The Bates Family Foundation gives almost exclusively to a single nonprofit education institution, directing all known funding to Annie Wright School. Their support appears to be unrestricted or for general operating purposes, indicating a focus on sustaining a specific private school in the Pacific Northwest rather than broad philanthropic diversification. The foundation is distinctive for concentrated, large-dollar backing of one long-term beneficiary.
Highly concentrated giving: few grants, all to a single repeat grantee; large cumulative commitment to sustain one institution rather than distributing smaller grants across many organizations.
Bates Family Foundation stands out for its concentration: the largest recent grant in the file is $720,000 to Annie Wright School in Tacoma, and that school appears repeatedly across multiple years. The pattern points to sustained support for a single private K–12 college-preparatory institution rather than broad diversification across many causes. Recent grants also show that the foundation’s support for Annie Wright School is not limited to one-off awards; it includes large payments in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Beyond that core relationship, the record shows grants to a small set of other education-oriented and nonprofit organizations, including Pine Island Camp Inc in Brunswick, Maine, and University of Chicago in Chicago. The foundation’s active programs describe a mission centered on good health, better housing, learning, environmental stewardship, and reducing sickness and despair, with unrestricted grants to nonprofit organizations and global entities. That program language is broader than the recent-grants list, but the observed grant history is still highly concentrated and relationship-driven. The result is a profile of a funder that gives at meaningful scale while maintaining a narrow, repeat-recipient pattern in its recent disclosed awards.
Education is a clear thread in the foundation’s recent awards. In 2025, it gave $105,000 to Shattuck St Mary’s School in Faribault, Minnesota, and the same school also received $75,000 in 2023 and $50,000 in 2024. Higher education appears as well: the University of Chicago received $110,000 in both 2023 and 2024, plus $105,000 in 2025, all as payments for the benefit of the organization. Place-based education support also shows up in Washington, where the University of Washington received $90,000 in 2025 and $55,000 in 2023. Another recurring recipient is Whitman College in Walla Walla, which received $50,000 in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Typical grants are in the five-figure range, with a p25 of $6,375, a median of $10,000, and a p75 of $50,000. The recent record shows repeated awards to the same recipients across 2023, 2024, and 2025, especially for educational institutions. Grant descriptions are consistently framed as “payment for the benefit of the organization,” which suggests unrestricted or general support rather than project-specific awards. The foundation also runs unsolicited grant programs through an online application, including annual and general grantmaking cycles.
$1.7M
$12.2M
$1.5M
$2M
Most grants fall between $6K and $50K, with a median of $10K.
25th Percentile
$6K
Median
$10K
75th Percentile
$50K
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Notable grantees: Annie Wright School
Most grants in the file go to U.S. recipients, and Washington is the top state by grant count, with 39% of grants going to recipients there. Tacoma appears repeatedly through Annie Wright School, while Seattle shows up through the University of Washington. Other recipient cities include Chicago, Faribault, Brunswick, Hartford, Washington, DC, Ithaca, and Walla Walla. The geographic pattern is national, with no non-U.S. recipient countries in the recent-grants data.
The foundation’s program language centers on nonprofit organizations and effective programs and partnerships that promote good health, better housing, learning, environmental stewardship, and the reduction of sickness and despair. In the recent grants list, recipients are mainly educational institutions and related organizations.
Yes. The active grant programs state that applications are submitted through an online grant application, and they are marked as accepting unsolicited requests.
The grant-size distribution is weighted toward mid-sized awards: p25 is $6,375, median grant size is $10,000, and p75 is $50,000. Recent awards also include larger payments such as $720,000 and $550,000.
Washington is the top state by grant count, with 39% of grants going to recipients there. Tacoma and Seattle are both represented in the recent-grants list.
The record shows repeated support to the same organizations across multiple years. Several recipients appear in 2023, 2024, and 2025, including Annie Wright School, the University of Chicago, and Whitman College.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Current and upcoming funding from Bates Family Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Supports effective programs and partnerships that seek to change lives; the foundation provides financial support for global entities aligned with its mission.
Deadline: Grant applications must be received by September 30th. After 4 consecutive years of funding, there will be a single year with no funding.
Who can apply: Supports effective programs and partnerships that seek to change lives; funding is directed to global entities aligned with the foundation's mission and focus areas. Grant applications must be received by September 30th, and after 4 consecutive years of funding there is a single year with no funding.
Deadline: Grant applications must be received by September 30th.
Who can apply: The foundation provides financial support for global entities aligned with its mission. The site indicates grant applications must be received by September 30th and notes that after 4 consecutive years of funding, there will be a single year with no funding.
Deadline: Grant applications must be received by September 30th.
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Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANNIE WRIGHT SCHOOL | TACOMA, WA | $720,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| PINE ISLAND CAMP INC | BRUNSWICK, ME | $130,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO | CHICAGO, IL | $105,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| SHATTUCK ST MARY'S SCHOOL | FARIBAULT, MN | $105,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON | SEATTLE, WA | $90,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| TRINITY COLLEGE | HARTFORD, CT | $68,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| WHITMAN COLLEGE | WALLA WALLA, WA | $50,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| THE UNITED STATES PONY CLUBS INC | LEXINGTON, KY | $50,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| ESQUESTRIAN LAND CONCERVATION RECOURCE | LEXINGTON, KY | $50,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| CORNELL UNIVERSITY | ITHACA, NY | $50,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| TACOMA MUSEUM OF GLASS | TACOMA, WA | $36,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| SEATTLE PACIFIC UNIVERSITY | SEATTLE, WA | $30,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| JUVENILE DIABETES RESEARCH FOUNDATION | NEW YORK, NY | $25,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| ST PAUL'S SCHOOL | CONCORD, NH | $20,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| ST MARTIN'S LUTHERAN SCHOOL | ANNAPOLIS, MD | $15,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| WEHEARTSEATTLE | SEATTLE, WA | $15,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION | ANNAPOLIS, MD | $15,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| THE SYCAMORE SCHOOL | ARLINGTON, VA | $13,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| SEQUIM CITY BAND | SEQUIM, WA | $12,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| TACOMA COMMUNITY HOUSE | TACOMA, WA | $10,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| ALPHA CHI OMEGA FOUNDATION | INDIANAPOLIS, IN | $10,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| ANNAPOLIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA | ANNAPOLIS, MD | $10,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| AMARA - SEATTLE | SEATTLE, WA | $8,500 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| LIFT ME UP | GREAT FALLS, VA | $8,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| DETROIT HORSEPOWER | DETROIT, MI | $8,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| GREENHILL SCHOOL | ADDISON, TX | $8,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| FORDHAM UNIVERSITY | NEW YORK, NY | $8,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF EPISCOPAL SCHOOLS | NEW YORK, NY | $7,500 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUB | TACOMA, WA | $5,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO BOOTH SCHOOL OF BUSINESS | CHICAGO, IL | $5,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| OAKWOOD SCHOOL | GREENVILLE, NC | $5,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| CHINESE RECONCILIATION FOUNDATION PROJECT | TACOMA, WA | $5,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| BAJA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | SILVERDALE, WA | $5,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| ANNE ARUNDEL MEDICAL CENTER | ANNAPOLIS, MD | $3,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY AT ST LOUIS | ST LOUIS, MO | $1,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| BREAKTHROUGH T1D | NEW YORK, NY | $1,000 | 2025 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| ANNIE WRIGHT SCHOOL | TACOMA, WA | $410,000 | 2024 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO | CHICAGO, IL | $110,000 | 2024 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| PINE ISLAND CAMP INC | BRUNSWICK, ME | $105,000 | 2024 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| BROOKINGS INSTITUTE | WASHINGTON, DC | $60,000 | 2024 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON | SEATTLE, WA | $50,000 | 2024 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| CORNELL UNIVERSITY | ITHACA, NY | $50,000 | 2024 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| THE UNITED STATES PONY CLUBS INC | LEXINGTON, KY | $50,000 | 2024 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| ESQUESTRIAN LAND CONCERVATION RECOURCE | LEXINGTON, KY | $50,000 | 2024 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| SHATTUCK ST MARY'S SCHOOL | FARIBAULT, MN | $50,000 | 2024 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| WHITMAN COLLEGE | WALLA WALLA, WA | $50,000 | 2024 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| JUVENILE DIABETES RESEARCH FOUNDATION | NEW YORK, NY | $35,000 | 2024 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| SEATTLE PACIFIC UNIVERSITY | SEATTLE, WA | $30,000 | 2024 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| TACOMA MUSEUM OF GLASS | TACOMA, WA | $25,000 | 2024 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
| ST PAUL'S SCHOOL | CONCORD, NH | $20,000 | 2024 | PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION |
PINE ISLAND CAMP INC
$130,000PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
$90,000PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION
TRINITY COLLEGE
PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION
WHITMAN COLLEGE
$50,000PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION
THE UNITED STATES PONY CLUBS INC
$50,000PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION
ESQUESTRIAN LAND CONCERVATION RECOURCE
$50,000PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION
SEATTLE PACIFIC UNIVERSITY
$30,000PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION
JUVENILE DIABETES RESEARCH FOUNDATION
$25,000PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION
ST MARTIN'S LUTHERAN SCHOOL
$15,000PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION
THE SYCAMORE SCHOOL
$13,000PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION
SEQUIM CITY BAND
$12,000PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION
ANNAPOLIS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
$10,000PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION
AMARA - SEATTLE
$8,500PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION
LIFT ME UP
$8,000PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION
GREENHILL SCHOOL
$8,000PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF EPISCOPAL SCHOOLS
$7,500PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION
BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
$5,000PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION
PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION
OAKWOOD SCHOOL
$5,000PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION
CHINESE RECONCILIATION FOUNDATION PROJECT
$5,000PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION
BAJA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
$5,000PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION
ANNE ARUNDEL MEDICAL CENTER
$3,000PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION
ANNIE WRIGHT SCHOOL
$410,000PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION
PINE ISLAND CAMP INC
$105,000PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
$50,000PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION
THE UNITED STATES PONY CLUBS INC
$50,000PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION
ESQUESTRIAN LAND CONCERVATION RECOURCE
$50,000PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION
WHITMAN COLLEGE
$50,000PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION
JUVENILE DIABETES RESEARCH FOUNDATION
$35,000PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION
SEATTLE PACIFIC UNIVERSITY
$30,000PAYMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE ORGANIZATION
