OVERVIEW: This funder mainly supports local organizations in Washington State, but California organizations that promote a just society and a sustainable environment also receive funding. It also accepts unsolicited applications for its core grants program.
IP TAKE: This funder has been significantly funding capacity building in recent years. But it is a key foundation to know for Northwest environmental and activist groups.
PROFILE: The Satterberg Foundation is a family foundation in Seattle, Washington. It seeks to strengthen “communities by promoting a just society and a sustainable environment.” It was first inspired by Virginia (Ginny) Satterberg Pigott Helsell in 1990. Grantmaking began in 1991 with $13,916 in grants and grew to $22 million over the course of 24 years. The foundation mostly supports causes in Washington, although it makes some grants in California, as well. Satterberg promotes a just society and a sustainable environment in the Pacific Northwest.
In a past year, it gave $17.6 million to groups in Washington and $4.5 million to California. Current financial data is available here.
There are four grantmaking programs. The only one that accepts unsolicited inquiries is the core support grants program. These are multi-year, general operating support grants. However, grant seekers should reach out to the foundation before submitting an unsolicited inquiry. These grants range up to $100,00 per year for up to three years.
The foundation typically hosts info sessions when opening up a new core grants cycle, and due dates are different for Washington and California groups. Approximately the same amount of money is awarded for Building a Just Society and Building a Sustainable Environment. To be eligible for these grants, your organization must have a current year annual expense budget under $5 million. Detailed information about how to apply for these grants and the deadline are available here.
In addition to these core support grants, Satterberg supports community partnerships, which represent multi-year funding for cornerstone organizations in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. Invitational grants and family grants are single-year grants initiated by board members and family members. The foundation has made recent grants between $2,000 and $50,000. A list of past grants and amounts is available here.
Direct general questions to the staff via online form. Keep up with the funder and its grants at its news section.
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