Helen Martha Schiff Foundation
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting various charitable causes, primarily through general operating grants. Its mission focuses on enhancing community welfare by funding organizations that provide essential services, including those addressing homelessness, human services, and victim aid. The foundation serves a diverse range of recipients, including community centers and youth development organizations, with a notable emphasis on supporting local charities. While it primarily operates in Washington, its funding also extends to organizations in other states, reflecting a commitment to broader community support.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A small to mid-sized Washington state nonprofit providing direct community services (human services, homelessness, youth support, victim services) seeking modest general operating support and either a local referral or an existing relationship to introduce them.
Good Fit
- • Based in Washington state (the funder’s clear geographic focus).
- • Provides direct human services, shelter, youth development, or victim support.
- • Requests modest unrestricted or general operating grants (roughly $2k–$5k range).
- • Has local credibility or introductions from other Seattle/Tacoma-area nonprofits or community funders.
- • Is a registered charity with visible local programs and outcomes.
Geography
Observed giving is strongly local: every 2023 grant went to organizations in Washington state and 2022 was almost entirely WA as well, so the footprint is geographically narrow.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded 18 distinct recipients in 2023 and 37 in 2022 across a range of local human services organizations, indicating a broad recipient set rather than a tiny closed circle.
New Applicants
Grant history shows a high rate of new recipients in 2023 (13 of 18), which suggests the portfolio can add unfamiliar organizations, but the filings also state grants are only to preselected applicants and there is no public application route, so direct unsolicited access appears limited.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
