Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $813,614 (2023)
• Total Assets: $18.4 million (2024)
• Average Grant: $30,500
• Grant Range: $2,000 - $153,000
• Median Grant: $25,000
• Number of Annual Awards: 19-25 grants
• Decision Time: 1-2 months from deadline
• Application Deadlines: April 1 and October 1
• Geographic Focus: Pacific Northwest (Washington State)

Contact Details

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 33248
Seattle, Washington 98133

Phone:
(206) 417-4638
(360) 682-5769

Email:
info@millercharitablefoundation.org

Website:
https://millercharitablefoundation.org

Foundation Manager:
Bill Zook
Email: info@millercharitablefoundation.org
Phone: (206) 417-4638

Overview

The Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation was established in 1994 to perpetuate the philanthropic legacy of Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller. Granted 501(c)(3) charitable status in January 1997, the foundation has distributed over $12 million to dozens of grant recipients over its history. With assets of approximately $18.4 million, the foundation provided $813,614 in grants in 2023.

The foundation focuses on the Pacific Northwest, making grants primarily to civic and cultural institutions that serve the general public in a variety of ways, with particular emphasis on gardens and horticulture, as well as on the region's history. The foundation provides both ongoing priority funding to entities the Millers helped create and competitive grants to other eligible organizations in Washington State.

The foundation honors the legacy of Pendleton Miller, a Yale-educated attorney who became a senior partner at Lane Powell law firm and served as a civic leader, and Elisabeth Carey Miller, an internationally renowned horticulturist whose personal garden contained 4,000 plant species and who was a member of over 25 horticultural organizations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

General Grants
Amount: $2,000 - $153,000 (median $25,000)
Application Method: Biannual deadlines (April 1 and October 1)

The foundation makes one-year grants with potential for renewal. Grants may be awarded for general operating support or specific projects. The board may approve proposals for the full amount requested or for partial funding.

Priority Areas

The foundation focuses on two main areas:

1. Gardens and Horticulture

• Botanical gardens and arboretums
• Horticultural education and research
• Plant conservation programs
• Public garden programs
• Horticultural libraries and resources

2. Regional History

• Study, research, and acquisition of books and papers relating to Northwest history
• Historical societies and museums
• Cultural heritage preservation
• Historical archives and collections
• Public history education

3. Additional Supported Areas

• Arts and culture (museums, symphony, theater)
• Education (universities, colleges, libraries)
• Social services (children's homes, community organizations)

Priority Recipients

The foundation provides ongoing priority funding to entities the Millers played a central role in creating:

• The Elisabeth C. Miller Botanical Garden (including Great Plant Picks program and Miller Lecture)
• The University of Washington's Elisabeth C. Miller Library
• The Miller Seed Vault
• Washington Rare Plant Care and Conservation program (operated by UW Botanic Gardens)

The foundation has also made significant grants to several other University of Washington units, including the School of Law, the Library System, and the College of Arts and Sciences, as well as to the Burke Museum and University of Washington Press.

What They Don't Fund

Eligibility Restrictions:

• Organizations not located in Washington State (with limited exception for Northwest historical research)
• Organizations not tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3)
• Organizations that were not supported by the Millers during their lifetimes (unless specifically mentioned in Mrs. Miller's will or supporting Northwest historical research)

Governance and Leadership

Officers

• President: Geoffrey Revelle
• Vice-President: Frank Minton
• Treasurer: Edward Andrews, III
• Secretary and Foundation Manager: Bill Zook

Current Board of Trustees

Executive Committee Members:

• Edward Andrews, III
• Frank Minton
• Susan Nevler
• Geoffrey Revelle

Additional Trustees:

• Stephen Fisher
• Carol Lewis
• Ellen Look
• Allison Parker
• Marka Waechter

Former Trustees

The foundation has been served by numerous dedicated trustees since its founding in 1994, including the Millers' two sons, Winlock Miller (1994-2015) and Carey Miller (1994-2014), as well as C. David Hughbanks (2015-2023), Malcolm Moore (1994-2022), Elisabeth Bottler (1994-2020), and Richard Brown (1994-2017).

Key Personnel

Bill Zook serves as both Secretary and Foundation Manager. With a background as an estate planning lawyer, Zook is also a Senior Advisor for Gift Planning at Seattle Foundation and Principal of Evergreen Planned Giving, LLC. He has been involved in philanthropic planning in the Seattle area since 1996.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Application Requirements:

Applications must be submitted both electronically and by mail. Each proposal must include:

1. Evidence of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3)
2. Project description (2-3 pages maximum)
3. Project budget detailing how grant funds will be used
4. Contact information for organization liaison
5. List of officers and members of the board
6. Copy of organization's most recent annual report
7. Copy of organization's most recent financial statement

Submission:

• Email: info@millercharitablefoundation.org
• Mail: P.O. Box 33248, Seattle, WA 98133

Decision Timeline

Application Deadlines:

• April 1: For proposals to be considered at the spring board meeting (typically held in May)
• October 1: For proposals to be considered at the fall board meeting (typically held in November)

Process Timeline:

