Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation
The Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation (based in Missoula, MT) is the Washington family’s primary philanthropic organization. The site documents grantmaking, scholarship programs, and areas of focus (education, arts & culture, health & human services, community service) and includes organizational history and leadership information.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Nonprofit organizations providing direct services in education, youth development, arts, health, or community support—particularly those operating in Montana or in communities where the Washington Companies have a presence; applicants can range from small local service providers to larger institutions proposing capital or program support.
Good Fit
- • Programs serving economically or socially disadvantaged youth, special‑needs individuals, or education initiatives in Montana.
- • Requests for program or operating support, scholarships, small-to-mid sized grants, or clearly scoped capital projects aligned with stated priorities.
- • Clear demonstration of local community impact or partnership with communities in the foundation’s footprint.
- • Ability to submit the requested LOI elements and use the online application or letter route.
Geography
The foundation funded recipients across about 13 states in the latest year but more than half of dollars (about 55%) went to Montana, indicating a regional focus with some significant out‑of‑state giving.
Recipient Variety
In the latest year the foundation made 529 grants to 440 distinct recipients, a mix of many small grants and a handful of large multi‑million awards, showing a broad and diverse recipient set for its size.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of new entrants exists (132 new recipients in the latest year), and the foundation publishes LOI guidelines and an online application with rolling review, which together indicate a realistic path for unfamiliar applicants to be considered.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
