Bernier McCaw Foundation
The Bernier McCaw Foundation is a private foundation based in Medina, Washington. Its 2025 filing states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
Bernier McCaw Foundation at a glance
In short: Bernier McCaw Foundation gave $4.5M across 28 grants in 2025 (avg $161K), mostly in Washington. 62% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $4,498,499
- -4.8% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 28
- +40.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $160,661
- -32.0% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $50,000
- Total assets
- $4,240,288
- -20.3% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 62% first-time grantees (16 of 26, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Washington (84% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Bernier McCaw Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations.
- Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 463, Medina, WA 98039
Phone: (206) 250-9390
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Bernier McCaw Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Tubman Center for Health & Freedom ($667K). Together the top 10 received $3.8M.
Grant Size Distribution
117 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 39 grants of 117 (33%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2025, 84% of grant dollars went to recipients in Washington, 12% to recipients in the District of Columbia, and 4% to recipients in North Carolina. Maryland accounted for 0%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 28 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Bernier McCaw Foundation open to new grantees?
62%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 16 of 26 grantees (62%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $119K; repeat grants $259K. How we count
Medians: $50K first-time, $200K repeat.
- 27% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving grew 195% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out well above its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $1.5M (2022) to $4.7M (2024). In 2025 it made 28 grants totaling $4.5M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Tubman Center for Health & Freedom Seattle, WA | ASHAY | $666,666 |
| Northwest Film Forum Seattle, WA | Wa NA Wari General Operating Support | $503,500 |
| Independent Sector Washington, DC | Center on Excellence for the Nonprofit Workforce | $500,000 |
| 350 Seattle Seattle, WA | Seattle King County African American Reparations Committee | $400,000 |
| Sacred Land Collective Auburn, WA | General Operating Support | $400,000 |
| The Who We Are Project Seattle, WA | General Operating Support | $400,000 |
| YWCA of Seattlekingsnohomish County Seattle, WA | Strategic Direction Initiatives | $333,333 |
| Byrd Barr Place Seattle, WA | BIPOC Ed Coalition Now Known as Ile Kimoyo | $200,000 |
| Davidson College Annual Fund Davidson, NC | Thelma adair pavilion at the george lawrence abernethy library | $200,000 |
| Renton Regional Community Foundation Renton, WA | Capacity Building | $200,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Bernier McCaw Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $4,240,288 | $4,622,525 | $4,688,469 | $4,498,499 | 28 | $4,597,470 | $2,569,530 | $342,902 |
| 2024 | $5,323,645 | $3,694,366 | $5,000,808 | $4,725,999 | 20 | $4,954,982 | $1,753,214 | $402,786 |
| 2023 | $7,718,087 | $420,142 | $3,835,581 | $3,741,334 | 31 | $3,783,330 | $372,891 | $544,751 |
| 2022 | $11,134,579 | $2,810,939 | $1,612,652 | $1,525,500 | 17 | $1,538,610 | $746,897 | $615,519 |
| 2021 | $9,936,292 | $1,399,488 | $2,638,578 | $2,559,000 | 21 | $2,575,158 | $1,336,068 | $694,160 |
| 2020 | $11,175,382 | $5,450,264 | $3,342,101 | $3,255,000 | 28 | — | $414,183 | $584,501 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Bernier McCaw Foundation reported a distributable amount of $343K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grants included general operating support and support for specific projects, including gynecologic cancer research and cancer equity, nonprofit workforce development, and the Seattle King County African American Reparations Committee.
The grantees describe their work in varied terms. The Tubman Center for Health & Freedom says it combines clinical care with community resources, social services, political education, and advocacy. Northwest Film Forum says it uses collective cinematic experiences to incite public dialogue and creative action. Independent Sector says it unites nonprofits and philanthropy to strengthen the charitable sector. 350 Seattle describes its work as organizing for climate justice and systems change. Africatown Community Land Trust says it acquires and stewards land to support Seattle’s Black/African diaspora community and affordable housing.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the foundation reported 28 grants totaling $4,498,499. Grant amounts ranged from $5,000 to $666,666, with a median grant of $50,000.
Among its largest 2025 grants were $666,666 to the Tubman Center for Health & Freedom for “ASHAY”; $503,500 to Northwest Film Forum for WA NA Wari general operating support; $500,000 to Independent Sector for the Center on Excellence for the Nonprofit Workforce; and $400,000 each to 350 Seattle for the Seattle King County African American Reparations Committee, Sacred Land Collective for general operating support, and The Who We Are Project for general operating support. Other grants included $333,333 to YWCA of Seattle-King-Snohomish County for strategic direction initiatives and $175,000 to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center for gynecologic research and cancer equity.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Nell Elizabeth McCaw as president and Yahn W Bernier as secretary-treasurer.
