The Dimmer Family Foundation
The Dimmer Family Foundation, founded in 1993 in Tacoma, Washington by John C. and Marilyn J. Dimmer, awards grants primarily in Tacoma–Pierce County and reports having granted over $15 million to charities supporting children, families, veterans, education, the arts, healthcare, animals, and the environment. The site lists an executive director, contact details, board information, and a detailed recent grants list through 2022.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small-to-mid sized charities, especially those based in Tacoma/Pierce County or elsewhere in Washington, working in education, youth development, health, animal welfare, veterans, arts, or community services seeking modest operating or program support.
Good Fit
- • Located in Pierce County or elsewhere in Washington with a clear local impact
- • Project fits categories the foundation has funded (education, youth, veterans, animals, health, arts, community services)
- • Request size in the foundation's typical range (many grants under $5K, median $2,500; occasional grants up to $25K)
- • Ability to document community-level outcomes and a track record of service
Geography
Giving is concentrated in Washington—roughly three quarters of dollars went to in-state recipients—though smaller grants also reached organizations in several other states (nine states observed).
Recipient Variety
The latest year funded a large number of distinct independent recipients (82), with many recurring grantees across the three observed years and a steady minority of new entrants each year.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of openness includes public application information, a website, and named contacts; the foundation also added roughly 14 new recipients in the latest year, indicating unfamiliar applicants can gain entry.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
