Baker Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Baker Foundation supports education, arts and culture, health, human services and youth in Washington.
IP TAKE: This is a county-specific family funder with a straightforward grant application process and a passion for helping local youth in need. It’s accessible and approachable, but note that it’s laser-focused on it’s areas of funding in Tacoma.
PROFILE: Established in 1987, the Baker Foundation is a family foundation based in Tacoma, Washington. The Baker family owned and published the Tacoma News Tribune before Elbert Baker sold it in 1986 and created this foundation from the proceeds. Elbert Baker died in 1995, and Baker family members continue on with his tradition of giving today. The foundation aims to "provide a legacy of fine arts, education and health institution funding for the community, emphasizing programs for youth.”
Grants for K-12 Education, Health, Arts, and Community Development
The Baker Foundation awards local public high school scholarships to graduating students who have been involved with community service and are in need. The foundation also supports youth music activities, such as the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra’s youth education program for fifth grade students.
For health funding, much of the foundation’s attention is on diseases, such as diabetes among youth. Overall, the foundation offers funding for specific programs, endowments and capital needs. In general, the foundation does not support basic research, individuals, religious organizations for sectarian purposes or projects that are primarily funded by public taxes.
Important Grant Details:
Grants range between about $2,500 and $25,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking focuses on Pierce County, Washington and especially the city of Tacoma. Past local grantees include Sound Youth Counseling, the Children’s Museum of Tacoma and Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital.
This foundation accepts unsolicited proposals letters up to two pages long from nonprofits. The foundation offers access to its online application system and also accepts full applications by mail for invited organizations. The Baker Foundation meets at bi-annual meetings to review formal grant applications. It accepts initial proposals all throughout the year and may take up to six months to provide a funding decision. Direct general questions to the staff at info@bakerfoundation.org or 253-383-7055.
PEOPLE:
Search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder (paid subscribers only).
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