Raikes Foundation
The Raikes Foundation is a Seattle-based private grantmaking foundation focused on youth-serving systems (education and housing stability), resourcing equity and democracy, and impact-driven philanthropy. The official site lists grants & partners, reports and filings, news updates, and contact information, and notes an invitation-only grant application process.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Organizations focused on youth-serving systems (education, housing stability), equity and democracy work, or system-level research and networks; mid-size national or state-level intermediaries, collaboratives, fiscal sponsors, and evidence-driven programs seeking operating or strategic support.
Good Fit
- • Work on youth education, youth homelessness, or housing stability at a systems or network level.
- • Ability to receive larger multi-year or general operating support (organizational scale and governance).
- • Participation in or leadership of state/national collaboratives or funder networks.
- • Use of a fiscal sponsor or intermediary structure for project-based work.
- • A demonstrated equity approach or capacity to support systems change.
Geography
Grants were distributed across 25 states in the latest year, with a national footprint even though a single jurisdiction accounted for a large share of dollars.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows over 200 distinct recipients and a large count of grants (269), with funding to universities, national intermediaries, local nonprofits, collaboratives, and fiscal sponsors.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of recipient turnover exists—about half of 2024 recipients were new—so new entrants do get funded; however the foundation advertises an invitation-only process, so an unfamiliar applicant is unlikely to access funding without relationships, visibility, or intermediary introduction.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
