Behnke Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Behnke Foundation is a private family foundation whose purpose is to help improve the quality of life in the communities where the Behnke families live and work. The foundation primarily supports arts and culture, including a fellowship for artists.
IP TAKE: A bulk of the foundation’s sums went towards an annual artist award program in a recent year. Funds outside of this area may be hard to come by as this laser-focused funder is highly focused on it’s area of grantmaking. Unfortunately, this is not an accessible or transparent funder, but call them to see how new artists get on their radar. Reach out to previous recipients to learn more about their experiences.
PROFILE: Established in 1956, the Behnke Foundation is currently steered by chairman Carl G. Behnke, a son of the late Robert Behnke, who served as vice president of Skinner Corp. It seeks “to help improve the quality of life in the communities where the Behnke families live and work.” The foundation primarily supports arts and culture, including a fellowship for artists. It makes some broad and undefined grants for health causes, usually benefitting established institutions and hospitals rather than grassroots efforts.
Grants for Arts and Culture
Since 1996, the Behnke Foundation has awarded The Neddy, an annual artist award program in memory of painter Ned Behnke, a son of Sally and Robert Behnke. In 2012, the Behnke Foundation began its partnership with Cornish College of the Arts. Each year, eight artists living and working in the Greater Puget Sound region are chosen by a panel of Regional Arts Professionals. Each year, eight artists living and working in the greater Puget Sound region are chosen as finalists. From these eight artists, two $25,000 unrestricted awards are given.
Grants for Brain and Cell Research
Behnke gave $15 million to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in 2024 to support oncology research programs and rename the patient lodging building the Behnke Family House.
Important Grant Details:
Grants range from $50 to nearly $130,000. In a recent fiscal year, the foundation gave away around $133,000. Past grantees include Seattle Children’s Hospital; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, where Carl is on the board; Evergreen City Ballet; Overlake Medical Center Foundation; and Woodland Park Zoo.
The foundation keeps a low profile and does not accept unsolicited proposals.
PEOPLE:
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