Values Statement:

The Grousemont Foundation bases its work on a shared set of values and beliefs. They are:
  • Acceptance of people's difference leads to a better community.
  • We're required to exercise Stewardship by thoughtfully giving back to the community, teaching that value to our children and caring for our available resources so giving back is possible.
  • Involvement in the community makes our grantmaking better informed.
  • Integrity and Fairness should be reflected in our grantmaking process and decision making practices.
  • Compassion and Respect go hand in hand.
  • We strive for Change (when change is needed) and real results from the Foundation's grantmaking.
  • And we work to ensure that the Family is a safe and caring place to practice all of the above.

Our History:

Grousemont Foundation changed its name from The Howard S. Wright Family Foundation in 2006. The original foundation was created and funded by Howard S. Wright who passed away in 1996. Howard is recognized for building and developing many Seattle landmarks (e.g. the Space Needle) and for his leadership in inspiring and guiding Seattle's growth in the last half of the 20th century. Howard generously supported the arts, education and many medical and civic projects with both his time and financial contributions during his life.

Mission Statement:

Grousemont Foundation is a grantmaking private family foundation that funds in the greater Puget Sound, Washington region. While we do not accept unsolicited proposals, our board works hard to identify potential grant recipients and funds are distributed in honor of our donor, Howard S. Wright and to support children and youth.

Grousemont Foundation 990-PFs

Guidelines:

Below are the criteria we use to determine grant recipients:
  1. In Honor of Howard S. Wright:
    To honor our donor's values and intentions, we annually make one or more large gift within the areas of community development, the arts, education, healthcare and civic renewal. These are typically capital campaign & endowment gifts.
  2. In Support of Children and Youth:
    Each year, the trustees will choose a particular focus on children and youth. The Foundation's focus for 2012 is Education-based Environmental Grants.
  3. Trustee Directed Grants:
    In addition to a fund directed by Howard's widow (which may or may not fit within the two categories above), trustees may, from time to time, identify compelling opportunities outside of the criteria above and choose the fund it. These can be capital campaign gifts or program related gifts.

Grantmaking Process:

In the beginning of the calendar year, the trustees choose a focus area for that year on children and youth. During the spring, trustees identify potential grantee organizations and invite them to submit a Letter of Inquiry outlining key aspects of their organization and/or program and how it relates to the Foundation's mission and specific focus for that year. Finalists will be invited to submit a full proposal. Site visits occur during the fall and decisions are made at the end of the year. PLEASE NOTE:  LETTERS OF INQUIRY ARE ACCEPTED BY INVITATION ONLY. If you have been invited to apply, click here to begin the application process.

Board Members

  • Sally Wright, President
  • Korynne Wright, Vice President
  • Erin Wright, Treasurer
  • Lee Rolfe, Trustee
  • Kate Janeway, Trustee

Grousemont Foundation
511 Boren Avenue N. Ste 300
Seattle, WA 98109
info@grousemontfoundation.org