About Us

It's Nice to Meet You!

As a trusted partner with deep roots, strong community ties, and a passion for local philanthropy, we exist to help individuals, families, and businesses make a difference today and build community resources for the future. We do this by listening, learning, building relationships, and offering flexible giving options for generous people to support work that makes a difference right here where we live.

We believe that generosity is for everyone. It sparks hope and possibility, embraces the needs of real people, and celebrates our shared humanity.

The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound is a tax-exempt philanthropic organization. Since our founding in 1989, the generosity of our community has allowed us to make more than $23 million in grants and scholarships. These funds have been transformed into college degrees, meals, winter clothes, books, medicine, therapy, shelter, solar panels, forests, farmland, healthy rivers, music, art, and more—all for this place and the people who live here.

Centering Community

We are dedicated to improving the lives of people across the South Puget Sound, and helping solve key community problems that improve our regions overall well-being and resiliency for all. We also know that this work can only be accomplished by learning from and alongside our community. While true that our mission, vision, and values have evolved over the years, one thing remains the same—community is at the heart of everything we do.

Mission

To grow a lasting culture of generosity and well-being in the South Puget Sound through connection, leadership, and investment.


Vision

Everyone in our region has the opportunity to thrive in communities that are sustainable, equitable, and resilient.


Values

Inclusion

Integrity

Collaboration

Engagement

Stewardship

We are committed to ensuring that every choice we make as a foundation is aligned with our core values. This is how our values show up in our everyday interactions—our values in action.

  • Inclusion: We recognize and honor the diversity of the people and cultures in our region, weave equity into all we do, and strive to foster inclusive spaces where everyone belongs.
  • Integrity: We prioritize giving and seeking to earn trust as central to the relationships that make our work successful and the community that gives our work purpose.
  • Collaboration: We participate in and foster partnerships because working together makes it possible for our community to pursue sustainable solutions to complex issues.
  • Engagement: We respect and learn from the expertise of people across our communities, seek feedback, and value what we learn from actively listening to diverse perspectives.
  • Stewardship: As stewards of permanent community resources for this region, we are committed to working responsibly to enhance the wellbeing of current and future generations.

"At any age, we all have assets to share. Small amounts make a difference. And we really are all in this together.”

- Janet, Community Foundation Fund Holder

“Philanthropy is an important piece of helping to sustain a thriving, healthy community... the dividends are a healthier, vibrant community.”

- Give Local Donor

"I know I can pick up the phone and call the CommunityFoundation and they'll take our call... I've been incredibly impressed with the generosity and sense of togetherness I've encountered in the South Sound. This community is strong because of that and only because of that."

- Brian, Local Nonprofit Leader