1. Proposal submission by deadline
2. Acknowledgment of receipt by Foundation Manager
3. Possible site visit before board consideration
4. Board meeting (May or November)
5. Written notification within 30 days of board meeting
6. If approved, check for full amount typically accompanies notification letter (unless project commences at future date)

Total Time from Submission to Decision: Approximately 1-2 months

Success Rates

The foundation awarded 19 grants in 2023 from a total giving pool of $813,614. In 2022, 25 grants were awarded. While the foundation does not publish the total number of applications received, the relatively small number of annual awards (19-25) and the specific eligibility requirements (must be located in Washington State and have been supported by the Millers during their lifetimes, or be related to Northwest historical research) suggest a selective process with emphasis on organizations with established connections to the Millers' philanthropic interests.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation does not publish a specific reapplication policy or waiting period for unsuccessful applicants. Grants are generally for one-year periods with potential for renewal, suggesting that previous grantees may reapply for continued support.

Grant recipients must submit a report within one year describing how the grant was used.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Miller Legacy

The most successful applications will demonstrate clear alignment with the Millers' lifelong interests in horticulture and Pacific Northwest history. Organizations that can show a connection to the Millers' philanthropic work during their lifetimes have a significant advantage.

Geographic and Historical Connection

Given the strict eligibility requirement that organizations must be located in Washington State and have been supported by the Millers (or support Northwest historical research), applicants should clearly articulate:

• Their Washington State location and service area
• Any historical connection to Pendleton or Elisabeth Miller's support
• How their work advances horticultural or historical preservation in the Pacific Northwest

Clear, Concise Project Descriptions

The foundation requires project descriptions of only 2-3 pages, indicating a preference for clear, focused proposals that get to the point quickly. Successful applications likely demonstrate:

• Specific, achievable project goals
• Clear budget justification
• Measurable outcomes serving the general public
• Connection to the foundation's emphasis areas

Public Benefit Focus

The foundation emphasizes grants to institutions "that serve the general public in a variety of ways." Applications should clearly demonstrate how the project or organization benefits the broader Pacific Northwest community, not just a narrow constituency.

Site Visits as Positive Signal

The foundation may conduct site visits before making final decisions, which suggests they value firsthand understanding of applicant organizations and projects. Being prepared to host a site visit and demonstrate your organization's work in person can strengthen an application.

Financial Stewardship

With median grants of $25,000 and a range of $2,000-$153,000, the foundation demonstrates flexibility in grant sizing. Larger grants appear to go to major institutions (like University of Washington units) or significant capital/program needs. Applicants should request amounts that are:

• Realistic for their organization's size and capacity
• Well-justified by specific budget needs
• Appropriate to the scope of public benefit created

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Eligibility is narrow but clear: You must be a 501(c)(3) located in Washington State that was supported by the Millers during their lifetimes, mentioned in Mrs. Miller's will, or supporting Northwest historical research. Verify your eligibility before applying.

• Focus on horticulture or history: The foundation's two clear emphasis areas are gardens/horticulture and Pacific Northwest history. Applications that fall outside these areas are unlikely to succeed unless they involve priority recipients.

• Keep it concise: The 2-3 page project description requirement signals a preference for focused, well-articulated proposals. Don't submit lengthy narratives.

• Plan for biannual cycles: With only two deadlines per year (April 1 and October 1), plan your application timeline well in advance. Decisions typically come 1-2 months after the deadline.

• Emphasize public benefit: The foundation values organizations that serve the general public. Clearly articulate how your project creates broad community benefit in the Pacific Northwest.

• Priority recipients have advantage: Organizations the Millers helped create receive ongoing priority funding. If you're a new applicant, you're competing for a smaller pool of discretionary funding.

• Be prepared for site visits: The foundation may visit before making decisions. Have your organization ready to showcase your work and impact in person.

References

1. Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation official website - https://millercharitablefoundation.org/ (Accessed February 4, 2026)

2. Application Information page - https://millercharitablefoundation.org/grants/ (Accessed February 4, 2026)

3. About the Millers - https://millercharitablefoundation.org/about-the-millers/ (Accessed February 4, 2026)

4. Priority Recipients - https://millercharitablefoundation.org/priority-recipients/ (Accessed February 4, 2026)

5. Other Recipients - https://millercharitablefoundation.org/other-recipients/ (Accessed February 4, 2026)

6. Leadership - https://millercharitablefoundation.org/leadership/ (Accessed February 4, 2026)

7. Contact Information - https://millercharitablefoundation.org/contact/ (Accessed February 4, 2026)

8. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Pendleton And Elizabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/911671814 (Accessed February 4, 2026)

9. Instrumentl 990 Report - Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation - https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/pendleton-and-elizabeth-carey-miller-charitable-foundation (Accessed February 4, 2026)

10. GrantExec Foundation Profile - https://grantexec.com/foundations/911671814 (Accessed February 4, 2026)

11. Charity Navigator Profile - https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/911671814 (Accessed February 4, 2026)

12. Elisabeth C. Miller Library - Donor and Financial Information - https://depts.washington.edu/hortlib/hours-and-contacts/donor-info/ (Accessed February 4, 2026)

13. Seattle Times - "Celebrating a force of nature: Elisabeth Miller" - https://www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/celebrating-a-force-of-nature-elisabeth-miller/ (Accessed February 4, 2026)