Gary E Milgard Family Foundation-
The Gary E. Milgard Family Foundation is a private foundation based in Tacoma, Washington. Established in 2000 by Gary and Carol Milgard, the foundation was inspired by MGCAT, a community action giving program created through the Milgard window business. In 2016, the original foundation restructured into four distinct legacy foundations—Ruth Foundation, Skylight Foundation, Whisper Foundation, and Windows of Hope Foundation—each representing the individual passions and interests of board members while preserving the family's core values.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$37.3M
+8.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.3M
-3.8% YoY
Grant Count
68
+9.7% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$19K
-12.3% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The original mission statement, created by Gary, Carol, and their three children (Cari, Lori, and Mark), guides all four legacy foundations: to support a wide variety of organizations that strengthen communities.
Each legacy foundation focuses on distinct areas:
- Ruth Foundation: Animal welfare and marine life preservation
- Skylight Foundation: Well-managed programs and projects serving the greater Los Angeles area community
- Whisper Foundation: Well-managed organizations working to improve quality of life and create positive change
- Windows of Hope Foundation: Organizations in Pierce County working toward community betterment
The foundation also supports youth STEAM education, youth host home programs, women-centered support services, and general operating support for nonprofits.
Grantmaking
The foundation maintains an application process with FAQs available on their website for organizations interested in applying for grants.
Grant Range
s and Activity:**
How to Apply
**
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds organizations in:
- Pierce County, Washington (primary focus for Windows of Hope Foundation)
- Tacoma and Lakewood, Washington (historical community base)
- Greater Los Angeles area (Skylight Foundation)
- Washington, Pennsylvania, and Oregon (broader geographic reach noted in recent filings)
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Assets and Giving (2023):
- Total assets: $34,587,149 to $37,347,998
- Total distributions: $1.7 million
- Total revenues: $1,149,894
- Total expenses: $1,788,017
- Number of employees: 1
Tax Status:
- 501(c)(3) private foundation
- Tax-exempt since April 2016
- EIN: 81-1315385
- Most recent tax filing: December 2023
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $37,347,998 | $34,587,149 | $31,882,526 |
| Revenue | $2,911,109 | $1,149,894 | $1,260,967 |
| Expenses | $1,807,263 | $1,788,017 | $2,023,415 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $1,669,643 | $1,677,513 | $1,920,230 |
| Net Investment Income | $3,233,094 | $997,687 | $1,218,412 |
| Distributable Amount | $1,749,097 | $1,615,856 | $1,689,815 |
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
250 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
5 open opportunities from Gary E Milgard Family Foundation-
Gary E. Milgard Family Foundations Grants
GARY E MILGARD FAMILY FOUNDATION-
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Ruth Foundation Grant
GARY E MILGARD FAMILY FOUNDATION-
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Skylight Foundation Grant
GARY E MILGARD FAMILY FOUNDATION-
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Gary E. Milgard Family Foundation-Sunshine (Primary Entity):
- Christine Zemanek: President & Treasurer (10 hours/week, $22,000 compensation)
- Tyler Zemanek: Vice President (40 hours/week, $139,000 compensation)
- Dana Howerton: Secretary (4.5 hours/week, $11,000 compensation)
- Lori Milgard: Director (20 hours/week, no compensation)
Registered Agent:
- Trev Cookson
Family Leadership: The foundation is led by the Milgard family, including Gary and Carol's three children—Cari, Lori, and Mark—and their grandchildren: Kasey, Kirby, Scott, and Lindsay. The family remains united by shared values and interests in continuing their parents' philanthropic legacy.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHRISTINE ZEMANEK | PRESIDENT & TREASURER | 20 | $29,283 |
| TYLER ZEMANEK | VP | 20 | $158,696 |
| DANA HOWERTON | SECRETARY | 4.5 | $11,851 |
| LORI MILGARD | DIRECTOR | 20 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation continues active grantmaking with four operational legacy foundations. Recent highlighted partnerships include:
**Toy Rescue Mission**: The foundation supports this organization's mission to provide toys, supplies, and gifts to low-income families for birthdays, holidays, and back-to-school needs. The program also serves seniors in assisted living and nursing homes.
**People for Animal Care & Kindness (P.A.C.K.)**: The foundation partners with this animal welfare organization, which provides financial aid to pet owners (seniors, low-income, and unhoused individuals) for veterinary care and operates a foster-based dog rescue program.
The foundation maintains an active grant application process and continues to engage the next generation of the Milgard family in philanthropic decision-making through the restructured legacy foundation model.
Milgard Family Foundation Makes $25,000 Gift to Summer Academic ChallengeSubject 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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