Gary E Milgard Family Foundation-cari
The Gary E Milgard Family Foundation-Cari is a private independent foundation based in Tacoma, Washington. Established in 2016, it operates as a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to philanthropic grantmaking. The foundation is part of a larger family philanthropic structure that includes multiple foundations created to honor the legacy of Gary and Carol Milgard.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$115.3M
+7.8% YoY
Annual Giving
$4.6M
+316.7% YoY
Grant Count
21
+61.5% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$218K
+158.0% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Gary E Milgard Family Foundation-cari reported a distributable amount of $5.4M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's work is guided by the principle: "You make a living by what you get; you make a life by what you give." The foundation supports organizations working to improve quality of life and create positive community change, with particular emphasis on:
- Education
- Human Services
- Family Support and Maternal Health
- Youth Education and Recreation
- Community Development
Grantmaking
The foundation accepts grant applications. Interested organizations can apply through their website at garymilgardfamilyfoundation.org, which includes an application portal and FAQ resources.
Grant Range
$6,000 to $750,000
How to Apply
**
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds organizations in Washington and Oregon, with particular emphasis on Pierce County and the greater Tacoma area.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: $115,342,234
- Total Revenue: $9.18 million
- Total Expenses: $5.72 million
- Total Liabilities: $10,900
- Total Giving: $4,588,000
As of 2023:
- Total Assets: $107,024,164
- Total Revenue: $2,837,986
- Total Expenses: $1,901,065
- Total Giving: $1,582,425
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $115,342,234 | $107,024,164 | $95,484,604 |
| Revenue | $9,180,601 | $2,837,986 | $3,156,680 |
| Expenses | $5,716,511 | $1,901,065 | $2,477,646 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $5,294,378 | $1,582,425 | $2,189,817 |
| Net Investment Income | $10,208,995 | $2,420,376 | $3,050,008 |
| Distributable Amount | $5,399,418 | $4,923,672 | $4,945,057 |
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
85 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Asia Pacific Cultural Center ($750,000), Tacomapierce County Habitat for Humanity ($500,000), Goodroots ($443,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| AMARA SEATTLE, WA | PIERCE COUNTY RESOURCE/SUPPORT | $50,000 |
| ASIA PACIFIC CULTURAL CENTER TACOMA, WA | ONE HEART ONE HOME NEW BLDG | $750,000 |
| ASSOCIATED MINISTRIES OF TACOMA-PIERCE CO TACOMA, WA | PROJECT HOMELESS CONNECT | $40,000 |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF SOUTH PUGET SOUND TACOMA, WA | OPERATIONS/TEEN MENTAL HEALTH | $400,000 |
| CJK COMMUNITY HOMES TACOMA, WA | MENTAL HEALTH, PEER SUPPORTS | $30,000 |
| CLARK ASSISTANCE FUND BELLINGHAM, WA | SPAY NEUTER PIERCE COUNTY | $300,000 |
| FOOD BACKPACKS 4 KIDS GIG HARBOR, WA | SUBARU KIDS CLASSIC GOLF FUNDRAISER | $10,000 |
| GOODROOTS BONNEY LAKE, WA | LOCKER NETWORK PROGRAM | $443,000 |
| GREENTRIKE TACOMA, WA | JBLM CHILDREN'S MUSEUM | $300,000 |
| LUTHERAN COMMUNITY SERVICES NW TACOMA, WA | SENIOR SERVICES/DEMENTIA | $250,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Cari Milgard - President (20 hours/week, $70,000 compensation)
- Kasey Milgard - Secretary (20 hours/week, $53,462 compensation)
- Kirby Milgard - Treasurer (20 hours/week, $53,462 compensation)
- Paul DeGoede - Director (5 hours/week)
The foundation employs 4 staff members.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| CARI MILGARD | PRESIDENT | 20 | $154,038 |
| KASEY MILGARD | VP & SECRETARY | 20 | $77,019 |
| KIRBY MILGARD | VP & TREASURER | 20 | $77,019 |
| PAUL DEGOEDE | DIRECTOR | 20 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation is part of a restructured family philanthropic initiative that created multiple foundations to allow individual family members to explore their philanthropic passions while engaging the next generation. This restructuring resulted in the creation of several related foundations including the Ruth Foundation, Skylight Foundation, Whisper Foundation, and Windows of Hope Foundation, each with distinct geographic and programmatic focuses.
Milgard Family Foundation Makes $25,000 Gift to Summer Academic ChallengeThe foundation continues to accept grant proposals and announced grant recipients for 2024 and 2025.
2025 Grant Recipients AnnouncedSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Gary E Milgard Family Foundation-cari fund?
The foundation's work is guided by the principle: "You make a living by what you get; you make a life by what you give." The foundation supports organizations working to improve quality of life and create positive community change, with particular emphasis on: • Education • Human Services • Family Support and Maternal Health • Youth Education and Recreation • Community Development
How do I apply for a grant from Gary E Milgard Family Foundation-cari?
**Grant Activity:** • Made 23-25 grants in recent years • Grant range: $6,000 to $750,000 • Median grant amount: $80,000 • Giving rate: 1.6% of assets **Recent Grant Examples:** • Greater Tacoma Community Foundation (Penmet Parks Community Recreation Center): $200,000 • Nourish Pierce County (General Operating): $150,000 • Step By Step Family Support Center (Maternity Support Services): $100,000 • Key Peninsula Family Resource Center: $10,000 **Application Process:** The foundation accepts gran…
Where does Gary E Milgard Family Foundation-cari make grants?
The foundation primarily funds organizations in Washington and Oregon, with particular emphasis on Pierce County and the greater Tacoma area.
What size grants does Gary E Milgard Family Foundation-cari award?
In 2024, Gary E Milgard Family Foundation-cari awarded 21 grants totaling $4.6M — an average of about $218K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Gary E Milgard Family Foundation-cari required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Gary E Milgard Family Foundation-cari reported a distributable amount of $5.4M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Gary E Milgard Family Foundation-cari's EIN?
Gary E Milgard Family Foundation-cari's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 81-1292744. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Gary E Milgard Family Foundation-cari's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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