Bagley and Virginia Wright Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Bagley and Virginia Wright Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to arts and culture. It also earmarks more modest sums for causes such as the environment and education.

IP TAKE: The foundation lacks transparency, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities.

PROFILE: The Bagley and Virginia Wright Foundation was established in 2001 by late businessman Bagley Wright and his wife Virginia, who continues to steer the foundation along with other family members. Bagley helped develop several notable Seattle structures, including the Space Needle and Logan Building. The foundation does not maintain a website, which limits information available on its funding priorities and activities. According to tax filings, the Bagley and Virginia Wright Foundation primarily funds work related to arts and culture. It also earmarks more modest sums for causes such as the environment and education.

Bagley led the creation of the Seattle Repertory Theatre at Seattle Center and served as its first president from 1963 to 1970. The Bagley Wright Theatre there was named in his honor. Bagley and Virginia also championed the Seattle Art Museum, which the family continues to support via their foundation. Virginia majored in art history at Barnard College, home to the Virginia B. Wright Art History Prize and Virginia Bloedel Wright ’51 Professorship of Art History. Other Wright family members are also Barnard alumna.

Important Grant Details:

Grants range from $500 to around $1.1 million. In a recent fiscal year, the foundation gave away approximately $2 million. Past grantees include Bloedel Reserve, which is a 150-acre forest garden on Bainbridge Island, Washington, Friends of Waterfront Seattle, Henry Gallery, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Seattle Opera, Seattle Repertory Theatre and Tacoma Art Museum.

The foundation keeps a low profile and does not accept unsolicited proposals.

PEOPLE:

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

CONTACT:

Bagley and Virginia Wright Foundation
1301 2nd Avenue, 2640
Seattle, WA 98101