Forest C And Ruth V Kelsey Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $719,000 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly specified
• Grant Range: Varies - average organizational grant ~$359,500
• Geographic Focus: Grays Harbor County, WA (strictly local)

Contact Details

• Website: www.kelseyfoundation.com
• Email: kelseyfoundation@gmail.com
• Phone: 360-249-6878
• Mailing Address: PO Box 404, Montesano, WA 98563
• Office: 120 W Pioneer Ave, Suite 1, Montesano, WA 98563

Overview

The Forest C and Ruth V Kelsey Foundation, established in 1999 in Montesano, Washington, manages approximately $9.5 million in assets and distributes $719,000 annually in grants and scholarships. Founded by Forest and Ruth Kelsey to "give back" to Grays Harbor County, the foundation embodies their belief that education is the fundamental foundation for individual success. Forest Kelsey's guiding philosophy - "If you can just get a kid into college, he/she will find a way to achieve their goal" - continues to drive the foundation's primary focus on educational scholarships, though it has expanded to include grants to nonprofit organizations for community enrichment and school programs. The foundation maintains a strictly local focus, serving only Grays Harbor County residents and organizations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• High School Scholarships: Variable amounts for graduating seniors (Applications March 1-31)
• Adult/Returning Student Scholarships: Variable amounts (Applications April 1-30)
• Organizational Grants: Average ~$359,500 for 501(c)(3) nonprofits (contact foundation for details)
• School Project Grants: Support for educational programs and initiatives

Priority Areas

• Educational scholarships (primary focus)
• Community enrichment programs
• Youth development and empowerment
• School projects and programs
• Adult education and workforce development
• Any program that improves the Grays Harbor County community

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations outside Grays Harbor County
• Individuals not residing in Grays Harbor County
• Projects that don't serve Grays Harbor County residents

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is currently overseen by the Caldwell and Hliboki families, per Forest Kelsey's wishes. Board members include:

• Steve Caldwell
• Mike Hliboki
• Doug Lewis
• Loni Crass
• Teresa Frafjord
• Julie Randich
• Kimberley Lillegard

The family-based governance structure ensures continuity with the founders' vision of supporting education and community development in Grays Harbor County.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

For Scholarships:

• High School Students: Applications available March 1st from school counselors or by contacting the foundation; due March 31st at 5:00 PM
• Adult/Returning Students: Request application starting April 1st; due April 30th at 5:00 PM
• Submit via email (kelseyfoundation@gmail.com) or mail to PO Box 404, Montesano, WA 98563

For Nonprofit Organizations:

• Contact the foundation directly at kelseyfoundation@gmail.com or 360-249-6878
• Must be a registered 501(c)(3) organization
• Must serve Grays Harbor County residents or be located within the county

Decision Timeline

• Scholarship recipients typically notified at graduation or awards night ceremonies
• Organizational grant timelines not publicly specified - contact foundation for details

Success Rates

• Not publicly available
• In 2023: 2 major organizational grants awarded totaling $719,000

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly specified - contact foundation for guidance on reapplying

Application Success Factors

• Geographic Alignment: Must clearly demonstrate service to Grays Harbor County residents, with emphasis on Montesano and East County areas
• Educational Impact: Projects with direct or indirect educational benefits align strongly with the founders' philosophy
• Community Enrichment Focus: Demonstrate how your program improves the quality of life in the community
• Youth Empowerment: Programs that help young people access opportunities, particularly higher education, receive priority consideration
• Clear 501(c)(3) Status: Organizational applicants must have verified nonprofit status

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The foundation has a strictly local focus - only apply if you serve Grays Harbor County residents
• Educational programs and scholarships are the primary focus, but community enrichment grants are significant
• With only 2 major organizational grants in 2023, competition may be intense for nonprofit grants
• Direct contact with the foundation is essential for organizational grant applications as detailed guidelines are not publicly available
• The foundation values programs that help people access education at any stage of life
• Family governance ensures stable, consistent funding priorities aligned with founders' original vision
• Consider timing your application to avoid competing with the March-April scholarship application periods

References

• Kelsey Foundation Official Website (www.kelseyfoundation.com) - Accessed February 2025
• "About the Kelsey Foundation" page (www.kelseyfoundation.com/index.php/about-the-kelsey-foundation) - Accessed February 2025
• High School Scholarships page (www.kelseyfoundation.com/index.php/scholarships/high-school-scholarships) - Accessed February 2025
• Adults or Returning College Students page (www.kelseyfoundation.com/index.php/scholarships/adults-or-returning-college-students) - Accessed February 2025
• Various Grays Harbor County newspaper articles documenting scholarship recipients (The Daily World, The Vidette) - 2017-2019
• Foundation financial data from nonprofit databases (Instrumentl, Grantable, Cause IQ, ProPublica) - Accessed February 2025