M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust Capital Grants

The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, a private philanthropic foundation based in Vancouver, Washington, has a long-standing commitment to enriching the quality of life in the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 1975, the Trust focuses its grantmaking on projects that promote human flourishing through areas such as the arts, education, health, and scientific research. It prioritizes strategic initiatives that build nonprofit capacity and align with its core mission to serve communities in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Occasionally, it also supports projects with broader national impact, though this is generally by invitation. Capital Grants offered by the Trust are designed to support physical infrastructure needs of nonprofits that align with the Trust's program areas. These grants may fund construction, renovation, land or property acquisition, leasehold improvements, and other significant capital upgrades. Allowable costs under this category include hard costs such as construction labor, materials, and site upgrades, as well as soft costs like architectural services, permitting, and site analysis. Property acquisition is eligible provided the purchase closes after the grant is awarded, and the site has been identified at the time of application. However, capital funding is not without restrictions. The Trust does not support projects funded with more than 70 percent government sources, routine maintenance or deferred capital replacements that do not significantly transform operations, long-term debt retirement, or fundraising-related costs. Standalone playground projects are ineligible unless part of a broader capital request. Requests tied to tenant leasehold improvements must have a minimum 10-year lease, and government-owned operating facilities are typically directed to apply under equipment and technology grants instead of capital grants. Moreover, capital projects must not be initiated before the Trust’s site visit, as doing so would render them ineligible. To be considered, applicants must show that at least 40 percent of the project cost has been raised prior to the Trustee decision and present a clear, diversified funding plan that demonstrates community support. The Trust looks favorably on proposals that reflect strategic alignment with the applicant’s organizational goals and that of the Trust, particularly those with a transformative impact on the nonprofit’s program delivery and long-term sustainability. Applications must demonstrate strong board engagement across time, treasure, and talents, especially where requests involve fundraising infrastructure. The submission process for strategic capital grants begins with a Letter of Inquiry (LOI), which becomes available through the Trust’s grants portal during one of three annual submission periods. Organizations must first pass a brief eligibility quiz within the portal. LOIs are reviewed within three months, and selected applicants are invited to submit a full application. If invited, applicants complete detailed narrative and financial forms, undergo staff review, and participate in a site visit with a program officer. Applications are evaluated holistically with regard to organizational leadership, strategic alignment, fiscal capacity, and project feasibility. The LOI windows are as follows: October 15 to December 26, March 9 to April 9, and July 1 to August 10, with decisions following by the end of the third month after each cycle. Invited full applications are submitted within the next two months and reviewed in quarterly Trustee meetings. Declined applicants may reapply with a new project after one year, while awarded grantees must wait three years before submitting a new LOI. Questions about eligibility or submissions can be directed to [email protected] or (360) 694-8415.

Must not begin capital project before site visit; secure at least 40% of funding before Trustee review; show strong board engagement