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. We are reflecting on the meaning of Nonprofits.
In a world often marred by economic disparities, social injustices, and environmental crises, nonprofit organizations have emerged as the unsung heroes striving to make a positive impact on our global community. These selfless entities, fueled by passion and dedication, are at the forefront of addressing some of society’s most pressing issues.
Nonprofits: The Backbone of Compassion
Nonprofits, also known as non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or charitable organizations, play a pivotal role in addressing various social, economic, and environmental challenges. They are driven by a common mission: to promote the welfare of individuals, communities, and the planet itself. Whether it’s providing humanitarian aid during natural disasters, funding medical research, supporting education, or conserving wildlife, nonprofits are the lifeline of humanity.
Diverse Causes, Common Goals
Nonprofits span a wide spectrum of causes and issues, reflecting the diversity of concerns in our society. Some focus on alleviating poverty and hunger, while others champion education and healthcare access. Environmental organizations work tirelessly to combat climate change, protect endangered species, and preserve natural habitats. The philanthropic world is a tapestry of these organizations, each contributing to a better world in its unique way.
The Power of Volunteerism and Donations
At the heart of nonprofits are the volunteers and donors who dedicate their time, resources, and expertise to the cause. Volunteers often play an instrumental role in delivering services and raising awareness. Meanwhile, the generosity of donors ensures that nonprofits have the necessary funds to continue their work. From grassroots initiatives to international organizations, it’s this synergy of passion and financial support that propels nonprofits forward.
Impact Amidst Challenges
Nonprofits face numerous challenges, from bureaucratic hurdles to fundraising obstacles. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on their operations and resources. Many nonprofits have had to adapt swiftly to meet the urgent needs arising from the pandemic, including food distribution, healthcare support, and educational resources.
However, these challenges have not deterred the indomitable spirit of nonprofit organizations. Instead, they have fueled creativity and innovation. Virtual fundraising events, online volunteering opportunities, and digital campaigns have become the norm, allowing nonprofits to continue their essential work even in the face of adversity.
A Global Network of Hope
The impact of nonprofits extends far beyond local communities. International nonprofits and NGOs often collaborate across borders to tackle global issues. Whether it’s responding to humanitarian crises, advocating for human rights, or promoting sustainable development, nonprofits bring people together from all corners of the world to work towards a common goal.
The Future of Nonprofits
As we move forward, the role of nonprofits in shaping a better world is more critical than ever. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals provide a roadmap for their efforts, guiding them in addressing poverty, inequality, climate change, and other pressing challenges. The future of nonprofits also includes leveraging technology and data-driven approaches to enhance their effectiveness and transparency.
In a world where societal issues continue to evolve, nonprofits stand as beacons of hope and catalysts for change. They remind us that even the smallest acts of kindness and generosity can have a profound impact on the lives of individuals and the well-being of our planet. As we recognize their tireless efforts, let us all be inspired to contribute in whatever way we can, for it is through collective action that we can create a brighter future for all.
Note: This article celebrates the incredible work of nonprofits and the invaluable contributions they make to society. It is a testament to their resilience and dedication to making the world a better place.
Seattle, WA. Things are getting closer to normal at The Henry Art Gallery. Visitors no longer have to register in advance, they can walk-up and buy tickets. Mask and social distancing requirements remain in place regardless of vaccination status. Here’s a link to visitor guidelines.
The Henry Art Gallery is part of the University of Washington and is currently showcasing Will Rawls: Everlasting Stranger which is featured in the image above. The exhibit, in collaboration with Velocity Dance Center, runs through August 15th.
In Everlasting Stranger, New York-based choreographer and writer Will Rawls (b. 1978, Boston, MA) activates relationships between language, dance, and image through the fragmentary medium of stop-motion animation. In his installation, time and movement slow as a live, automated camera photographs the frame-by-frame actions of four dancers. While the performers occupy the labor of becoming images, visual capture is staged as an obsessive process that is constant yet compromised by the movement it aims to fix.
Here, as in previous works, Rawls develops strategies of evasion and engagement within systems that mediate, distort, and abstract the body.
