The Foster Foundation
Accepts applications
The Foster Foundation is a private foundation in Kirkland, Washington. In tax year 2024 it gave $2.3 million in 59 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $750,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$2.3 million
- Number of grants59
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$750,000
- Assets$58.6 million
- New grantees5%
Giving in 2024 was up from $1.7 million the year before.
5% of its 2024 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.7 million | 62 | $44.7 million |
| 2024 | $2.3 million | 59 | $58.6 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Karen Rowe 13 Central Way, Kirkland, WA 98033 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (206) 726-1815 |
| What to submit | Grant making criteria: inquiries for funding of projects within the scope of the foundation's purpose should be briefly described in letter form. Included in this letter should be a brief description of the project & its intended purpose. If the inquiry is deemed appropriate by the foundation, a formal application will be requested. A detailed application should then be presented & must contain the following: name and address of organization proof of tax-exempt status a list of officers and directors a brief history & summary of program and accomplishments financial reports, including budget for the current year project plan, a description of the project to be funded, defining the need or problem, objectives, methods for achieving objectives, & a method to evaluate results. If the project is intended to be ongoing, methods for ongoing support must be provided. A detailed budget for the project, including total amount needed, amounts requested from this foundation and from other sources |
| Deadlines | None -- response to submission usually made within 90 days |
| Restrictions | Purpose of the foundation: to enhance quality of life in the pacific northwest and Alaska through the support of qualified needs in area of cultural activities, education, social and community services, health, and the environment. Types of support: grants will be awarded to the organizations for one year only, generally in the form of building funds, equipment and materials, research, matching or challenge grants and special projects. Grants to individuals will be made as scholarships and fellowships through a school, college, or university. |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What The Foster Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to Washington.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | 58 | $2.3 million |
| Illinois | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| UW Athletic Department | General | $750,000 |
| Swedish Medical Center Foundation | Medical | $260,000 |
| Montlake Futures | General | $160,000 |
| Overlake Medical Center Foundation | Social services | $135,000 |
| Seattle Foundation | General | $127,792 |
| University of Washington - Foster School Building | Education | $100,000 |
| Northwest Harvest | Social services | $60,000 |
| Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center | Medical | $50,000 |
| Seattle Art Museum | General | $50,000 |
| Paws- Progressive Animal Welfare Society | Social services | $47,500 |
| Make-A-Wish | Social services | $35,000 |
| Overlake School | Social services | $25,000 |
| University of Washington - Tougher Together | Education | $22,500 |
| Seattle Children's Hospital | Medical | $20,000 |
| Youthcare | Social services | $20,000 |
| Akin | Social services | $10,000 |
| Amara | Social services | $10,000 |
| Bellevue Schools Foundation | Education | $10,000 |
| Boyer Children's Clinic | Medical | $10,000 |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue | Social services | $10,000 |
| Camp Korey | Social services | $10,000 |
| Cancer Lifeline | Medical | $10,000 |
| Compass Housing Alliance | Social services | $10,000 |
| Downtown Emergency Service Center | Social services | $10,000 |
| Evergreen Goodwill | Social services | $10,000 |
| Farestart | Social services | $10,000 |
| Hamlin Robinson School | Education | $10,000 |
| Healthpoint | Social services | $10,000 |
| Hopelink | Social services | $10,000 |
| Jubilee Reach | Social services | $10,000 |
| Jubilee Women's Center | Social services | $10,000 |
| Kindering Center | Social services | $10,000 |
| Lahai Health | Social services | $10,000 |
| Low Income Housing Institute | Social services | $10,000 |
| Mary's Place Seattle | Social services | $10,000 |
| Neighborcare Health | Medical | $10,000 |
| New Beginnings | Social services | $10,000 |
| Northwest Center | Social services | $10,000 |
| Outdoor for All Foundation | Social services | $10,000 |
| Pacific Science Center Foundation | General | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Michael G Foster Jr
- Karen O Rowe
- Todd Patrick
- J Bradford Smith
Questions people ask
Does The Foster Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: None -- response to submission usually made within 90 days.
How much does The Foster Foundation give?
$2.3 million in tax year 2024, across 59 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs The Foster Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Michael G Foster Jr (President), Karen O Rowe (Corp. Secretary/Treasurer), Todd Patrick (Director) and J Bradford Smith (Director).
What does The Foster Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly human services, health and education.