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Larry Benaroya Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$1.6M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.5M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,579,500 (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not specified
  • Grant Range: $1,000 - $500,000
  • Geographic Focus: Seattle/Washington metropolitan area

Contact Details

  • Phone: (425) 440-6700
  • Email: Not publicly available
  • Website: No public website
  • Mailing Address: 9675 SE 36th Street, Suite 115, Mercer Island, WA 98040
  • Alternative Address: 18300 Cascade Ave., Suite 220, Seattle, WA 98188

Overview

The Larry Benaroya Family Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2006 by commercial real estate executive Larry Benaroya and his wife Sherry. With annual giving of approximately $1.6 million, the foundation makes grants primarily to organizations in the Seattle and Washington metropolitan area across five main focus areas: health and medical research, education, arts and culture, Jewish causes, and human services. The foundation has a deeply personal connection to diabetes research, stemming from their son Michael's Type 1 diabetes diagnosis in 1986, which has shaped much of their philanthropic focus. The Benaroyas are part of a prominent Seattle philanthropic family - Larry's father Jack Benaroya donated $15.8 million to build Benaroya Hall, home of the Seattle Symphony. The foundation has been recognized with JDRF's Distinction in Innovation Award for their transformative impact on Type 1 diabetes research fundraising.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation awarded 25 grants totaling $1,579,500 in 2023, with individual grants ranging from $1,000 to $500,000. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis via written letter of inquiry sent by mail.

Priority Areas

  • Health and Medical Research: Focus on diabetes research (especially Type 1), autoimmune diseases, and genetic research
  • Education: Youth development programs, scholarships, and educational institutions serving underserved populations
  • Arts and Culture: Museums, performing arts organizations, and cultural institutions
  • Jewish Causes: Religious organizations, cultural centers, and community support
  • Human Services: Homeless shelters, food banks, and accessibility services

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation is narrowly limited in geographic scope (primarily Seattle/Washington) and program service scope. Organizations outside Washington state or outside their five focus areas are unlikely to receive funding.

Governance and Leadership

Larry Benaroya serves as Principal, having joined the Benaroya Company in 1972. He is the son of Jack Benaroya, founder of the Benaroya Company and major Seattle philanthropist. Larry formerly served on the JDRF International Board of Directors.

Sherry Benaroya co-founded the JDRF Seattle Guild in 1988 and formerly served as co-chair of The Only Remedy is a Cure Campaign. Together, the Benaroyas co-founded the Seattle Dream Gala for diabetes research and created the "Fund A Cure" concept in 1994, which has raised over $400 million for T1D research nationally.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process through a website or online portal. Grants are awarded through written letters of inquiry sent to their mailing address. The foundation accepts applications on a rolling basis with no specific deadlines. Organizations should submit a written proposal to: 9675 SE 36th Street, Suite 115, Mercer Island, WA 98040.

Getting on Their Radar

Given the foundation's limited public presence, Seattle-area organizations have found success by networking with past grantees for introductions. The foundation has long-standing relationships with organizations like JDRF, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle Symphony, and Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle. Building connections through these established partners or through Seattle philanthropic circles may help organizations get noticed. The Benaroyas are actively involved in Seattle's diabetes research community and frequently attend JDRF events and galas.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly specified

Success Rates

Not publicly available - the foundation awarded 25 grants in 2023 and 18 grants in 2022

Reapplication Policy

Not specified

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's giving patterns, successful applicants typically:

  • Are based in or serving the Seattle/Washington metropolitan area
  • Have clear alignment with one of the five core focus areas
  • Are established organizations with proven track records (many grantees receive ongoing, multi-year support)
  • Address issues with personal significance to the family, particularly diabetes/autoimmune research
  • Include major anchor institutions in their sector (museums, research centers, established nonprofits)

The foundation appears to favor ongoing organizational support over single-event sponsorships, with many recipients receiving grants year after year. Organizations working in diabetes research or with connections to the JDRF network may have particular advantages given the family's deep involvement in this cause.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic location is critical - focus must be on Seattle/Washington area organizations or programs
  • The foundation operates with limited transparency and no public website, making networking essential
  • Diabetes and autoimmune disease research organizations have special significance due to family's personal connection
  • Many grants go to the same organizations year after year, suggesting the foundation values long-term partnerships
  • Grant amounts vary widely ($1,000-$500,000), allowing for both small and transformational gifts
  • Jewish organizations and causes are a consistent priority alongside health and education
  • Written letters of inquiry sent by mail are the only application method - no online portal exists

References

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