Rawls’s exhibition takes inspiration from the work of Guyanese writer Wilson Harris and his surrealist novel The Infinite Rehearsal (1987). In the book, the constrictive projections of the colonial gaze manifest as a child’s fever dream where ghosts reinterpret time, genealogy, and identity as unstable matter. Harris’s novel serves as a conduit through which Rawls addresses the misrepresentation that haunts all forms of capture, including photography and choreography. Within the temporal delirium that marks existence in quarantine, Rawls animates the life that appears between frames.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
Saturdays: July 17 – August 14, 12 – 3 PM
Will Rawls: Everlasting Stranger is a collaboration between Henry Art Gallery and Velocity Dance Center and is organized by Nina Bozicnik, Henry Curator, and Erin Johnson, Velocity Interim Artistic and Managing Director. It is presented in conjunction with the Seattle Festival of Dance + Improvisation, with project support from the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support provided by UW Department of Dance, and by John Robinson and Maya Sonenberg. Costumes complements of womxn’s rites.
The exhibition is presented in conjunction with Murmurations, a Seattle-wide arts collaboration featuring a series of exhibitions, performances, screenings, community conversations, artist talks, and other programs co-developed between cultural organizations.
Other exhibitions are continually available this summer. For an online opportunity, Henry Art Gallery is hosting Sonolocations: A Sounds Works Series from June – August 2021.
Partnered with the Jack Straw Cultural Center, The Henry has commissioned a three-part series of audio artworks, to be released free and online throughout the summer of 2021. The participating artists were invited to consider the theme of place, and its unique resonance throughout the pandemic, to offer directed sonic experiences for listeners wherever they might find themselves. Participating artists are Byron Au Yong (b. 1971, Pittsburgh, PA), Chenoa Egawa (b. 1964, Ellensburg, WA), and Bill Lowe (b. 1946, Pittsburgh, PA) and Naima Lowe (b. 1979, Middletown, CT).
To get a preview of Sonolocations, listen to Byron Au Yong’s “Pomelo” here:
Audio artworks will be available on SoundCloud, and on the Jack Straw website. You can also subscribe to Sonolocations as a podcast to receive each piece when it launches.
The Henry is also hosting Gary Simmons: The Engine Room through August 22, 2021. The work of Gary Simmons (b. 1964, New York, NY) explores racial, social, and cultural politics, interrogating the ways in which we attempt to reconstruct the past via personal and collective memory. For this commissioned exhibition at the Henry, the artist created a large-scale wall drawing, a suite of new paintings and sculptures, and a sculptural installation, drawing together disparate components to create space for new interaction and invention.
This piece has been utilized in Jambalaya Jam at the Henry, a night of music celebrating Seattle’s recent musical past.
The installation will function as an interactive space, riffing off traditional American suburban garage architecture and referencing the garage as a site for invention, creativity, and experimentation, particularly for music/bands. As both a private laboratory and a public stage, the garage sculpture will be activated by a series of musician residencies, drawing on unique areas of the Seattle music scene, both historical and present, and tapping into the lesser-known, yet equally influential, genres and practices.
Simmons researched and archived band and concert posters from around the world to create this piece.
From Henry Art Gallery:
The Henry is internationally recognized for bold and challenging exhibitions, for pushing the boundaries of contemporary art and culture, and for being the first to premiere new works by established and emerging artists. Through individual experiences with art, we inspire visitors to upend their expectations and discover surprising connections.
Seattle, WA. The Northwest Screenwriters Guild is a nonprofit organization aiding in further developing a screenwriter’s career by providing mentor support from the industry and show-business professionals, educational programs, and screenwriting events. Its mission statement is to, “promote professional screenwriting as a career across a broad range of ages, ethnic and gender identities, and experience levels in the Pacific Northwest.” They also hope to modernize old, traditional rules that dominated the falling industry of screenwriting.
Screenwriters from the organization reading aloud their perspective works.
Governed by a board of directors, with experience detailing screenwriting certifications to published authors or academic publications in healthcare, the Northwest Screenwriters Guild aims to advance the careers of screenwriting professionals and beginners to publish their developing stories and scripts to be on the big screen, such as for film or television, and other media, by helping them pitch to industry pros. Many compendium members have had their scripts developed onto the screen with hired actors for film festivals and submissions for awards in contests.
Screenwriters of the Northwest Screenwriters Guild rehearsing for their screenplays while adhering to a reading schedule.
