While eyes turn to the fresh promise of a new year, the team at the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust is still basking in the joys of the holiday season.
In the midst of the festive final weeks of 2017, the Trust approved 87 grants to organizations serving the Pacific Northwest, totaling just over $17 million.
It is our unique pleasure to support these projects touching every corner of the region, from Montana to Washington, from Oregon to Alaska and across the entire Pacific Northwest.
2017 was a record-setting year for the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust as we made more than 300 grants totaling more than $57 million to a wide variety of organizations in the arts, health and human services, education and science sectors. While we are pleased to mark such a milestone for our organization, we are inspired and humbled by the tireless efforts taking place in every corner of our region and across the country by those committed to serve and support neighbors in need and build stronger communities. Below, you will find a selection of some of these groups and the incredible impact of their work in our region.
As we look forward to 2018, we are energized and enthusiastic to work together with our colleagues and partners and to continue to encourage, partner and invest in those working to serve the common good.
Wishing you and yours a joyous new year,
Steven G.W. Moore
Executive Director
Alaska and Across the Northwest
- HOPE International plans to open a Northwest office to provide more support to families in underserved communities around the world.
- The habitat of the Eklutna River in Alaska will move closer to restoration thanks to the removal of a decommissioned dam by the Conservation Fund.
- Campers at Young Life’s Camp Malibu in British Columbia will enjoy a renovated club room for their many camp activities.
- Families of first responders will have increased support by a staff addition at The Navigators.
Montana
- Residents of Billings will have greater access to health services and education through the expansion of the RiverStone Health Foundation clinic.
- With the acquisition of a cryo-electron microscope, Montana State University researchers will be able to model cellular structures at the atomic level, providing crucial advances in basic science, biotechnology and health studies.
- Young mothers and their children will have better access to shelter and resources as Mountain Home Montana adds program staff to further their reach.
- Foster families will receive more resources and support as Child Bridge expands its staff in the Great Falls region.
Oregon
- Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East will increase its partner engagement through the addition of new staff and new donor tracking software.
- Portland residents will have better healthcare access following the construction of the Eastside Health Clinic by Central City Concern.
- The I Have a Dream Foundation of Oregon will be able to help more underserved children achieve a post-secondary education through the Dreamer School Project.
- New staff will help SPOON Foundation build partnerships and educate key corporate, institutional and individual partners.
Washington
- New staff will assist the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust as it expand efforts to conserve and protect the natural land and water spaces of North Central Washington.
- The Point Defiance Zoo will introduce countless new visitors to the wonders of aquatic life with the expansion of the Pacific Seas Aquarium
- Pacific Northwest Ballet will be able to expand local exposure to the arts by providing more quality dance instruction and performance opportunities through the development of the new Francia Russell Center.
- Children, teens and families dealing with behavioral and mental health challenges will have more support following the renovation of facilities on the Ryther campus.
