Northwest Harvest Emm
Northwest Harvest EMM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Seattle, Washington, and Washington's leading hunger relief agency. Founded in 1967, the organization collects food and cash donations to purchase and distribute food to frontline hunger relief programs and individuals at no charge. Northwest Harvest supports a statewide network of more than 375 food banks, meal programs, and high-need schools across Washington State.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$93.1M
-8.9% YoY
Annual Giving
$3.5M
-23.1% YoY
Grant Count
45
+462.5% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$79K
-86.3% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: Growing Food Justice Through Collective Action
Northwest Harvest's mission is ending hunger in Washington State and growing food justice through collective action. The organization aims to ensure everyone in Washington has consistent access to nutritious food that nourishes the body, mind, and spirit. Beyond providing increased access to healthy food for those experiencing hunger, Northwest Harvest works to shift public opinion and impact institutional policies and societal practices that perpetuate hunger, poverty, and disparities in the state.
Primary Focus Areas:
- Food distribution and hunger relief
- Public policy advocacy
- Community markets and food access programs
- School meal access expansion
- Support for Black, Indigenous, and other people of color-owned farm and food businesses
Grantmaking
Northwest Harvest functions as a grantmaker, distributing funds to support hunger relief and food justice initiatives. During the 2024 fiscal year, the organization distributed more than 20.1 million pounds of food. Total giving in 2024 was $27,250,633.
Ready to take the next step with Northwest Harvest Emm?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Northwest Harvest operates statewide across Washington, with regional distribution networks covering:
- Western Washington
- Central Washington
- Eastern Washington
The organization also has funding activity in California.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of Fiscal Year 2024:
- Total Assets: $93,064,540
- Total Revenue: $39,224,642
- Total Expenses: $49,628,892
- Total Liabilities: $4,140,000
- Total Giving: $27,250,633
Staffing:
- 139 employees (as of 2024)
Financial Strength: The organization demonstrates strong financial integrity with a program expense ratio of 89.35% and a notably low cost per meal. The organization maintains a robust governance structure with 100% independent board members.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $93,064,540 | $102,171,236 | $90,945,620 |
| Revenue | $39,224,642 | $61,541,308 | $56,239,363 |
| Expenses | $49,628,892 | $52,532,408 | $53,296,001 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $998,498 | $977,491 | $947,794 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
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
81 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Social Good Fund Inc ($3,023,837), Safeway Corporate Hth ($57,730), African Community Housing & Development ($40,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| AFRICAN COMMUNITY HOUSING & DEVELOPMENT SEATAC, WA | CASH GRANTS TO SUPPORT DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD TO LOW INCOME INDIVIDUALS | $40,000 |
| ALIMENTANDO AL PUEBLO BURIEN, WA | DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD TO LOW INCOME INDIVIDUALS | $1,695 |
| APOYO ELLENSBURG, WA | DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD TO LOW INCOME INDIVIDUALS | $1,695 |
| BALLARD FOOD BANK SEATTLE, WA | DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD TO LOW INCOME INDIVIDUALS | $1,695 |
| COUNCIL ON AGING & HUMAN SERVICES COLFAX, WA | DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD TO LOW INCOME INDIVIDUALS | $1,695 |
| EAGLES NEST COMMUNITY KITCHEN KENT, WA | DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD TO LOW INCOME INDIVIDUALS | $1,695 |
| ELOISE COOKING POT SEATTLE, WA | DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD TO LOW INCOME INDIVIDUALS | $1,695 |
| EVERETT BOYS & GIRLS CLUB EVERETT, WA | DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD TO LOW INCOME INDIVIDUALS | $1,695 |
| FEEDING FEASIBLE FEASTS EDGEWOOD, WA | DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD TO LOW INCOME INDIVIDUALS | $1,695 |
| FIRST PLACE SCHOOLS SEATTLE, WA | DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD TO LOW INCOME INDIVIDUALS | $1,695 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Thomas Reynolds: Chief Executive Officer
- James Gibbs: Chief of Staff
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| RACHEL BEDA MD | BOARD CHAIR | 3 | — |
| SHANIS WINDLAND | TREASURER | 3 | — |
| ALAN CAPLAN | SECRETARY | 3 | — |
| BREE BLACK HORSE | BOARD MEMBER | 3 | — |
| LILIAN BRAVO | BOARD MEMBER | 3 | — |
| NEAL BOLING | BOARD MEMBER | 3 | — |
| DENISE CHEUNG | BOARD MEMBER | 3 | — |
| KYLE CROWSTON | BOARD MEMBER | 3 | — |
| MELANNIE CUNNINGHAM | BOARD MEMBER | 3 | — |
| SHAMSO ISSAK | BOARD MEMBER | 3 | — |
