Larry Benaroya Family Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Larry Benaroya Family Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to health, education, the arts, and Jewish causes.

IP TAKE: The foundation lacks transparency, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities, which is typical of funders of this size. This funder is narrowly limited in scope both as to geographic location and program services. It does not appear to be particularly approachable or responsive, so it’s important to network here to get on their radar.

PROFILE: Established in 2006, the Larry Benaroya Family Foundation is steered by real estate mogul Larry Benaroya and his wife Sherry. Larry Benaroya joined Benaroya Company in 1972 and serves as principal. The foundation does not maintain a website, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. According to tax records, the Larry Benaroya Family Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to health, education, the arts, and Jewish causes.

Benaroyas have been active in the diabetes community for more than three decades. Their son Michael was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The couple co-founded the Seattle Guild and Dream Gala, which helped raise funds for JRDF. The family has deep ties to Virginia Mason Medical Center, home to the Benaroya Research Institute, a “facility dedicated to solving the mysteries of diabetes and other auto-immune diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.” They are also steady patrons of Tacoma Art Museum, home to the Rebecca and Jack Benaroya Collection, and Seattle Symphony, home to Benaroya Hall.

Important Grant Details:

Grants range from $250 to $403,000. In a recent fiscal year, the foundation gave away around $1 million. Past grantees include Rainier Scholars, College Success Foundation, Swedish Medical Center Foundation, Bellevue Arts Museum, and Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle.

While the foundation keeps a low profile, it does accept written proposals. There are no submission deadlines. The Larry Benaroya Family Foundation is narrowly limited in scope both as to geographic location and program services.

PEOPLE:

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CONTACT:

Larry R. Benaroya 
3600 136th Place SE, No 250
Bellevue, WA 98006