Equality Network Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Equality Network Foundation supports social justice and equality in Washington.
FUNDING AREAS: Social justice, cultural equality, environmental justice, educational justice, economic justice
IP TAKE: This is a micro-foundation that awards small grants and that often prefers to keep its equity-focused grants close to home in Seattle. An accessible funder, the ENF strives to build up its local community through grassroots efforts and is opening-minded in doing so.
PROFILE: Established in 1998, the Equality Network Foundation (ENF) is a family foundation based in Seattle, Washington. The president of this foundation is Charles M. Gust, a software developer and patent attorney in Seattle who also co-founded an entertainment startup and has volunteered for numerous nonprofits. The foundation aims to " facilitate networks of people and organizations that work towards economic and social equality and justice.” It funds local efforts for social justice, cultural equality, environmental justice, educational justice and economic justice.
The Equality Network Foundation considers itself to be a micro-foundation because it awards small grants and has a limited amount of funds to award each year. ENF looks to avoid overhead costs in order to maximize its giving capacity. It’s also a member of Philanthropy Northwest. ENF provides general operating support for its grantees. Past giving has gone to educational fund, social justice funds, policy centers and poverty-fighting groups.
Grants range between about $500 and $5,000. The foundation typically makes between $50,000 and $75,000 in total grants per year. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking largely focuses on the state of Washington; however, ENF has awarded grants to groups outside the state for national efforts as well. Past local grantees include the World Affairs Council in Seattle, the Washington State Budget & Policy Center and Social Justice Fund NW.
This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. Organizations should submit a one-page description by March 31. Direct general questions to the staff at foundation@equality.net or by phone at 206-374-2626 or 206-339-8679.
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