Seattle, WA. It’s well known that Seattle is a city known for its stunning natural beauty, innovative technology, and a strong commitment to community and social causes. Within this vibrant metropolis, numerous nonprofits work tirelessly to address a wide range of issues, from homelessness to environmental conservation and education. Here’s a closer look at some of the top nonprofits in Seattle, highlighting their impactful work and dedication to making the Emerald City a better place for all.
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, headquartered in Seattle, is one of the world’s largest and most influential philanthropic organizations. Founded by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and his then-wife Melinda, the foundation focuses on global health, poverty alleviation, and education. Through their generous contributions, they have played a pivotal role in improving healthcare systems, combating infectious diseases, and enhancing educational opportunities worldwide.
Seattle Foundation
The Seattle Foundation is a local organization that connects donors with nonprofits and community leaders to create lasting change in the Seattle area. They manage a vast network of charitable funds, enabling individuals and organizations to contribute to causes they care about. The foundation’s efforts have resulted in countless community projects, scholarships, and support for social initiatives.
Northwest Harvest
Fighting hunger is the primary mission of Northwest Harvest. They are a statewide food bank distributor that sources nutritious food and distributes it to a network of more than 375 food banks, meal programs, and high-need schools. Northwest Harvest has been instrumental in addressing food insecurity in Seattle and across Washington State.
Catholic Community Services of Western Washington
Catholic Community Services (CCS) is a vital nonprofit that provides a wide range of social services, including housing assistance, behavioral health, and refugee and immigrant support. Their dedication to helping vulnerable populations in Seattle has made them a cornerstone of the local community.
Seattle Children’s Hospital
Seattle Children’s Hospital is renowned for its pediatric care and commitment to improving the health and well-being of children. Not only do they provide top-notch medical treatment, but they also engage in cutting-edge research to advance the field of pediatric medicine.
Forterra
Forterra, formerly known as the Cascade Land Conservancy, is an organization dedicated to conserving and enhancing the region’s natural landscapes. They work to secure critical lands, restore ecosystems, and promote sustainable urban development. Their efforts have helped protect important natural areas in the Pacific Northwest.
All Home King County
All Home King County is a collaborative effort aimed at addressing homelessness in King County, where Seattle is located. They work to coordinate resources, services, and housing solutions for those experiencing homelessness, with a focus on making homelessness rare, brief, and one-time.
Seattle Public Schools Foundation
Education is a top priority in Seattle, and the Seattle Public Schools Foundation plays a crucial role in supporting the city’s public education system. They raise funds to bridge funding gaps, promote equity, and enhance educational opportunities for all students.
ArtsFund
ArtsFund is committed to supporting the arts and cultural organizations in the Seattle region. They provide financial resources and advocacy to ensure that the arts continue to thrive, enriching the cultural fabric of the city.
Conclusion
Seattle’s vibrant nonprofit sector is a testament to the city’s commitment to social and environmental causes. The organizations mentioned here are just a snapshot of the incredible work being done to address some of the most pressing issues facing the Emerald City. Whether it’s improving healthcare, fighting hunger, or preserving the environment, these nonprofits are making a significant impact, proving that Seattle’s heart is as big as its towering skyline. By supporting and collaborating with these nonprofits, we can all contribute to making Seattle a better place for everyone.
Seattle, WA. The Borgen Project is hosting its first virtual summer event on July 31st, 2021: BORGENFEST. It is both a festival and a call to action to end global poverty; with music, celebration, and guest appearances. The festival features musical performances by Kitty Coen and 99 Neighbors, and includes guest appearances by Congressman Adam Smith, representative of Washington’s 9th congressional district; Natalie Gill-Mensah, an infectious disease expert and member on The Borgen Project’s Board of Directors; and Clint Borgen, President, and Founder of The Borgen Project. Proceeds from the BORGENFEST will benefit the organization’s poverty reduction efforts. To attend the event, you can find more information and register here.
This event is meant to build awareness about poverty reduction legislation and aid programs, while also celebrating the many obstacles overcome this past year in the international community. From the COVID-19 pandemic to an increase in violence against women, 2020 and 2021 have been particularly difficult for everyone. Yet amidst these tumultuous times comes a potential for unity: and that is cause for celebration.
