PACCAR Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $12,772,704 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Within 6 months
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $1,000,000
• Geographic Focus: Communities with PACCAR operations (primarily WA, TX, OH)

Contact Details

Website: www.paccar.com/about-us/paccar-foundation/ Phone: 425-468-7400 Fax: 425-468-8216 Address: PO Box 1518, Bellevue, WA 98009-1518 Physical Location: 777 106th Avenue N.E., Bellevue, WA 98004

Overview

Founded in 1953, the PACCAR Foundation is the philanthropic arm of PACCAR Inc., a global technology leader in the design and manufacture of premium trucks. With annual giving of $12.7 million and cumulative grants exceeding $200 million throughout its history, the foundation focuses on strengthening communities where PACCAR has significant operations. The foundation's mission centers on the belief that "with a strong education, people have a life full of opportunities," guiding their strategic approach to fund capital campaigns and infrastructure projects rather than operating expenses. Under the leadership of President Mark Pigott, who has stated that PACCAR's "heritage is to give back to the communities in which we live and work," the foundation maintains a strong emphasis on higher education, healthcare facilities, United Way chapters, and arts organizations. The foundation has received recognition including United Way of King County's Live United Award for outstanding community difference-making.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Capital Campaigns: $1,000 - $1,000,000 (building construction, renovation, equipment purchases)
• Higher Education Support: Up to $1,000,000+ (universities, colleges, research funding)
• United Way Partnerships: Variable amounts (chapter support in PACCAR communities)
• Healthcare Infrastructure: Variable amounts (hospital facilities, medical equipment)
• Arts & Culture: Smaller grants (primarily Washington state cultural institutions)
• Employee Matching Gifts: $100 - $5,000 per employee annually (accredited U.S. educational institutions only)

Priority Areas

• Higher education institutions (largest giving area)
• United Way chapters in PACCAR communities
• Healthcare facilities and medical research
• Arts and cultural organizations (primarily Washington state)
• Economic education programs
• Capital campaigns and infrastructure projects

What They Don't Fund

• Program funds or operating budgets
• Fundraising events or sponsorships
• Event tickets
• Individual scholarships (except through employee matching)
• Churches for religious advocacy purposes
• More than one request per organization per year
• Automatic renewal of contributions

Governance and Leadership

President: Mark Pigott (Executive Chairman of PACCAR since April 2014; previously Chairman and CEO from January 1997 to April 2014)

Mark Pigott has stated: "Our heritage is to give back to the communities in which we live and work," emphasizing the foundation's commitment to supporting communities with PACCAR presence. Under his leadership, the foundation has contributed over $200 million worldwide, with a particular focus on education as a pathway to opportunity.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts applications through their online portal at www.paccar.com/about-us/paccar-foundation/. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Applicants must create an account with a password containing at least 5 characters including upper and lower case letters and at least one number.

Decision Timeline

The foundation typically notifies applicants within 6 months of submission. For capital projects, funding may be contingent upon securing necessary permits and confirmation of construction start dates.

Success Rates

Success rates and application statistics are not publicly disclosed by the foundation.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation does not accept more than one request per organization each year. Specific policies regarding reapplication after unsuccessful attempts are not publicly stated; organizations should contact the foundation directly for clarification.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's funding patterns and stated priorities, successful applications typically demonstrate:

• Strong geographic alignment: Organizations must be located in communities with significant PACCAR operations (factories or major offices), particularly in Washington, Texas, and Ohio
• Capital campaign focus: The foundation strongly prefers funding infrastructure projects, building construction, renovation, and equipment purchases over operating expenses
• Educational impact: Given the foundation's belief that education creates opportunities, proposals that advance educational access or quality receive priority consideration
• Community benefit: Projects should demonstrate lasting impact on the communities where PACCAR employees live and work
• Relationship with local PACCAR management: Sources indicate that "networking with local management could pave the way" for successful applications
• One-time funding need: Since the foundation does not automatically renew contributions, projects with defined endpoints are preferred

Recent successful grants include $1.5 million to the University of North Texas for the PACCAR Technology Institute, $18 million to the University of Washington for PACCAR Hall at the Foster School of Business, and significant support to Seattle Children's Hospital and various United Way chapters.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Focus proposals on capital campaigns and infrastructure needs rather than operating support or programs
• Emphasize connection to PACCAR operational locations - the foundation rarely funds outside these communities
• Higher education institutions have the strongest track record of receiving major gifts
• Build relationships with local PACCAR management before applying when possible
• Submit only one request per year and do not expect automatic renewal
• Allow 6 months for decision-making process
• Consider the foundation's 70-year philanthropic tradition and preference for lasting community impact when framing proposals

References

• PACCAR Inc. Official Website - PACCAR Foundation Page. www.paccar.com/about-us/paccar-foundation/ (Accessed March 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - PACCAR Foundation Form 990-PF. projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/916030638 (Accessed March 2026)
• GuideStar Profile - PACCAR Foundation. www.guidestar.org/profile/91-6030638 (Accessed March 2026)
• Inside Philanthropy - PACCAR Foundation Grant Opportunities. www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant-places/washington-grants/paccar-foundation (Accessed March 2026)
• Instrumentl - PACCAR Foundation 990 Reports and Grant Analysis (Accessed March 2026)
• The Grantsmanship Center - PACCAR Foundation Profile (Accessed March 2026)
• United Way of King County - PACCAR Receives Live United Award, March 2024
• University of North Texas News - PACCAR Foundation Endows Technology Institute with $1.5 Million Gift
• Mark Pigott Biography and PACCAR Leadership Information - Various sources including company reports and news articles