When the scripts for screenplays are finished or drafted by compendium members, before they are submitted to film festivals or industry professionals for a chance to have live stage or on-screen performances, there are chances to further improve and receive critique on their screenplays. Due to the global pandemic, their services and events have shifted to a completely online remote environment, where on Tuesdays they promote a free “Weekly Scene Analysis Workshop” from 6:30-8:30 PM that aims to “assist fellow screenwriters hone the craft of writing scenes—both action and dialogue—that are cinematic, engaging and correctly formatted.” Fellow professional screenwriters or beginners in the industry are to bring a 10-page draft of their screenplay for this particular workshop. They also have an upcoming event for current members on Thursday, July 22nd about the importance of entertainment law for the screenwriting profession. However, to attend the NwSG events and most partner events, individuals must pay a membership fee of $60, but they do get eligibility to be a compendium member and have an exclusive chance of pitch sessions with professional screenwriters or industry professionals.
Actors and performers from SAG-AFTRA who helped perform multiple characters from written screenplays by members of NWSG
From the Northwest Screenwriters Guild:
The Northwest Screenwriters Guild is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing the careers of screenwriters, filling a major gap in the education and training available to screenwriters and filmmakers from across the spectrum, namely, how to take care of the business side of show business.
The newest generation of filmmakers will be pivotal. They consume—and create—film and video in huge volumes, in dozens of formats, on at least five form factors. The technological barriers to filmmaking have been reduced to nearly nothing, and so many of the old rules about when, where, and how audiences will watch the film have been shredded. These filmmakers will be at the leading edge of reinventing this industry yet again. We are here to help them get down to business.
Whether it’s a web series, TV, or feature films, breaking into the industry can be harder than writing a great script or making a great short film. While the barriers to filmmaking have crumbled, the barriers to becoming a professional filmmaker are as high as ever. To learn more, review the NwSG bylaws that govern the board.
Seattle, WA. Pacific Ballroom Dance has reopened its studio. The dance organization is a nonprofit focused on the performance of a variety of ballroom dances such as Latin and the Waltz. Pacific Ballroom Dance has been closed due to pandemic regulations, but now the organization is following covid-19 safe protocols. Teachers are able to coach in either private one-on-one lessons or small group lessons.
Ballroom dancing students of Pacific Ballroom Dance at a recent competition
Recently, sixteen students from Pacific Ballroom Dance, specializing in international Latin dance were asked to perform on an online platform with music chosen from the organizer for the California Open. In order for the judges to properly evaluate each couple (the leader and the follower) the body contact and each competitive dance per heat must be measured while being they are followed by a camera within a certain frame, at all times. And no post-recording editing is allowed to ensure fairness, and couples are judged by a live audience of judges who scan each frame carefully.
There are a lot of protocols to follow. For one-on-one instruction for a private lesson, there cannot be more than three individuals per studio space for two private lessons. All professional dancers, including beginners and instructors, are required to wear a CDC regulated mask at all times, complete Covid-19 screening questions for admission into the space and signing safety waivers forms, and must arrive already prepared in their training clothes/outfits as bathrooms and changing rooms are closed-off until further notice due to constrained space. They must also bring any personal supplies, as regulations have put a stop-onto sharing (such as utilizing the water fountain), and must social distance at all times until dismissed. Pacific Ballroom Dance has mitigated the pandemic quite well, particularly with strict enforcement of social distancing procedures, anyone with a temperature of over 100.4 degrees will be asked to stay home, and any use of public equipment or spaces will be thoroughly disinfected. For small group lessons, a similar premise arises for safety procedures. A large student capacity of no more than 14 people can use the large studio. Covid-19 screening questionnaire is heavily enforced, the temperature is taken, and regardless of an increase in space, students are not allowed to be accompanied by outside guests.
Couples on the dance floor must social distance for each heat.
Ballroom dancing is an interesting sport. Like other sports, students go through a similar process with nationals, finals, any type of competition-based performances called “opening’s” to increase their overall ballroom dancer rank. But due to the global pandemic, how did the dancers still stay in the game–dance professionally in front of judges, participate in front of judges amid the safety procedures called for?
Ballroom dancing students who participate in competitions must perform for an audience of judges while following safety protocols.
Recently for the 2021 Nationals for Ballroom dance, students from Pacific Ballroom Dance, although not in official formations, still performed for the National DanceSport Championships, and were able to successfully showcase their skills to win a couple of awards and medals. For most of the open events, the participants were smoothly able to make it to the quarter-finals. Ranging from Youth Smooth (waltz, tango, foxtrot) and Latin Dance to Adult Smooth and Latin Dance championship.
One of the many couples of the ballroom dancing contestants to perform in front of judges.