Here’s a video about the organization:
Amy Pettigrew, Senior Program Manager at The Borgen Project and BORGENFEST Committee Chair, outlined the importance of this event: “The negative impacts of COVID-19 have caused a significant setback in hunger and poverty reduction efforts. Now is the time to ramp up our efforts and amplify voices who continue to struggle with the effects of the pandemic, in tandem with the fight to end global poverty. That’s what this event is for.”
More about The Borgen Project:
The Borgen Project is a bipartisan nonprofit campaign working at the political level towards the goal of eradicating global poverty. The organization was founded in 2003 by Clint Borgen, and has since then met with 87 percent of the U.S. Senate regarding key poverty-reduction legislation and other relevant bills. The Borgen Project continually mobilizes people worldwide to join their cause. With the advocacy help of this campaign, bills have been passed that improve women’s access to education, implement global health programs, reform global food aid, and more.
You are invited to celebrate with The Borgen Project on July 31st at 7pm EST, and you are welcome to register for the event here.
Seattle, WA. The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is now open. There are some limitations in place to keep people safe. Both the Seattle Art Museum and the Seattle Asian Art Museum are open at limited capacity, Fridays through Sundays, 10 am–5 pm. Outdoor spaces at the Olympic Sculpture Park remain open to the public with the PACCAR Pavilion closed for the time being.
Museum administrators say, “We have carefully planned for our reopening in alignment with Governor Inslee’s guidelines for museums outlined in the Healthy Washington—Roadmap to Recovery plan. We ask our visitors to continue to comply with all COVID-19 directives and guidance issued by the Governor and relevant public health authorities to keep our community safe. Keeping SAM open is dependent on the latest guidance for the Puget Sound area and updates will be reflected here as they change.”
Online Timed Tickets Required: To allow for physical distancing, capacity will be limited and ticketing will be timed. Everyone must get tickets online in advance. Tickets will be released on a rolling basis weekly, every Thursday.
Print out your ticket at home or download to a smartphone. With fewer visitors to the museum, you’ll have an intimate art-viewing experience. Get Tickets.
During the pandemic Priya Frank became the Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at SAM.
An installation “Northwest Modernism: Four Japanese Americans,” celebrates four of Seattle’s leading Japanese American artists: Kenjiro Nomura, Kamekichi Tokita, Paul Horiuchi, and George Tsutakawa.
Visitors have shared positive experiences at SAM.
Please visit at another time if you:
Are feeling unwell
Have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or have any COVID-19 symptoms
Live with or care for someone who has been ill
Have recently been in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19
Please contact [email protected] to exchange your ticket for another day and time if any of the above applies to you.
From Seattle Art Museum:
Masks Required Staff and visitors over the age of two must wear masks.
Physical Distancing Required Follow guidelines in public spaces and galleries.
Recognize Risk SAM has implemented many safety measures and has a state-of-the-art ventilation system, but cannot guarantee zero risk; a risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public setting.
When You Arrive: Seattle Art Museum: Enter at First and Union. The south entrance (the Hammering Man entrance) and the South Hall will be closed. Seattle Asian Art Museum: Follow marked entrance and exit signs at front doors to maintain one-way visitor traffic and physical distancing.
Expect some areas to be closed Seattle Art Museum: The Italian Room will not be open to the public when we reopen. The Ann P. Wyckoff Education Resource Center, Bullitt Library, and children play areas will also be closed. TASTE Café will be closed. Seattle Asian Art Museum: The Education Studio, Community Gallery, Chen Community Meeting Room, and Library will be closed.
Prepare for limited capacity in restrooms Selected restroom stalls will be closed. Capacity limits will be posted on bathroom doors.
Wash your hands and use hand sanitizers We have instituted rigorous cleaning procedures using EPA registered disinfectants throughout the museum, with a special focus on high-touch and high-traffic areas and restrooms. We ask that you do your part by washing your hands frequently and using hand sanitizers located throughout the museum.
Expect a contactless experience Shared materials have been removed from the galleries and interactive touchscreens have been disabled.