Bernier McCaw Foundation is led by Nell Elizabeth McCaw, President on every filing since 2020; none of the 2 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Nell Elizabeth McCaw
President
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Yahn W. Bernier
Secretary-Treasurer
Secretary & Treasurer → Treasurer, 2022
Treasurer → Secretary-Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Cristina Johnson (2022–2024) — Secretary
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about Bernier McCaw Foundation
How much does Bernier McCaw Foundation give each year?
Bernier McCaw Foundation gave $4.5M across 28 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $4.7M across 20 grants.
What is Bernier McCaw Foundation's typical grant size?
Bernier McCaw Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $50,000, and its average grant was $160,661, across 28 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Bernier McCaw Foundation that year got $119K on average.
Where does Bernier McCaw Foundation give grants?
Bernier McCaw Foundation gives mostly in Washington: 84% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was District of Columbia (12%). The most frequent recipient cities were Seattle, WA (15 grants), Renton, WA (3 grants), Washington, DC (2 grants) and Bellevue, WA (2 grants).
Does Bernier McCaw Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 29% of Bernier McCaw Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (8 of 28) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Bernier McCaw Foundation's largest grantees?
Bernier McCaw Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Tubman Center for Health & Freedom ($666,666), Northwest Film Forum ($503,500) and Independent Sector ($500,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 37% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Bernier McCaw Foundation?
Bernier McCaw Foundation reported $4.2M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $4.6M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $343K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Bernier McCaw Foundation fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grants included general operating support and support for specific projects, including gynecologic cancer research and cancer equity, nonprofit workforce development, and the Seattle King County African American Reparations Committee. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Bernier McCaw Foundation?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Bernier McCaw Foundation's EIN?
Bernier McCaw Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 83-2091267. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does Bernier McCaw Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 3, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 10, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS June 20, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS July 22, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 14, 2026)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 14, 2026)
Live grants for the work Bernier McCaw Foundation funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Bernier McCaw Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Philanthropy Northwest
Seattle, WA
Philanthropy Northwest rarely makes grants; its 2024 grants of $15,000–$30,000 (median $15,000) supported learning on diversity, racial equity, and inclusion, mainly for organizations in Washington and elsewhere in the Northwest. It also administered environmental and public health grants across Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, but that program is closed and has no future rounds planned.
Assets
$4.0M
Grants
21
Total Given
$360K
Stolte Family Foundation
Seattle, WA
The Stolte Family Foundation funds education, climate, and civic engagement, with a focus on Washington and Michigan for clean-energy work and Washington for civic engagement; it is phasing out education funding and expects no new education partners in 2026 or 2027. In 2024, grants ranged from $126 to $650,000, with a median of $50,000. It accepts no unsolicited requests and awards grants by invitation only.
Assets
$65.6M
Grants
97
Total Given
$8.4M
United Way of King County
Seattle, WA
United Way of King County funds community organizations working on housing, food security, education, financial stability, racial equity, and systems change, primarily in King County, Washington. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,000 to $1,674,650, with a median of about $47,836. It lists an open Food System Stability Fund for anti-hunger organizations, but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$54.9M
Grants
196
Total Given
$24.7M
The Satterberg Foundation Inc
Seattle, WA
The Satterberg Foundation funds nonprofits advancing racial justice and a sustainable environment, primarily through multi-year, unrestricted operating support, with most Core Support grantees working in Washington and California and other commitments in Arizona and nationally. In 2024, its median grant was $125,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests or applications.
Assets
$425.6M
Grants
286
Total Given
$42.6M
Raikes Foundation
Seattle, WA
The Raikes Foundation funds equitable education, youth housing stability, equity and democracy, and impact-driven philanthropy, with work in Washington State and nationally. In 2024, grants ranged from $100 to $800,000, with a median of $10,000; it gives mainly in Washington, DC, California, and Washington State. It funds only preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$97.7M
Grants
269
Total Given
$11.3M
Social Justice Fund Northwest
Seattle, WA
Social Justice Fund Northwest funds grassroots, community-led organizations working for progressive systemic change, especially through organizing that builds leadership and collective power; most grants support general operations. Its 2024 grants ranged from $6,000 to $654,000, with a median of $45,000, and it funds groups in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. It accepts applications through its grant cycles; the website also allows email or postal applications for those unable to apply online.
Assets
$16.4M
Grants
79
Total Given
$4.8M
More similar funders
More Funders in Washington
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Bernier McCaw Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 17, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/bernier-mccaw-foundation-morg_ddc1cd99b9b44544ac0bed8e91536195
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_832091267_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Bernier McCaw Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/bernier-mccaw-foundation-morg_ddc1cd99b9b44544ac0bed8e91536195},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-17. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Bernier McCaw Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Bernier McCaw Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?