Aven Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Aven Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to youth. The foundation also earmarks funds for health, humanitarian, and human services organizations.

IP TAKE:  While the foundation lacks transparency and does not accept unsolicited proposals, those working in the theater arts should be aware of this funder and its New American Plays award program. It’s worth reaching out to this funder to learn more about their proactive approach and how you can potentially get on their radar.

PROFILE: The Aven Foundation was established in 2000. It was founded by cellular moguls John W. Stanton and his wife Theresa E. Gillespie. The couple co-founded Trilogy Equity Partners, a private equity fund that invests in early stage growth opportunities in the wireless ecosystem. John Stanton is also chairman and CEO of the Seattle Mariners. The foundation lacks transparency and does not maintain a website, which makes it difficult to locate further information on its priority areas and grantmaking strategies. Tax filings suggest the Aven Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to youth. The foundation also earmarks funds for health, humanitarian, and human services organizations. 

Important Grant Details:

Grants range from $5,000 to $300,000. In a recent fiscal year, the foundation made grants totaling around $2.8 million. Past grantees have included Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (Gillespie is on the board), Bellevue Baseball Club, Rainier Scholars, United Way of King County, and the Seattle Foundation, "a community philanthropy and charity organization partner which unites passion and discipline to create lasting change."

While the Aven Foundation keeps a low-profile and pre-selects charitable organizations to receive grants, it also accepts petitions from other charitable organizations to receive grants. There is no particular form and the foundation does not indicate any deadlines.

PEOPLE:

Search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder (paid subscribers only).

CONTACT:

Aven Foundation
P.O. Box 465
Medina, WA 98039