Visit SAM Shop! The Seattle Art Museum Shop and Gallery and the Seattle Asian Art Museum Shop will be open with very limited capacity during museum operating hours to visitors with a ticket. Please visit SAM Shop if you need to purchase water during your visit.
Help Contact Tracing In alignment with guidance from the Governor’s Office and King County public health officials, SAM is storing ticket buyer information and requesting contact information for all visitors for contact tracing purposes. Learn more
Also please note that if we are unable to reopen or remain open as planned because of changes to public health guidelines, SAM will contact ticket holders via email to present options for moving tickets to a new day and time.
We have worked hard to make visitors and staff comfortable during their visit and hope to see you soon!
Located downtown, one block from Pike Place Market, global art collections, temporary installations, and special exhibitions from around the world bridge cultures and centuries.
Seattle Art Museum acknowledges we are on the traditional homelands of the Duwamish, and the customary territories of the Suquamish and Muckleshoot Peoples. As a cultural and educational institution, we honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present and future. We also acknowledge the many urban Native Peoples from many Nations who call Seattle their home.
Seattle, WA. The Seattle Aquarium has reopened for business! Under the restrictions COVID-19 has imposed, the Seattle Aquarium is doing everything they can to keep individuals safe and distanced during their visits. (Image courtesy of Bella Gold).
Here are some of their guidelines for visitors during this unprecedented time:
ONLINE TICKETS MUST BE RESERVED IN ADVANCE for all guests, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time member.
YOUR TIMED TICKET indicates your arrival window. There is no limit to how long you can spend at the Aquarium.
MASKS/FACE COVERINGS ARE REQUIRED during your visit. Exemptions to this order include babies/toddlers under age 5 (masks/face coverings are highly recommended for children ages 3–4). A clear mask/face covering will be provided at no charge to anyone who would like one. If you are unable to wear a mask/face covering the Aquarium will work to arrange a visit at a later date when mask requirements have been lifted. If you don’t have a mask/face covering when you arrive, one will be provided for you.
A ONE-WAY PATHWAY with clear physical distance markers will guide you through the Aquarium and help protect everyone’s health—but you’ll still find plenty to see, experience and enjoy!
The number of guests allowed to visit each day and during each timed-ticketing window will be limited. Members will continue to receive free admission, but tickets must still be reserved in advance in order to limit capacity.
The Seattle Aquarium would like to remind visitors that masks and face coverings are required to keep everyone safe. Exemptions to this order include babies/toddlers under age 5 (face coverings/masks are highly recommended for children ages 3–4). Free clear masks will be provided to anyone who would like one. If you are unable to wear a mask the Aquarium will work to arrange a visit at a later date when mask requirements have been lifted. If you don’t have a mask when you arrive, one will be provided for you.
From the Seattle Aquarium:
Founded in 1977 and located on Pier 59 in the heart of Seattle, Washington, the Aquarium serves as the largest platform for ocean conservation and engagement in the Pacific Northwest. With a mission of Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment. The Seattle Aquarium offers a unique window into ocean conservation by offering compelling exhibits and event experiences; community programming along local rivers and beaches; research that advances understanding of marine species; advocacy and policy work on issues like climate change and ocean acidification; an award-winning volunteer program; and more. The region’s premier resource for hands-on marine experiences and conservation education, the Seattle Aquarium offers fun, exciting ways to discover more about the amazing Puget Sound and our world’s one big ocean.
Seattle, WA. Artist Trust has $100,000 in funding available for Washington State artists, due to donors’ endorsements at year’s end. (The nonprofit recently held a zoom community conversation on racial equity seen above.) These funds will create a second wave of emergency support, forecast to fund a minimum of 100 artists at $1,000 each. Cezanne Garcia, Artist Trust Board of Trustees President expressed her gratitude, “Thanks to our donors’ continued generous support, Artist Trust ended 2020 over $100,000 ahead of our fundraising goal for the year.” Release dates for the Relief Fund application cycle can be found posted on the refreshed grant schedule.
Artist Trust continues to listen to the community and pivot through the pandemic to meet artists’ needs. Survey results reported that more than 50 percent of performing artists had been out of work during the third quarter of 2020, in response the Artist Trust team created a list of resources, one being a food bank map, designed as a guide to locate alternative food sources within Washington State.
