OVERVIEW: This family foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to environmental causes, education and health in Washington.
IP TAKE: The Higgins Family Foundation is a significant supporter of environmental causes in Washington, with grants going to organizations of all sizes. Unfortunately, the foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals, so a connection to the family or a past grantee would be the only way to proceed. Contact information is provided below.
PROFILE: Established in 2001, the Higgins Family Foundation was founded by businessman Pete Higgins and his wife, Leslie Magid. Pete Higgins graduated from Stanford University with undergraduate degrees in economics and history in 1980, and an MBA in 1983. He spent 16 years at Microsoft and was a member of the Office of the President, reporting to CEO Bill Gates. He is also a founding partner of Second Avenue Partners, providing management, strategy and capital to early-stage companies.
The foundation does not maintain a website, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. According to tax records, the Higgins Family Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to education, health, and the environment.
Grants for the Environment, Marine and Freshwater Conservation
Grantmaking for the environment is a main area of focus for this funder. Pete Higgins is on the advisory board of Woods Institute for the Environment. The couple has supported Wild Salmon Center, Nature Conservancy, HOH River Trust, Forterra NW, and Long Live the Kings, whose “mission is to restore wild salmon and steelhead and support sustainable fishing in the Pacific Northwest.”
Grants for Education
The Higgins Family Foundation does not name priorities for its education giving and has supported both K-12 and higher education. Higgins was on the board of trustees of his alma mater Stanford University. At the start of the decade, the couple pledged $2.25 million to create a matching fund for endowed athletic scholarships. Other education grants have gone to the Rainier Scholars Program and College is Real, which supports low-income and minority students who would be the first in their families to attend college.
Grants for Health
Leslie sits on the board of Seattle Children’s Hospital, which the couple support. Other grantees have included Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Planned Parenthood of Alaska, the American Red Cross and UW Medicine.
Important Grant Details:
Grants range from $5,000 to $125,000.
- More than half of all grantmaking stays in Washington, but organizations in California, Oregon and Idaho occasionally receive funding.
- Environmental concerns comprise the foundation’s largest giving area.
- The Higgins Family Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals for funding.
- For additional information see the foundation’s recent tax filings.
The foundation does not provide a direct way to get in touch. Its phone number is listed as (206) 332-1230. A mailing address is provided below.
PEOPLE:
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CONTACT:
Higgins Family Foundation
c/o Frank M. Higgins II.
PO Box 264
Mercer Island, WA 98040
(206) 332-1230
