Gary E Milgard Family Foundation- Sunshine
Accepts applications
Gary E Milgard Family Foundation- Sunshine is a private foundation in Tacoma, Washington. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.4 million in 69 grants; the typical grant was $15,000 and the largest $133,625. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$1.4 million
- Number of grants69
- Typical grant$15,000
- Largest grant$133,625
- Assets$41.3 million
- New grantees55%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.3 million the year before.
55% 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 | $1.4 million | 62 | $34.6 million |
| 2024 | $1.3 million | 68 | $37.3 million |
| 2025 | $1.4 million | 69 | $41.3 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Exclusively Accepted Online Via WWW 1701 Commerce Street, Tacoma, WA 98402 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (253) 274-0121 |
| What to submit | A letter of inquiry is the first step in the grant application process. The letter of inquiry is reviewed, and if approved, the applicant will be requested to provide a full application. |
| Deadlines | There is no deadline for submitting a letter of inquiry. |
| Restrictions | All applicant organizations must qualify as tax-exempt organizations under the internal revenue code. Certain proposals are ineligible for funding, such as: annual funds, galas, or other special event fundraising activities; sectarian religious activities, debt reduction, political lobbying, or legislative activities; and organizations that discriminate on the basis of age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, political affiliation or religious belief. |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Gary E Milgard Family Foundation- Sunshine funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Washington.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | 66 | $1.2 million |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $133,625 |
| California | 1 | $50,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $25,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Donorschooseorg | Pierce county teachers | $133,625 |
| Asia Pacific Cultural Center | Nourish & flourish senior | $50,000 |
| Tacoma Community House | Fulfilling the american promise | $50,000 |
| The Trust for Public Land | Wa parks for people-pierce co. | $50,000 |
| Associated Ministries of Tacoma-Pierce Co | Shared housing services | $35,000 |
| Multicultural Child & Family Hope Center | Miles that matter: new bus | $35,000 |
| Santa's Castle | Annual toy collection | $32,000 |
| Tacoma-Pierce County Chaplaincy | General operating | $32,000 |
| Goodwill of the Olympics & Rainier Region | Senior employment program-pierce | $30,000 |
| Puyallup Valley St Francis House | General operating/programs | $30,000 |
| Sibling Strong | Pierce county program | $30,000 |
| Tacoma Parks Foundation | Summer late nights 2025 | $30,000 |
| Bloodworks Northwest | Pierce county bloodmobile | $25,000 |
| Camp Korey | Operations pierce county | $25,000 |
| Diabetes Association of Pierce County | 2025 panther day camp | $25,000 |
| Friends of the Children Tacoma | Youth mentorship program | $25,000 |
| Greater Lakes Mental Healthcare | Outreach vehicle | $25,000 |
| Greentrike | Lullaby project | $25,000 |
| Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church | Holiday giving/bereavement | $25,000 |
| Palmer Scholars | Program support | $25,000 |
| Push for Dreams | Leadership academy | $25,000 |
| Reach Out and Read | Pierce county wa | $25,000 |
| Sound Outreach | Ctr strong families | $25,000 |
| St Leo Parishfood Connection | Children's feeding program | $25,000 |
| St Vincent de Paul of Tacomapierce Co | Homeless prevention/outreach | $25,000 |
| A Step Ahead in Pierce County | Boost program | $20,000 |
| Communities in Schools of Tacoma | Integrated student support | $20,000 |
| Foundation for Tacoma Students | Campaign free aid | $20,000 |
| Metropolitan Development Council | General operations | $20,000 |
| National Football Foundation | Paul wallrof scholarship awards | $20,000 |
| The Mustard Seed Project | Expanding services elders | $20,000 |
| University of Puget Sound | Summer academic challenge 2026 | $20,000 |
| Arivva-Pierce Ctr for Arts & Technology | Medical assistant training | $16,500 |
| Brightspark Early Learning Services | Pierce county subsidies | $15,000 |
| Building Youth Through Music | Steam afterschool-summer program | $15,000 |
| Cancer Pathways | Camp sparkle/family program | $15,000 |
| College Success Foundation | Tacoma college & career access | $15,000 |
| Communities in Schools of Lakewood | In-school student supports | $15,000 |
| Communities in Schools of Puyallup | Site coordination | $15,000 |
| Degrees of Change | Washington youth | $15,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Christine Zemanek
- Tyler Zemanek
- Dana Howerton
- Lori Milgard
Questions people ask
Does Gary E Milgard Family Foundation- Sunshine accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: There is no deadline for submitting a letter of inquiry.
How much does Gary E Milgard Family Foundation- Sunshine give?
$1.4 million in tax year 2025, across 69 grants, with a typical grant of $15,000.
Who runs Gary E Milgard Family Foundation- Sunshine?
Its 2025 filing lists Christine Zemanek (President & Treasurer), Tyler Zemanek (VP), Dana Howerton (Secretary) and Lori Milgard (Director).
What does Gary E Milgard Family Foundation- Sunshine fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, youth programs and environment and conservation.