Meeting the immediate needs of artists remains at the forefront as Kristina Goetz, Acting Director shared, “the pandemic marked a directional shift” and as a service-oriented organization, the focus has been “connecting artists with the resources to best equip as possible to weather the crisis,” which includes: providing funding information, healthcare, housing, support navigating legal issues with webinars, and business development workshops.
Artist Trust – Resources and Opportunities Artwork by Fulgencio Lazo, 2018
As one of the longest-running award programs, having originated in 1987, Artist Trust was honored to release the nine recipients of the 2020 Fellowship Awards on February 8, 2021, which included: visual artists Dan Friday, Tatiana Garmendia, Mary Ann Peters, and Anthony White; performing artist Benjamin Hunter; multidisciplinary artists Jaleesa Johnston and Chris Vargas; and literary artists Rena Priest and Sharma Shields captured below. These merit-based awards provide an unrestricted cash amount of $10,000 to each recipient.
Artist Trust 2020 Fellowship Recipients
Alchemical Bride 24 (Sojourner Truth) oils on canvas 48” x 41” Abolitionist and women’s rights activist, born into slavery but escaped with her infant daughter to freedom in 1826. Went to court to recover her son in 1828, and became the first black woman to win such a case against a white man. Tatiana Garmendia felt humbled by the fellowship, “knowing that my work was chosen by other art professionals who get what I am putting out into the world.”
Multidisciplinary artist Jaleesa Johnston shared, “With this award, I can materialize ideas that have been sitting in my sketchbook over the last couple of years.”
Artist Trust is a 501(c)3 nonprofit grounded in values of being “open, welcoming, transparent, responsive, and forward-thinking – Artist Trust’s mission is to support and encourage artists working in all disciplines to enrich community life throughout Washington State.” Founded in 1986, Artist Trust has invested in individual artists contributing over $11 million through professional development programs and grants. To learn more about getting involved visit: artisttrust.org.
Seattle, WA. Inspire Washington maintains the role of resource development and advocacy for science, heritage, and the arts after the merging of Cultural Access Washington and the Washington State Arts Alliance. It supports enrichment programs like the one seen above during a pre-covid event at the Pacific Science Center. Manuel R. Cawaling, Executive Director, continues to assist organizations across Washington state, navigating Covid-19 restrictions, clarifying informational updates, and making sample survey templates and advocacy resources accessible. A list of these resources can be found here: Covid-19 Advocacy and Resources
Inspire Washington encourages the spread of culture
Arts, Heritage, and Science Day is an opportunity for cultural advocates to gather together and meet legislators that support these communities. Inspire Washington provides tools for advocates to fully participate, with training and logistical support. In the past, this annual event has been held in Olympia, and included legislative briefings and a full day of workshops. This year, a tribute to arts, heritage and science has been scheduled for the first week of February, through a series of discussions preparing community leaders for funding meetings with lawmakers. The sessions will be held virtually: AH&S Informational Sessions
Among a cohort of funding organizations, Inspire Washington collaborated to survey the financial needs and analyze recovery measures in the cultural sector. These data summaries from a statewide cultural recovery survey and economic impact dashboard report the findings.
The Inspire Washington team has created a path for community leaders to get involved and represent Washington’s 49 districts together, including the following: writing a lawmaker a message,joining a district for legislative advocacy, and by signing up to advocate for culture in Washington state. Cawaling hosts meetings for cultural businesses to learn about pandemic relief and the ways to support science, heritage, and the arts.
To help understand the ever changing developments related to Covid-19 relief, Inspire Washington hosts an office hour.
From Inspire Washington:
Mission: Inspire Washington nurtures the human spirit and strengthens communities by increasing access to science, heritage, and arts programming through advocacy, resource development, education, and coalition building.
NONPROFIT BENEFIT TICKET GIVEAWAYS!
Sign up for our free weekly highlights for the chance to win two tickets terrific nonprofit events! If you “like” us on facebook, or sign up for our weekly news highlights, you’ll be entered to win! Sign up today!
Look for another ticket giveaway soon! Are you a nonprofit looking to bolster your publicity with facebook and tweets? Email us and we’ll run a contest with tickets to your event! [email protected]
