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Raynier Institute & Foundation

Annual Giving
$4.2M
Grant Range
$5K - $3.0M

Raynier Institute & Foundation - Funder Overview

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $4,231,000 (2024)
  • Total Assets: $70,121,821 (2024)
  • Number of Grants: 80 awards annually (2023-2024)
  • Grant Range: $5,000 - $3,000,000+ (multi-year commitments)
  • Geographic Focus: Seattle, WA and Philadelphia, PA
  • Application Method: Invitation only - does not accept unsolicited applications

Contact Details

Address:
Jeff Hauser
1425 Broadway #10
Seattle, WA 98122

Phone: 206.384.6736 / 800-839-1754
Email: jhauser@raynier.org
Website: www.raynier.org

Important Note: The foundation does not accept applications or letters of inquiry and will not be responsible for maintaining or returning any unsolicited materials.

Overview

The Raynier Institute & Foundation was established in 1994 by philanthropist James Widener Ray, an heir to the Philadelphia Widener family fortune who made Seattle his home. Ray founded the organization with an initial endowment of $52,000, initially supporting emerging artists through his Eagle Eye Gallery before transitioning to broader philanthropic work. When Ray died unexpectedly in 2005 at age 52, he left his entire $80 million estate to the foundation, transforming it into one of the Pacific Northwest's significant private foundations.

Since its founding, the Raynier Institute & Foundation has awarded over $68.8 million to nonprofit organizations, primarily in the Seattle and Philadelphia regions. The foundation's current assets total approximately $70 million, and it distributes over $4.2 million annually through approximately 80 grants. The foundation allocates an impressive 94.1% of its annual expenses directly to charitable disbursements, demonstrating strong financial stewardship. Following Ray's death, the foundation's board expanded its focus to include homelessness and mental health services, reflecting Ray's personal struggles and recovery from bipolar disorder.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates with broad funding categories rather than structured grant programs. Based on analysis of their giving patterns, grants typically range from $5,000 for general operating support to multi-million dollar commitments for transformative projects:

  • Small-to-Mid Size Grants: $5,000 - $50,000 for general operating support, program funding, and community initiatives
  • Major Project Grants: $100,000 - $500,000 for significant capital projects, multi-year program initiatives
  • Transformational Grants: $1,000,000+ for strategic initiatives addressing systemic issues (homelessness, minority entrepreneurship, capital campaigns)

The foundation does not operate on fixed grant cycles or deadlines, as all funding decisions are initiated internally by the board of directors.

Priority Areas

Core Funding Areas (as stated in mission):

  • Animal Welfare
  • Arts and Culture (particularly jazz and music)
  • Education
  • Environment
  • Health Care
  • Human Services

Demonstrated Funding Priorities (based on recent grants):

1. Homelessness and Mental Health Services
Following founder James Ray's death, the foundation significantly expanded support for organizations addressing homelessness and mental health, particularly for youth:

  • YouthCare: $3.6 million over eight years (2010s) for emergency shelter beds, mortgage retirement on Orion drop-in center, and pilot programs
  • ROOTS: Multi-million dollar support for youth homelessness prevention
  • Project HOME (Philadelphia): $3 million over five years for James Widener Ray Homes, providing 94 affordable units for homeless and low-income residents
  • Total commitment to Seattle homeless youth services: $7.75 million in major grants

2. Arts and Culture - Jazz Music
Reflecting founder Ray's passion for jazz, the foundation provides substantial ongoing support:

  • University of Washington Jazz Studies Program: Multi-year grants for artist-in-residence programs (currently funding renowned bassist Steve Rodby) and expanded guest artist collaborations
  • Earshot Jazz: $30,000 for Seattle Jazz Artist Relief Fund ($1,000 grants to 30 individual artists)
  • Richard Hugo House (Capitol Hill): $15,000
  • Museum of Mysteries: $29,000
  • Lambert House: $21,500

3. Minority Entrepreneurship and Economic Development

  • Raynier Seed Fund (Drexel University & University City Science Center): $500,000 to establish seed fund providing $25,000 investments to four minority-owned startups annually in Greater Philadelphia

4. Community-Based Organizations
The foundation shows preference for Capitol Hill Seattle neighborhood organizations where founder Ray lived, and similarly rooted Philadelphia organizations.

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly documented, analysis of their giving patterns suggests the foundation does not fund:

  • Organizations outside the Seattle and Philadelphia metropolitan areas
  • National organizations without strong local presence in their two geographic areas
  • Projects not aligned with their six core priority areas

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by a three-person board of directors who serve without compensation, all of whom have deep connections to founder James Ray:

Ed Gardner, Vice President/Secretary/Director
A CPA and Partner at Guardianship Services of Seattle (GSS), Gardner served as guardian of James Ray's person and estate and has been involved with the foundation since its 1994 inception. Born in Brooklyn, NY, he graduated from University of Ohio at Akron and previously worked as financial director for the Foundation for the Handicapped. His role as Ray's guardian provides the board with intimate knowledge of the founder's intentions and values.

