The Whitehorse Foundation is a supporting organization of the Seattle Foundation, established in 1989 to enhance the quality of life for residents of Snohomish County, Washington. It is a private philanthropic entity that channels its resources exclusively to nonprofit organizations operating within this region. The Foundation's mission is to ensure that children, youth, and families thrive through programs and initiatives that build sustainable well-being and stability.
The Foundation funds projects that prioritize early intervention and prevention, recognizing the importance of addressing risk factors before they escalate. Grants support programming that increases accessibility for children, youth, and families, promotes long-term self-sufficiency, and builds the emotional, social, and economic resilience of families. In particular, the Foundation seeks out initiatives that are collaborative in nature, indicating a preference for partnerships among community providers that offer wraparound services and comprehensive support.
Funding may be used for project-specific efforts or for ongoing operational support. The Foundation expresses interest in funding programs that are either in the early stages of development or those that present a strong community backing or a compelling expected impact. Multi-year grants may be approved, with payments made in annual installments. However, continued funding is contingent upon satisfactory progress and review by the Foundation’s board, which assesses annual performance through reports.
The Whitehorse Foundation operates on a two-step application process. The first step involves submitting a two-page letter of inquiry (LOI) outlining the proposed project and funding request. These LOIs may be submitted at any time to whitehorsefoundation@seattlefoundation.org. Although applications are accepted on a rolling basis, LOIs are reviewed quarterly, and full proposals are accepted only by invitation following LOI evaluation.
Final grant decisions are made biannually at board meetings. The Foundation encourages early communication from potential applicants, offering contact via communitygrantmaking@seattlefoundation.org or by phone at 206-622-2294 for questions or guidance. Applicants may also consult the Seattle Foundation’s website for more context or updates regarding grant cycles.
Ultimately, the Whitehorse Foundation places a strong emphasis on community-supported programming, leveraging multiple sources of funding to create sustained impact. It maintains a consistent focus on the welfare of children, youth, and families within Snohomish County, reinforcing a localized and mission-driven funding strategy.
Preference is given to programs with strong community support or those that are collaborative in nature. Include evidence of impact or early development with achievable funding plans.
