East Seattle Foundation
East Seattle Foundation (ESF) is a private independent foundation established by Alan and Mary Frazier and their family. Based in Mercer Island, Washington, the foundation has been tax-exempt since January 2003. ESF actively supports innovative programs and projects that are impactful and measurable, with a focus on creative solutions that challenge conventional thinking.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$7.3M
+3.5% YoY
Annual Giving
$402K
+48.9% YoY
Grant Count
39
+95.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$10K
-23.6% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: Strengthening Local Communities
East Seattle Foundation funds organizations working to change the status quo through innovative and measurable approaches. The foundation is committed to investing in ideas that challenge conventional thinking, intervene upstream, and have the potential to make a real difference in communities.
Core Beliefs: The foundation believes all people deserve:
- Quality education that inspires, prepares and empowers
- Meaningful employment that provides a living wage and leads to choices
- Affordable housing that offers a safe and stable place to live
- A sense of purpose and belonging, nurtured by healthy relationships
- Access to mental and physical health resources to support a vibrant productive lifestyle
Primary Funding Areas:
- Purpose & Belonging: Community-driven projects and programs that create safe spaces and foster strong connections
- Education & Career Development: Initiatives that equip young people with skills and knowledge for successful careers
- Safe, Accessible & Affordable Housing: Investments ensuring safe, accessible, and affordable housing for all
The foundation also supports work addressing homelessness, youth suicide, and isolation and lack of resources.
Grantmaking
Grant Range
& Duration:** Grant size and duration vary depending on scope of the project and organizational capacity. Typical awards range from $1,000 to $250,000. Grants may be one-time or multi-year, up to three years.
How to Apply
** ESF actively seeks innovative programs and projects in the community. The foundation values organizations doing new and established work with potential for lasting, measurable impact.
Ready to take the next step with East Seattle Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
ESF prioritizes grantees that positively impact communities within Washington State. However, the foundation has flexibility to support issues of national importance and in foreign countries where there is a personal connection.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: $7,303,223
- Total Revenue: $1,083,532
- Total Expenses: $846,720
- Total Liabilities: $27,100
- Total Giving: $402,000
Historical Context: The foundation has maintained consistent financial stability, with assets growing over time to support its grantmaking activities.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $7,303,223 | $7,057,454 | $7,043,741 |
| Revenue | $1,083,532 | $643,857 | $61,363 |
| Expenses | $846,720 | $594,823 | $876,828 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $784,922 | $546,716 | $805,690 |
| Net Investment Income | $1,029,877 | $594,062 | $92,509 |
| Distributable Amount | $455,603 | $424,636 | $440,005 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
144 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Natalie Frazier is listed as Director of East Seattle Foundation.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARY D FRAZIER | PRESIDENT | 0.25 | — |
| ALAN D FRAZIER | VP / SECRETA | 0.25 | — |
| ALICIA BRADBURY | TREASURER | 0.25 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The Western Success Scholars Program, supported by ESF, won the 2024 Beacon Award for Excellence in Student Achievement and has been recognized as a significant initiative in the region. The program represents the foundation's commitment to education and career development for young people.
V7I3: Western Success Scholars Program: A Safety Net ... - NWCCUSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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