Satterberg Foundation
/OVERVIEW: This funder mainly supports local organizations in Washington State, but California organizations that promote a just society and a sustainable environment also receive funding.
IP TAKE: The Satterberg Foundation engages in trust-based philanthropy and offers multi-year, general operating support. It describes itself as “are accountable and accessible to [its] Partners” and aims “to listen and respond with transparency, power awareness, and vulnerability.” This funder has been significantly funding capacity building in recent years. But it is a key foundation to know for Northwest education and activist groups.
PROFILE: The Satterberg Foundation is a family foundation in Seattle, Washington. It seeks to strengthen “communities by promoting a just society and a sustainable environment.” It was first inspired by Virginia (Ginny) Satterberg Pigott Helsell in 1990. Grantmaking began in 1991 with $13,916 in grants and grew to $22 million over the course of 24 years. The foundation mostly supports causes in Washington, although it makes some grants in California, as well. Satterberg promotes a just society and a sustainable environment in the Pacific Northwest.
Grants for Community Development, K-12 Education, and Racial Justice and Indigenous Rights
There are four grantmaking programs: Core Support Grants, which provide multi-year, unrestricted funding and deep, relationship-based support; Reparative Action Fund, which supports social justice groups and programs, as well as other equity-based initiatives that serve the local community; Invitational Grants & Family Awards, which are invitation only grants chosen by the board and family members; and Community Partnerships/Collaborations, which are multi-year, large-scale grant partnerships with intermediary groups. Throughout its giving, Satterberg prioritizes BIPOC-led and serving organizations with a strong commitment to racial equity.
It has given millions to Liberty Hill Foundation for antidiscrimination work and to the Social Justice Fund – Northwest. It has also given significantly to Seattle Public Schools in recent years. A full list of past grants and amounts is available here.
Important Grant Details
The foundation engages in Trust-Based Philanthropy and offers multi-year, general operating support. It no longer accepts unsolicited proposals or requests for funding. Grants range from $2,000 to $2 million, but the most common amount is closer to $100,000. Current financial data is available here.
Direct general questions to the staff via online form. Keep up with the funder and its grants at its news section.
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