biomedical, cancer and HIV/AIDS research efforts. Note that Foster also awards grants to medical and health organizations offering treatment and care, such as hospitals and clinics. Grantees include Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research, Swedish Medical Center Foundation, Full Life Care, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Medic One Foundation.
Grants for Arts and Culture
The Foster Foundation’s Community Engagement grantmaking primarily centers around support for artistic and cultural institutions in the Pacific Northwest. Founder Albert Foster was the founding president of the Seattle Opera Society and his wife Evelyn was previously secretary to the founder of the Seattle Art Museum. This program area also supports “community sports/recreational programs, centers and activities that promote health, well-being and teamwork.” Grantees include the Seattle Opera, Seattle Art Museum, Pacific Science Center and Camp Korey.
Important Grant Details:
Foster’s grant amounts are modest, typically $10,000 to $20,000, and are awarded for one year. The foundation does not often award multiyear grants. Foster generally limits its grantmaking to the Pacific Northwest, focusing on the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska.
The Foster Foundation no longer accepts unsolicited grant applications or requests for funding. Grantseeking organizations can get in contact with the foundation by completing an Organization Information Form.
PEOPLE:
Search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder (paid subscribers only).
LINKS:
