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Sahsen Foundation

Annual Giving
$6.6M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $6.6+ million
  • Success Rate: Not applicable (no public application process)
  • Decision Time: Not applicable (invitation-only)
  • Grant Range: Unable to determine (grants channeled through donor-advised fund)
  • Geographic Focus: Appears national with Seattle area emphasis

Contact Details

  • Website: www.sahsen.com / www.sahsen.org
  • Phone: +1-206-632-4700
  • Email: info@sahsen.com
  • Address: 600 University Street, Suite 3247, Seattle, WA 98101
  • Note: No public application process or pre-application support available

Overview

The Sahsen Foundation is a private independent foundation established in March 2010 by Christine and Bryan White in Seattle, Washington. With total assets of $157.17 million and annual charitable disbursements exceeding $6.6 million as of 2024, it represents significant philanthropic capacity. The foundation operates with a dual approach, combining philanthropic grants for basic research with for-profit investments for practical implementation. A defining characteristic is their use of a donor-advised fund through Vanguard Charitable, which channels the majority of their giving while limiting public visibility into ultimate grant recipients. The foundation describes itself as seeding and nurturing "mission-driven enterprises that support Earthbound life."

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate specific grant programs with defined amounts or application processes. Grantmaking appears to be conducted through trustee discretion and their Vanguard Charitable donor-advised fund.

Priority Areas

  • Life Sciences: Advancing human life quality and longevity
  • Social Justice: Promoting equal access to health, safety, and education
  • Environment: Supporting sustainability for all Earth life
  • Education: Youth and family support programs

What They Don't Fund

No explicit exclusions are publicly documented, though the foundation's limited transparency makes it difficult to determine patterns of what they avoid funding.

Governance and Leadership

Christine White - President and Co-Founder Bryan White - Treasurer/Secretary and Co-Founder

Both officers serve without compensation. Bryan White serves on several boards including Pomona College, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and Friends of Camp Gallagher, suggesting these affiliations may influence giving priorities. The foundation is also connected to Sahsen Ventures (founded 2016), indicating an integrated approach to philanthropy and investment.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, with grants awarded through trustee discretion. Most charitable disbursements are channeled through a donor-advised fund at Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program, further limiting direct access to funding. Organizations cannot submit unsolicited proposals.

Getting on Their Radar

Given Bryan White's board positions at Pomona College, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and Friends of Camp Gallagher, organizations connected to these institutions may have better access. The foundation's connection to Sahsen Ventures suggests they may identify opportunities through their investment network. Organizations working in life sciences, particularly those with connections to Seattle's biotech ecosystem, may find pathways through professional networks rather than direct application.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - no public application process exists.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept public applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process exists.

Application Success Factors

Since the Sahsen Foundation operates without a public application process, traditional success factors don't apply. Based on available information:

  • The foundation's use of a donor-advised fund suggests they value privacy and control over their giving decisions
  • Bryan White's board positions indicate giving may be influenced by existing institutional relationships
  • Their dual philanthropic-investment approach suggests they may favor organizations that can demonstrate both social impact and sustainability
  • The foundation's stated mission to support "Earthbound life" and focus on life sciences, social justice, and environment should guide any relationship-building efforts
  • Inside Philanthropy describes their grantmaking as "opaque," confirming that personal relationships and invitations are likely the only path to funding

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • The Sahsen Foundation is not accessible through traditional grant applications - relationship building is essential
  • With $157M in assets and $6.6M+ in annual giving, they have significant capacity but channel it privately
  • Most giving flows through Vanguard Charitable donor-advised fund, limiting visibility into actual recipients
  • Bryan White's board affiliations (Pomona College, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research, Camp Gallagher) may provide connection points
  • Focus areas in life sciences, social justice, and environment are broad but should guide any engagement strategy
  • The foundation's dual philanthropy-investment model through Sahsen Ventures suggests they may be interested in sustainable, scalable solutions
  • Do not submit unsolicited proposals - they will not be considered

References

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