Ben B Cheney Foundation Incorporated
The Ben B. Cheney Foundation is a private foundation based in Tacoma, WA that makes grants to improve quality of life in communities where the Cheney Lumber Company operated. The site includes information about the foundation's history, giving priorities, grant portal, application process, and contact details.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A nonprofit rooted in Washington (especially Pierce County/Tacoma and nearby communities) seeking project or capital support for community infrastructure, education, youth development, health, or scholarship-related work.
Good Fit
- • Clear service footprint in Tacoma/Pierce County or other communities where the Cheney Lumber Company operated.
- • Project- or capital-focused proposals (facility, campaign, playgrounds, senior center, health campaigns).
- • Willingness to submit via the foundation's online grant portal and follow letter upload instructions.
- • Opportunities that can show local impact, matching funds, or community partnerships.
Geography
Granting is heavily concentrated in Washington, with roughly 91% of dollars directed in-state in the latest year despite a handful of out-of-state awards.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded a large and diverse set of independent recipients in the latest year (136 grants to 101 distinct organizations), showing broad portfolio variety despite some larger capital awards.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of turnover and new entrants is strong (about 58% new recipients in 2024 and 85% new in 2023), and a public application portal and instructions are posted, so unfamiliar applicants appear likely to gain entry.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
