Both here in the Pacific Northwest and around the world, barriers exist when it comes to healthy, equitable, and inclusive communities. By supporting programs that invest in our neighbors, prioritizing young people creating lasting change, we are committed to a better shared future.
Slingshot Challenge
This initiative is designed to empower the next generation of problem solvers, advocates, and stewards of the planet. The challenge incentivizes youth aged 13-18 to continuously seek and contribute solutions to our world’s most pressing environmental problems.
Partners: National Geographic Society
COVID-19 Pandemic Response
In the face of an unprecedented global pandemic, we launched or contributed to $12.6 million in funding that was part of a comprehensive coronavirus response in the Pacific Northwest. Funds included deploying resources for testing sites, vaccines, and community-based organizations on the front line supporting the most vulnerable communities in Washington state. Emergency relief funds were directed towards arts and cultural organizations, the LGBTQ+ community, and restaurant workers in the region. We also funded research and studies into serology testing and human immune response led by UW Medicine's Virology Laboratory and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.
Partners: Seattle Foundation, UW Medicine, ArtsFund, Pride Foundation, The Plate Fund, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Allen Institute, Washington Food Fund, Seattle Mariners, Cambia Health Foundation, Starbucks, Foundry10, Harborview Medical Center
Gardner House and Allen Family Center
Gardner House and the Allen Family Center help families experiencing homelessness by bringing together an innovative combination of permanent supportive housing, affordable housing, onsite services, and a Family Resource Center. The building includes 95 new housing units for low-income families and an 8,000-square-foot Family Resource Center that provides programming and resources for families across King County.
Partners: City of Seattle, Mercy Housing Northwest, Mary’s Place, Refugee Women's Alliance, Child Care Resources, Seattle Seahawks
Medication-First Opioid Disorder Treatment
Medication-First is a method of care that improves patient outcomes while reducing the usage and mortality rate of those with opioid-use disorder. As part of a public/private funding partnership, we are supporting sites across the state, in Tacoma, Spokane, Walla Walla, and Seattle, to determine whether low-barrier application of medication-first treatment has better outcomes for high-need populations.
Partners: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute, University of Washington
Co-Funders: Washington Health Care Authority, Premera, Tacoma/Pierce County Public Health, Seattle Foundation