| AILEEN LUPPERT | BOARD MEMBER | 3 | — |
| ESTHER MAGASIS | BOARD MEMBER | 3 | — |
| SCOTT MCQUILKIN | BOARD MEMBER | 3 | — |
| KEN PRICE | BOARD MEMBER | 3 | — |
| JOSEPH SEIA | BOARD MEMBER | 3 | — |
| DEIDRA WAGER | BOARD MEMBER | 3 | — |
| THOMAS L REYNOLDS | CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | 40 | $271,716 |
| WAYNE SHORTER | CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER THRU 07/23 | 40 | $213,105 |
| CYNTHIA L CHAVEZ | CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER THRU 07/23 | 40 | $196,697 |
| LARISA L LUMBA | CHIEF FINANCE & OPERATION OFFICER | 40 | $160,313 |
| PATRICIA VOGEL | CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER FROM 07/23 | 40 | $139,355 |
| LAURA HAMILTON EWING | CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER THRU 08/23 | 40 | $110,817 |
| LEILANI WILLIAMS | CHIEF EQUITY & PEOPLE OFFICER | 40 | $179,598 |
| JAMES D GIBBS | CHIEF OF STAFF | 40 | $169,427 |
| GARY NEWTE | DIR. OF SOURCING AND PROCUREMENT | 40 | $145,555 |
| LAWANDA GRAHAM | DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY | 40 | $136,833 |
| JEANIE CHUNN | DIR. OF COMM. ENGAGEMENT THRU 12/23 | 40 | $129,481 |
| CARMEN MENDEZ | DIRECTOR OF HUNGER RESPONSE NETWORK | 40 | $124,278 |
| LUISA AGUILAR | DIRECTOR OF PEOPLE (HR) | 40 | $119,289 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
Northwest Harvest has been actively engaged in policy advocacy and emergency response efforts:
A Robust Food Safety Net for Washington - Northwest HarvestThe organization was part of Washington State's coordinated response to increase food security and reduce access barriers.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Washington Moves to Protect Food Security as Legislature\Northwest Harvest expanded access to school meals such that over half of all Washington students can access school meals without cost or barriers.
A Robust Food Safety Net for Washington - Northwest HarvestThe organization increased funding for a state food box program that supports Black, Indigenous, and other people of color-owned farm and food businesses to provide food to communities with higher rates of hunger and food insecurity.
Northwest Harvest secured a diaper subsidy for families with children, addressing additional barriers to food security.
A Robust Food Safety Net for Washington - Northwest HarvestThe organization played a significant role in the state's COVID-19 hunger relief efforts, forming an unprecedented emergency partnership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Northwest Harvest Emm fund?
**Mission:** Growing Food Justice Through Collective Action Northwest Harvest's mission is ending hunger in Washington State and growing food justice through collective action. The organization aims to ensure everyone in Washington has consistent access to nutritious food that nourishes the body, mind, and spirit. Beyond providing increased access to healthy food for those experiencing hunger, Northwest Harvest works to shift public opinion and impact institutional policies and societal practic…
How do I apply for a grant from Northwest Harvest Emm?
Northwest Harvest functions as a grantmaker, distributing funds to support hunger relief and food justice initiatives. During the 2024 fiscal year, the organization distributed more than 20.1 million pounds of food. Total giving in 2024 was $27,250,633. Grant awards typically range from $5,178 to $3,725,547. The organization's grant-making focuses on Education, Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking, and Human Services.
Where does Northwest Harvest Emm make grants?
Northwest Harvest operates statewide across Washington, with regional distribution networks covering: • Western Washington • Central Washington • Eastern Washington The organization also has funding activity in California.
What size grants does Northwest Harvest Emm award?
In 2024, Northwest Harvest Emm awarded 45 grants totaling $3.5M — an average of about $79K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Northwest Harvest Emm's EIN?
Northwest Harvest Emm's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 91-0826037. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Northwest Harvest Emm's focus areas in our free grants database
Related Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
Thurgood Marshall PTA
SEATTLE, WA
Assets
$186K
Grants
1
Total Given
$224K
The Hare Bnb Rescue Spa and Boutique
LACEY, WA
Assets
$5K
Grants
1
Total Given
$400
Meadowdale Junior Football
EDMONDS, WA
Assets
$12K
Grants
0
Total Given
—
Cmr Foundation
STANWOOD, WA
Assets
$1.0M
Grants
2
Total Given
$1.5M
Sequim Masonic Lodge Foundation
CARLSBORG, WA
Assets
$1.3M
Grants
12
Total Given
$30K
Foundation House at Northgate
GIG HARBOR, WA
Assets
$223K
Grants
16
Total Given
$159K
Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with Northwest Harvest Emm on Grantable?
- Assess strategic fit with your organization
- Draft a tailored letter of inquiry
- Find open RFPs from this funder
- Monitor for new funding opportunities
Go from researching Northwest Harvest Emm to a real strategy.