Bernier McCaw Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Bernier McCaw Foundation is a private foundation in Medina, Washington. In tax year 2025 it gave $4.5 million in 28 grants; the typical grant was $50,000 and the largest $666,666. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$4.5 million
- Number of grants28
- Typical grant$50,000
- Largest grant$666,666
- Assets$6.1 million
- New grantees73%
Giving in 2025 was down from $4.7 million the year before.
73% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $3.7 million | 31 | $9.8 million |
| 2024 | $4.7 million | 20 | $7.8 million |
| 2025 | $4.5 million | 28 | $6.1 million |
How to apply
Bernier McCaw Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What Bernier McCaw Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Washington.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | 24 | $3.8 million |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $520,000 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $200,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Tubman Center for Health & Freedom | Ashay | $666,666 |
| Northwest Film Forum | Wa na wari general operating support | $503,500 |
| Independent Sector | Center on excellence for the nonprofit workforce | $500,000 |
| 350 Seattle | Seattle king county african american reparations committee | $400,000 |
| Sacred Land Collective | General operating support | $400,000 |
| The Who We Are Project | General operating support | $400,000 |
| YWCA of Seattlekingsnohomish County | Strategic direction initiatives | $333,333 |
| Byrd Barr Place | Bipoc ed coalition now known as ile kimoyo | $200,000 |
| Davidson College Annual Fund | Thelma adair pavilion at the george lawrence abernethy library | $200,000 |
| Renton Regional Community Foundation | Capacity building | $200,000 |
| Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center | Support of gynecologic research and cancer equity | $175,000 |
| Africatown Community Land Trust | General operating support | $100,000 |
| Washington Community Alliance | Building to last campaign | $100,000 |
| Cierra Sisters | General operating support | $50,000 |
| Native Action Network | Native women's leadership forum | $50,000 |
| The Seattle Times Community Impact Fund | Investigative journalism fund | $50,000 |
| King County Sexual Assault Resource Center | General operating support | $25,000 |
| Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle | Economic recovery and reconciliation alliance with respect campaign | $25,000 |
| Bellevue Lifespring | Uncork the night sponsorship | $20,000 |
| Bellevue Lifespring | General operating support | $20,000 |
| Youth Services America | Guides.vote general operating support | $20,000 |
| Business Impact NW | Intentionalist buy black card | $15,000 |
| Estelita's Library | Food pantry | $10,000 |
| Philanos | National conference sponsorship | $10,000 |
| Social Venture Partners | Statewide capacity collaborative membership | $7,500 |
| Yakima Valley Community Foundation | 2025 central washington conference for the greater good | $7,500 |
| Northwest Children's Foundation | 2025 forum sponsorship | $5,000 |
| Northwest Children's Foundation | 2026 forum sponsorship | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Nell Elizabeth McCaw
- Yahn W Bernier
Questions people ask
Does Bernier McCaw Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Bernier McCaw Foundation give?
$4.5 million in tax year 2025, across 28 grants, with a typical grant of $50,000.
Who runs Bernier McCaw Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Nell Elizabeth McCaw (President) and Yahn W Bernier (Secretary-Treasurer).
What does Bernier McCaw Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health, community development and international.