Michael A. Valucci, Treasurer/Director
Retired Partner at CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP (a national CPA firm), Valucci brings 40 years of experience in tax and accounting services with expertise in tax planning, mergers, acquisitions, and consulting. He holds degrees from Thomas Jefferson University and Villanova University and has previously served on boards for Mission Kids and Eastern State Penitentiary Museum, demonstrating his commitment to Philadelphia-area causes.

Robert S. Warth, President/Director
Former Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager at PNC Financial Services Company, Warth brings a 25-year career managing investment groups at PNC. He previously served as Director of Institutional Marketing at First Pennsylvania Bank and graduated from the Wharton School of Finance. Based in Philadelphia, he serves on multiple charitable boards and provides crucial oversight of the foundation's substantial endowment.

The board's composition—combining fiduciary expertise (CPA and investment management) with deep knowledge of the founder's vision—reflects a thoughtful approach to stewardship. Their geographic split between Seattle (Gardner) and Philadelphia (Valucci, Warth) ensures local knowledge in both funding regions.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The Raynier Institute & Foundation explicitly states that it "prefers to be the sole originator of its grant making activity" and does not accept applications, letters of inquiry, or unsolicited materials. The foundation will not be responsible for maintaining or returning any materials sent without invitation.

All grants are awarded on an invitation-only basis, with the board of directors proactively identifying organizations and projects to support through their own research and networks.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - the foundation operates on its own internal timeline for identifying and approaching potential grantees. Organizations that are selected for funding are contacted directly by the foundation.

Success Rates

Not applicable for unsolicited applications, as none are accepted.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - there is no public application process. Organizations that have previously received funding may receive additional grants if the board chooses to continue the relationship.

Application Success Factors

For Organizations Hoping to Come to the Foundation's Attention:

While there is no application process, understanding what attracts the foundation's support can help organizations position themselves favorably:

1. Geographic Alignment is Essential
The foundation funds almost exclusively in Seattle and Philadelphia metropolitan areas. Organizations outside these regions are unlikely to receive consideration. Within Seattle, there is demonstrated preference for Capitol Hill neighborhood organizations where founder Ray lived.

2. Mission Alignment with Founder's Passions
The foundation shows strongest support for:

  • Jazz and music programs (reflecting Ray's deep passion)
  • Services for "underdogs" and marginalized populations (reflecting Ray's personal experience with mental illness and recovery)
  • Support for emerging artists and creative expression (reflecting his Eagle Eye Gallery origins)
  • Mental health and homelessness services (added as priority after Ray's death)

3. Transformational Impact Potential
The foundation makes both small grants ($5,000-$25,000) and transformational commitments ($1-3 million+). Their largest grants go to projects with potential for systemic impact:

  • YouthCare's pilot program to prevent chronic homelessness
  • Project HOME's permanent supportive housing
  • Raynier Seed Fund's structural approach to minority entrepreneurship

4. Strong Local Roots and Track Record
Recipients typically demonstrate:

  • Established presence in the community (not startups)
  • Clear track record of service delivery
  • Strong organizational governance
  • Alignment with community needs

5. Board Visibility and Networks
Given the invitation-only model, organizations known to board members or within their professional networks are more likely to be considered. The board's connections include:

  • Seattle arts and social services communities (Gardner)
  • Philadelphia business and nonprofit sectors (Valucci, Warth)
  • Guardianship and disability services (Gardner)
  • Investment and financial services communities (Warth)

6. Multi-Year Partnership Approach
The foundation shows willingness to make multi-year commitments to organizations they support (3-5 year grants are common), suggesting they value deeper partnerships over one-time support.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No Application Process Available: This foundation cannot be approached through traditional grant applications. Organizations should not submit proposals or letters of inquiry.

  • Focus Your Energy Elsewhere Unless Invited: Grant writers should not spend time preparing materials for this foundation unless specifically contacted and invited to submit information.

  • Seattle and Philadelphia Only: Geographic restriction is absolute - only organizations serving these two metropolitan areas receive funding.

  • Jazz and Music Programs Have Strong Advantage: Organizations with jazz, music education, or arts programs aligned with the foundation's cultural mission may be most likely to attract board attention.

  • Homelessness and Mental Health Are Strategic Priorities: Since 2005, the foundation has significantly expanded investment in services for homeless populations and mental health support, particularly for youth.

  • Build Board Connections Authentically: The most viable path to consideration is authentic relationship-building within Seattle and Philadelphia philanthropic, arts, and social service communities where board members are active.

  • Think Transformational Scale: The foundation is willing to make very large, multi-year grants for projects with potential for systemic impact, not just incremental program support.

  • Strong Financial Position: With $70 million in assets and 94% of expenses going directly to programs, the foundation is well-positioned to continue substantial grantmaking indefinitely.

References

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