Lott Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $634,000 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not applicable (invitation only)
• Decision Time: Not applicable
• Grant Range: $100 - $100,000
• Median Grant: $5,000
• Geographic Focus: Primarily Washington state, with emphasis on Seattle area; some national grants

Contact Details

Address: 22833 SE Black Nugget Road, Suite 130, Issaquah, WA 98029

Phone: 206-727-3238

Note: This foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Overview

The Lott Foundation was established in June 2011 as a private family foundation based in Issaquah, Washington. With total assets of approximately $10.7-15 million, the foundation distributed $634,000 in grants to 42 organizations in 2024. Led by the Lott family—whose business interests include SanMar, a major promotional products and branded apparel company—the foundation operates on a preselected grantee model. The foundation provides general support grants across multiple cause areas including children's hospitals, heart associations, schools, and family services, with particular emphasis on Jewish community organizations and healthcare institutions. All officers serve on a voluntary basis without compensation.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Lott Foundation operates a single general support grantmaking program with no specific application cycles. Grants range from $100 to $100,000, with a median grant amount of $5,000.

Priority Areas

Based on recent grant distributions, the foundation supports:

• Healthcare: Children's hospitals, neurological research, and medical foundations
• Jewish Community Services: Jewish federations, family services, and community organizations
• Education: Schools and educational programs
• Family Services: Organizations supporting families and children
• Heart Disease Research: Heart associations and cardiovascular research
• Conservation: Environmental and forest conservation organizations

Recent Grant Recipients (2024)

• Barrow Neurological Foundation: $100,000
• Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle: $75,000
• Jewish Family Services: $50,000
• Ogden Pointe Giving Fund: $41,700
• Seattle Children's Hospital Foundation: $40,000

What They Don't Fund

The foundation explicitly states it does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations.

Governance and Leadership

Leadership Team (all positions voluntary, uncompensated):

• Martin Lott - President
• Jeremy Lott - Vice President
• Sharon Lott - Secretary
• Jordan Lott - Treasurer

The Lott family has significant business interests in the Seattle area, including ownership of SanMar Corporation and Lake Washington Partners (a real estate business co-founded by Jordan and Jeremy Lott).

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process.

The Lott Foundation explicitly states that it "only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds." Grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees to organizations they have identified or with which they have pre-existing relationships.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are awarded on a trustee-discretion basis rather than through a formal application and review process.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept applications from organizations outside their preselected network.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable given the invitation-only model.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, traditional application success factors do not apply. Organizations in the foundation's existing network may benefit from:

• Alignment with Family Interests: The Lott family has demonstrated support for Jewish community organizations, children's healthcare, and Seattle-area causes
• Geographic Proximity: Strong preference for Washington state organizations, particularly in the Seattle metropolitan area
• Established Track Record: The foundation appears to support well-established institutions rather than newer or grassroots organizations
• Medical and Educational Focus: Healthcare institutions and educational organizations feature prominently in their grantmaking
• General Operating Support: The foundation characterizes its grants as "general support," suggesting openness to unrestricted funding

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No Public Application Process: This foundation cannot be approached through traditional grant applications; it operates exclusively on a trustee-selection model
• Family Foundation Structure: All leadership positions are held by Lott family members who serve without compensation
• Wide Grant Range: Grants span from $100 to $100,000, with a $5,000 median, indicating flexibility in grant sizing
• Strong Local Focus: While some national grants are made, the majority of funding stays in Washington state, particularly the Seattle area
• Jewish Community Support: Jewish organizations receive significant funding, reflecting family priorities
• Healthcare Emphasis: Medical institutions, particularly children's hospitals and neurological research, are consistent recipients
• Moderate Annual Giving: With approximately 42 grants totaling $634,000 annually, this is a moderately active but highly selective funder

References

• Cause IQ Organization Profile - Lott Foundation. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/lott-foundation,274359837/ (Accessed January 2026)
• Grantmakers.io Profile - Lott Foundation. https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/274359837-lott-foundation/ (Accessed January 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Lott Foundation (EIN 27-4359837). https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/274359837 (Accessed January 2026)
• Foundation Search Database - Lott Foundation Summary. https://www.foundationsearch.com/TopSP/LOTT%20FOUNDATION-274359837.HTML (Accessed January 2026)
• PPAI Magazine - "SanMar: The Making Of A Dynasty." https://www.ppai.org/media-hub/sanmar-the-making-of-a-dynasty/ (Accessed January 2026)