Orin Smith Family Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Orin Smith Family Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to education, health, the environment and human services.

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

PROFILE: Established in 2004, the Orin Smith Family Foundation was founded by the late Orin Smith, who was once president and CEO of Starbucks. The charity is currently steered by Smith family members. The foundation does not maintain a website, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. According to tax filings, the Orin Smith Family Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to education, health, the environment and human services.

Orin Smith was a director of Conservation International, and the family continues to support the institution via their foundation. He was also involved with Chehalis Foundation, which “supports projects that benefit the city, the community, and academic excellence in Chehalis schools.” Orin grew up in Chehalis, and last decade, he funded a new community library named in honor of his mother. University of Washington, Orin’s alma mater, is home to the Orin and Janet Smith Dean of Michael G. Foster School of Business. The family has also supported UW’s Institute of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine.

Important Grant Details:

Grants range from $2,000 to $708,111. In a recent fiscal year, the foundation gave away around $2.3 million. Past grantees include Washington State Business Alliance, United Way of King County, Plymouth Housing Group, Evergreen Elementary, Islandwood and the Campaign for Free College Tuition.

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

PEOPLE:

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CONTACT:

Orin Smith Family Foundation
4963 NE 85th Street
Seattle, WA 98115