The Bamford Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Variable (142 grants in 2022, focus on $1,000-$15,000 range in 2025)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: End of grant cycle (specific timeline not published)
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $15,000 (current strategy)
• Geographic Focus: Tacoma, Pierce County, and South Puget Sound area

Contact Details

• Website: www.bamfordfoundation.org
• Phone: 253-383-8584
• Address: PO Box 1135, Tacoma, WA 98401-1135

Overview

The Bamford Foundation is a private family foundation established in 1990 by Calvin D. Bamford, Jr. and Joanne Bamford. Calvin was the long-time President of Globe Machine Manufacturing Company, a Tacoma-based business founded in 1917, while Joanne was deeply involved in local charitable organizations focused on education, human services, and the arts. The foundation has been an active grant maker for 35 years, distributing funds to nonprofit organizations throughout Tacoma and Pierce County. In recent years, the foundation has awarded over 100 grants annually, though it has recently shifted to a more strategic approach with smaller grant amounts ($1,000-$15,000) to maximize impact within budget constraints. The foundation focuses on strengthening communities through evidence-based, innovative programs that promote equity, diversity, access, and inclusion.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation provides various types of support within the $1,000 - $15,000 range:

• Operational funds (majority of grants)
• Program funds (majority of grants)
• Capacity building funds
• Partnership support
• Capital projects (minority of grants)

Priority Areas

The foundation focuses on four key areas:

1. Basic Needs

   • Access to food
   • Clothing, housing, and shelter
   • Physical and mental/behavioral healthcare
   • Financial stability

2. Early Learning and Parent Support

   • Access to and quality of child care
   • Professional development for early childhood educators
   • Parents as first teachers
   • Support for children ages 0-8

3. Expanded Learning Opportunities

   • Educational enrichment programs
   • Youth development initiatives

4. Access to Higher Education and Job Training

   • Workforce development programs
   • Educational pathways
   • Support for individuals with barriers to employment

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation focuses exclusively on organizations serving Tacoma, Pierce County, and the South Puget Sound area. Organizations outside this geographic area or those without 501(c)(3) status are not eligible.

Governance and Leadership

The foundation was founded by Calvin D. Bamford, Jr. and Joanne Bamford, who established it in 1990 to support their community. Calvin served as President of Globe Machine Manufacturing Company, while Joanne was actively involved in numerous charitable boards and organizations throughout Tacoma. Current board and leadership information is not publicly available on their website.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation uses a two-step application process:

Step 1: Letter of Inquiry (LOI)

• Submit a brief summary of your organization and funding request
• All LOIs are reviewed by foundation staff
• No specific deadline mentioned for LOI submission

Step 2: Full Application

• Only available by invitation after LOI approval
• Must provide detailed information about the organization and project
• Must be submitted before the grant cycle deadline
• Applications are reviewed at the board meeting at the end of each grant cycle

Decision Timeline

Applications are reviewed at board meetings held at the end of each grant cycle. Specific cycle dates and notification timelines are not publicly available.

Success Rates

Not publicly available. The foundation awarded 142 grants in 2022, 121 in 2021, and 109 in 2020, but does not publish the number of applications received.

Reapplication Policy

Not specified on their website.

Application Success Factors

The foundation seeks projects and organizations that demonstrate:

• Evidence-based approaches - Programs with proven effectiveness or strong evaluation plans
• Innovation - Creative solutions to community challenges
• Equity focus - Projects that promote equity, diversity, access, and inclusion
• Community voice - Programs that invite individuals and families to use their voices and resources to strengthen communities
• Geographic alignment - Clear service to Tacoma, Pierce County, or South Puget Sound communities
• Appropriate scale - Projects that can achieve meaningful impact with grants in the $1,000-$15,000 range

Recent successful grants include:

• Making A Difference Foundation ($15,000) for workforce training and reintegration programs supporting individuals with corrections system involvement
• TCC Early Learning Center ($30,000) for outdoor play area improvements
• Various Tacoma Creative Impact grants ($7,500 each) supporting arts organizations

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The foundation has recently shifted to smaller grant amounts ($1,000-$15,000) to maximize impact within budget constraints
• Operational and program support are preferred over capital requests
• Strong geographic focus on Tacoma and Pierce County - your organization must clearly serve these communities
• Two-step application process requires initial LOI approval before full application
• Foundation values evidence-based, innovative approaches that promote equity and community voice
• Consider how your project can achieve meaningful impact with a smaller grant amount
• The foundation supports both new and existing grant partners

References

• The Bamford Foundation Official Website. Accessed February 26, 2026. https://www.bamfordfoundation.org/
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - The Bamford Foundation (EIN: 911504193). Form 990-PF filed November 7, 2024. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/911504193
• "Making A Difference Foundation Receives $15,000 Grant from The Bamford Foundation." Making A Difference Foundation. Accessed February 26, 2026. https://themadf.org/making-a-difference-foundation-receives-15000-grant-from-the-bamford-foundation-to-support-workforce-training-and-reintegration/
• "TCC Early Learning Center Awarded $30K Grant." Tacoma Daily Index. Accessed February 26, 2026. https://www.tacomadailyindex.com/blog/tcc-early-learning-center-awarded-30k-grant/1871669/
• Candid Foundation Directory - The Bamford Foundation. Accessed February 26, 2026. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=GLOB010
• Instrumentl 990 Report - Bamford Foundation. Accessed February 26, 2026. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/bamford-foundation