S.B. Schaar and P.K. Whelpton Foundation

OVERVIEW: The S B Schaar and P K Whelpton Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to education, youth, the environment, and social change organizations.

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

PROFILE: Established in 1998, the S.B. Schaar and P.K. Whelpton Foundation is operated by Jabe Blumenthal, Microsoft’s first program manager, and Julie Edsforth, a nonprofit management consultant. The foundation does not maintain a website, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. According to tax records, the S.B. Schaar and P.K. Whelpton Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to education, youth, the environment and social change organizations.

Jabe Blumenthal, a Seattle native, graduated from Yale University in 1982 with a degree in applied mathematics and went to work for Microsoft, designing the first version of Excel and becoming the company’s first Program Manager. In 1994, he left Microsoft to teach mathematics and physics at his alma mater, Lakeside High School in Seattle, where he was head of the science department.

Grants for Environmental Conservation

Jabe is an active environmentalist and first became interested in wilderness conservation. He teamed up with Conservation Northwest, helping to protect Washington’s Loomis Forest. As he became more involved, he shifted to climate change and joined the board for Climate Solutions. He then co-founded the Progress Alliance of Washington, whose mission is to “build a permanent and powerful social change movement in Washington state supported by a network of committed donors.”

Grants for Education and Girls

Julie, meanwhile, co-founded an organization called Powerful Voices, which “fosters adolescent girls’ development by providing programs and promoting social justice so girls can realize their dreams, engage their communities and shape a better world.”

Important Grant Details:

Grants range from $100 to $75,000. Past grantees include Whitman College (Julie is an alumna), ACLU of Washington Foundation, Climate Solutions, College Success Foundation, Social Justice Fund and Progress Alliance of Washington.

While the foundation keeps a low profile, it does accept applications. Applicants should submit a written request stating purpose for which the contribution will be used. There are no application deadlines or restrictions on awards.

PEOPLE:

Search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder (paid subscribers only).

CONTACT:

Dan Kovarik
10655 NE Fourth Street, Suite 510
Bellevue, WA 98004