Due to recent positive developments from the global pandemic, Pacific Ballroom Dance offers free ballroom dance workshops on Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30 PM, an adult Latin dance night on Thursdays at 8:30 PM for the special month of July, and are hosting an upcoming event called the “Mid-summer extravaganza” from 7:30-10:00 PM on Saturday, July 31st for a chance for collective social dancing.
From Pacific Ballroom Dance:
Our mission is to build character in youth by providing a positive ballroom dance experience. And their vision is to provide youth with a positive artistic, social and athletic experience designed to help them be productive community members.
For the Youth Performing and Competition Teams, The Pacific Ballroom Dance Performing Company now includes more than 150 dancers on 10 Performing Teams of various ages and skill levels (Stars, Preteen, Junior, and Youth) and 16 Competition Teams! Dancers learn choreographed “formation” pieces involving many couples. As the largest ballroom dance organization in the Pacific Northwest, these young people serve as ambassadors and positive role models for youth today.
Pacific Ballroom Dance also has an Adult Academy that provides ballroom instruction for beginner to advanced level adult dancers. Classes run in five-week sessions year-round on weekday evenings. Daytime Tea Dances bring ballroom to our retired community members, and weekend social dances for the public round out the program.
Seattle, WA. Seattle Theatre Group (STG) is preparing to reopen doors for limited in-person events in July. There are restrictions in place to keep patrons safe. Virtual events will continue, such as the upcoming DANCE This Virtual Performance, above. STG includes the Paramount, Moore, and Neptune Theatres.
For all STG theatres, proof of full COVID vaccination and matching photo ID required at the door. Face coverings are required for all attendees, regardless of vaccination status. Any individual who cannot wear a face covering due to an exemption should contact [email protected] for more information. Requests for accommodations to the face covering requirement will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. COVID policies are subject to change.
Proof of full COVID vaccination includes one of the following: (1) vaccination card (which includes name of person vaccinated, type of vaccine provided and date last dose administered); OR (2) a photo of a vaccination card as a separate document; OR (3) a photo of the attendee’s vaccine card stored on a phone or electronic device; OR (4) documentation of vaccination from a healthcare provider, electronic health record, or state Immunization Information System record.
This informational video regarding current safety precautions at The Neptune provides further insight.
STG is banding together in a national campaign with the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), Event Safety Alliance, Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP), Coalition of Performing Arts Centers, and National Independent Talent Organization (NITO), to endorse and adopt this “Safe In Sound” reopening guidance checklist. This CDC-reviewed checklist of safety protocols is being adopted across the industry as the recognized standard for safe and healthy event operations as the live entertainment industry recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the transition to in-person events, online opportunities remain available. The virtual RE:DEFINITION gallery is up online. Tariqa Waters, owner and curator of Martyr Sauce, and the late Jonathan Moore founded the RE:DEFINITION gallery at the Paramount Theatre bar in 2015, a partnership with STG to redefine historic cultural space. The goal of the space was always to elevate underrepresented artists and issues of equity in the community.
This mural was commissioned for RE:DEFINITION by STG during the COVID-19 pandemic and coincides with the 5th anniversary of the gallery at The Paramount.
The events calendar provides a list of virtual and in-person opportunities coming up at all three theatres.
From Seattle Theatre Group:
Seattle Theatre Group® is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization.
Mission:
To create enriching experiences in the arts, engage diverse communities, and steward historic theatres.
Vision:
STG is the people’s theatre. All are welcomed and represented.
Values Statement:
We value Art: Art connects us. It allows us to explore all aspects of our humanity, to debate, to celebrate and to grow.
We value Community: It is our role to advocate for greater participation in the arts, reduce barriers, and include diverse People, Cultures and Perspectives on our stages, in our audiences and within our staff, volunteers and board.
We value Service: We are committed to caring relationships with patrons, partners, artists and staff.
We value Learning for All: We deepen connection to art when we inspire the greater community through education, performance opportunities and healing.
We value our Team: We believe in the power of passionate people who care for our mission and each other.
We value Stewardship: We make the best use of our resources, effectively and sustainably serve our mission, and preserve our assets.
STG presents an average of 700 events annually at The Paramount, The Moore, and The Neptune Theatres as well as at venues throughout the region. Broadway productions, concerts, dance, theatre, lectures, education, community, film, and other enrichment programs can be found in our venues.
A multitude of artists and performers, partner organizations, donors and foundations, volunteers, and most of all – our patrons, make it possible for STG’s mission to be fulfilled.
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]
