OVERVIEW: The Brettler Family Foundation focuses on efforts to provide shelter, food and mental health services to vulnerable people in the Seattle area.
IP TAKE: The foundation lacks transparency, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. Seattle organizations that serve homeless people or vulnerable children may wish to network with past grantees to get on this funder’s radar.
PROFILE: Established in 1999, the Brettler Family Foundation was founded by businessman Daniel E. Brettler and his wife, Cindy. Born and raised in New York, Daniel E. Brettler graduated from University of Vermont in 1981 and then moved to Seattle. He entered the mobile electronics business and founded Car Toys in 1987, which sells car stereos and phones and does auto detailing. He is also the chairman and CEO of Wireless Advocates, which operates the wireless kiosks in all 400+ Costco Wholesale warehouses in the United States.
The foundation does not maintain a website, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. According to tax filings, the Brettler Family Foundation focuses on education, health an human services in Washington.
Grants for Homelessness and Mental Health
A major focus for this funder is initiatives that assist homeless and vulnerable people in Washington, including housing, mental health and food distribution. Giving appears to focus on initiatives for children and youth.
Seattle’s Plymouth Housing Group, which aims to “eliminate homelessness and address its causes by preserving, developing, and operating safe, quality, supportive housing,” receives ongoing support from the foundation. Plymouth runs the A.L. Humphrey House, which is named after Cindy’s late father.
Other grantees that receive steady funding include the United Way of King County, whose board Dan once chaired, and the Committee to End Homelessness in King County, where Dan is also involved.
Other grantees include Food Lifeline, the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center, YouthCare, Roots Young Adult Shelter and Childhaven.
Grants for Public Health
Health is a smaller area of giving, but grants have supported Seattle-area organizations including the Seattle Children’s Hospital and the Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Foundation.
Grants for Higher Education
Brettler’s education giving appears to prioritize higher education in the state of Washington. Grantees include the Seattle Colleges Foundation, the College Success Foundation and the University of Washington.
Important Grant Details:
Grants range from about $300 to $7o0,000. This funder’s main focus is human services for vulnerable people in the Seattle area.
This foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funding.
For additional information about past giving, see the foundation’s tax filings.
The foundation keeps a low profile and does not provide a way to get in touch. Its phone number is listed as 206-626-8700.
PEOPLE:
Search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder (paid subscribers only).
CONTACT:
Brettler Family Foundation
4124 55th Ave NE
Seattle, WA 98105
(206) 626-8700
