Harnish Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $4.16 million (2023)
• Success Rate: Not available
• Decision Time: Not available
• Grant Range: $5,000 to $800,000
• Geographic Focus: Washington, Alaska, North Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana

Contact Details

• Location: 17035 W Valley Hwy, Tukwila, WA 98188
• Website: harnishfoundation.org
• Email: Not publicly available
• Phone: Not publicly available

Overview

The Harnish Foundation is a private family foundation established as a 501(c)(3) organisation in 2005, receiving its IRS tax-exempt ruling in February 2006. Based in Tukwila, Washington, the foundation has grown substantially over the years, with total assets reaching $79.5 million as of 2023. The foundation's mission is to make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and enrich their quality of life within the HGI territories of Washington, Alaska, North Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana. The foundation distributes approximately $4.2 million annually in charitable grants. The foundation operates under the leadership of the Harnish family, with John J. Harnish serving as Chairman and Jennifer C. Harnish as President.

Funding Priorities

The foundation focuses on funding initiatives in health, sports and recreation, and human services. Based on information from the foundation's website, specific priorities include:

• Youth with Special Needs: Helping youth with childhood illnesses or physical or mental disabilities to experience the "fun" in life
• Alternative Education: Supporting alternative education for at-risk and disadvantaged youth
• Youth Transitional Services: Providing transitional services for youth who must live away from their families due to abuse or neglect
• Veterans Support: Rebuilding the lives of veterans and helping them to reintegrate into civilian society
• Adult Workforce Development: Providing transitional services, education, and training to adults to improve their job skills and help them reintegrate into the workforce and build economic self-reliance

The foundation's grant-making also encompasses education, philanthropy, voluntarism and grantmaking, and human services.

Geographic Focus

The foundation operates within the HGI territories, specifically: Washington, Alaska, North Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana. Based on recent grant distribution patterns, approximately 65% of grants are awarded in Washington, with the remainder distributed primarily across Montana and Alaska, as well as other locations.

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by a board composed primarily of Harnish family members:

• John J. Harnish - Chairman
• Jennifer C. Harnish - President
• Katherine Harnish - Vice President
• Brian Heeb - Secretary and Treasurer
• John W. Harnish - Director
• Elena Harnish - Director
• Troy Hickey - Director
• Ewelina Hickey - Director
• Dean Blackford - Director

All board members serve without compensation, indicating a commitment to maximising funds available for charitable purposes.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not accept unsolicited applications. According to the foundation's most recent filing, grants are made only to preselected charitable organisations. Grants are likely awarded through trustee discretion, pre-existing relationships, or by invitation only.

Financial Information

Based on 2023 tax filings (most recent 990 data available):

• Grants/Contributions Paid: $4.16 million
• Total Assets: $79.5 million
• Total Expenses: $4.30 million

Historical Grant Distribution

• 2023: $4.16 million
• 2022: $2.02 million
• 2021: $3.61 million

Based on grant distribution data, the foundation has awarded 263 grants totalling $24.2 million, with individual grants ranging from $5,000 to $800,000 and a median award of $50,000.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Harnish Foundation is a substantial private foundation with significant assets and annual giving capacity
• No public application process exists; the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications
• Grants are made only to preselected charitable organisations through trustee discretion
• The foundation focuses geographically on Washington, Alaska, North Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana (HGI territories)
• Priority areas include youth services, veterans support, education, health, sports and recreation, and workforce development
• The foundation is family-run with no paid staff, suggesting a lean operation focused on grantmaking
• Grant sizes typically range from $5,000 to $800,000 with a median of $50,000

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Harnish Foundation Profile
• Harnish Foundation website (harnishfoundation.org)
• IRS Tax-Exempt Organisation Database
• Cause IQ - Harnish Foundation Profile
• Foundation Directory - Candid