What We Do

We invest in communities across the Pacific Northwest to strengthen arts and culture, empower the next generation of changemakers, and support a global network of partners dedicated to protecting wildlife, preserving ecosystems, and creating lasting change.
IMG-The-Community

Connected By Community

Our philosophy for the foundation's three program areas—Arts & Culture, Youth, and Environment—is rooted in the belief that all three merge to contribute to a healthy, thriving community. Community is the defining principle that is woven throughout all of our investments; it is the very heart of our work. 

Arts and cultural experiences contribute to a deeper understanding of ourselves and others, helping to foster connection and strengthen communities. Science-based innovations are most impactful when developed in partnership with communities, leading to durable and sustainable solutions that advance biodiversity, climate change, and human well-being goals. Empowering young people through meaningful leadership opportunities, intergenerational support, and access to essential resources expands the number and diversity of youth acting on issues they deeply value—ultimately enhancing outcomes for youth and entire communities. 

When we each do our part, we create the foundation for collective wellbeing where creativity, future generations, and nature can flourish in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. 

Our Values and Approach

Our Values & Approach

Our values as a funder are to be rigorous, authentic, equitable, creative, collaborative, and accountable in all our connections and interactions with our grantees, other funders, and the community we serve. 

In all that we do, we strive to understand the needs of the organizations and projects we invest in, seek out creative and novel solutions with high potential for impact, convene and engage partners to magnify our collective work, and adapt to and learn from changing circumstances. 

We are guided by what we learn from our grantee partners, who are deeply rooted in their communities, hold invaluable wisdom, and are closest to both challenges and their solutions. Their commitment and creativity inspire us daily as they strive to make the world more vibrant, equitable, and sustainable. Learning from them allows us to grow in understanding and ensure that our support truly aligns with the transformative work they lead. 

Our Giving

Expenditures by Program 2015-2025

Expenditures by Program 2015-2025

Grantees by Program 2015-2025

Grantees by Program 2015-2025
IMG-Arts-and-culture
Photo courtesy Shunpike

Arts & Culture

Increasing access to diverse arts, cultural, and heritage experiences for everyone.

Youth

Supporting youth changemakers to strengthen and move our communities forward.

img-youth-what-we-do
Image Environment What We Do

Environment

Protecting and restoring our planet’s biodiversity through scientific solutions rooted in community partnerships.

Recent News

Read the stories of the ordinary and extraordinary people making change every day, discover new funding opportunities, and explore other news from our grantees and team.

Youth
CSS Card
Stories

Inspiring and educating the next generation of leaders with Children of the Setting Sun

Environment
A black bear is sitting on its hind legs in a forest clearing. The bear is surrounded by fallen tree branches and moss-covered logs.
Stories

Optimizing wildlife camera traps for greater conservation outcomes

Meet the team of scientists and technologists working to optimize camera traps for conservation

Environment
Image of scientists standing in shallow water with seagrass surrounding them
Stories

Mapping seagrasses with Earth Genome & The Nature Conservancy

Scientists and technologists are designing a blueprint for scalable seagrass ecosystem mapping

Environment
Scientists walk through a forested area. The trees are burned from a previous wildfire,  and the field is dotted with purple flowers.
Press Releases

$5M awarded to Pacific Northwest Natural Climate Solutions projects

The six grantees will tackle pressing climate challenges in the Pacific Northwest

Keep in Touch

Sign up to hear about new RFPs, grantee news, and foundation updates.