Northwest Health Foundation
Northwest Health Foundation is a public charity based in Portland, Oregon. Formed in 1997, it says it seeks to advance, support, and promote health in Oregon and southwest Washington through grants, partnerships with health and community leaders, and policy advocacy.
Northwest Health Foundation at a glance
In short: Northwest Health Foundation gave $2.6M across 24 grants in 2024 (avg $109K), mostly in Oregon. 42% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $2,622,750
- +1089.1% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 24
- +140.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $109,281
- +395.5% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $76,000
- Total assets
- $71,177,337
- +3.6% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 42% first-time grantees (10 of 24, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Oregon (77% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Northwest Health Foundation
- Contact
Mailing address: 221 Nw Second Avenue 300, Portland, OR 97209
Phone: (503) 220-1955
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Northwest Health Foundation
Who Northwest Health Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Building Power for Communities of Color ($529K). Together the top 10 received $2.1M.
Grant Size Distribution
104 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 59 grants of 104 (57%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s stated geographic focus is Oregon and southwest Washington. In 2024, 77% of grant dollars went to recipients in Oregon, 14% to recipients in Washington, and 9% to recipients in California.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 24 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Northwest Health Foundation open to new grantees?
42%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 10 of 24 grantees (42%) were first-time recipients. With only 24 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 4 points. First grants averaged $71K; repeat grants $137K. How we count
Medians: $56K first-time, $143K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2024). 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 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $221K (2023) to $2.6M (2024). In 2024 it made 24 grants totaling $2.6M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Building Power for Communities of Color Portland, OR | General Support; Event Sponsorship | $529,000 |
| Fiscal Sponsor Tides Advocacy for Oregon Futures Lab Los Angeles, CA | Core Support for a Fiscally Sponsored Project | $233,500 |
| Accion Politica Pcunista Woodburn, OR | General Support; Project Support | $195,000 |
| Latino Network Action Fund Portland, OR | General Support; Project Support | $195,000 |
| Imagine Black Beaverton, OR | General Support; Event Sponsorship | $172,500 |
| Naya Action Fund Portland, OR | General Support | $170,000 |
| Oregon Action Portland, OR | General Support | $170,000 |
| Fiscal Sponsor Washington Community Action Network for Pacific County Voic Seattle, WA | Core Support for a Fiscally Sponsored Project | $158,750 |
| Apano Statewide Portland, OR | General Support; Event Sponsorship | $152,250 |
| Washington County Ignite Action Fund Portland, OR | General Support; Project Support | $147,500 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $71,177,337 | $3,690,180 | $5,050,717 | $2,622,750 | 24 | $1,568,519 |
| 2023 | $68,687,716 | $2,159,316 | $2,337,673 | $220,557 | 10 | $1,091,476 |
| 2022 | $66,827,233 | $1,899,963 | $4,364,228 | $2,448,250 | 22 | $782,826 |
| 2021 | $68,585,876 | $4,597,016 | $2,360,659 | $767,540 | 16 | $3,674,184 |
| 2020 | $60,967,213 | $2,032,718 | $2,798,780 | $1,464,711 | 32 | $935,753 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated mission is to advance, support, and promote health in Oregon and southwest Washington. Its Civic Health Initiative provides general operating support, capacity building, and technical assistance to organizations working to sustain civic engagement and shape policies for good health.
The foundation also describes providing sponsorships and support for community-led efforts that share its equity priorities, which include race and ethnicity (including immigrant and refugee identification), geography, and disability. These awards support smaller requests outside major program areas, including community events, fundraisers, learning opportunities, and conferences. Its Nonprofit Modernization Act work, in partnership with the Nonprofit Association of Oregon, supports a coalition advocating for improvements to government contracting with nonprofits and for changes that directly affect wages.
Among the 2024 grantees, Building Power for Communities of Color says it works to expand activities that increase influence and center racial equity in Oregon. Latino Network Action Fund says it seeks a more representative democracy in Oregon. Imagine Black says it builds political participation and leadership in Black communities. NAYA Action Fund says it works to expand political advocacy and build electoral power in partnership with the Native community. APANO says it builds power and advances equity through organizing, advocacy, community development, and cultural work.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation reported 24 grants totaling $2,622,750. Grant amounts ranged from $5,500 to $529,000, with a median of $76,000.
Among the largest reported grants were $529,000 to Building Power for Communities of Color for general support and event sponsorship; $233,500 to Fiscal Sponsor Tides Advocacy for Oregon Futures Lab for core support for a fiscally sponsored project; $195,000 each to Accion Politica PCUNista and Latino Network Action Fund; and $172,500 to Imagine Black. Other large grants included $170,000 each to NAYA Action Fund and Oregon Action, and $158,750 to Fiscal Sponsor Washington Community Action Network for a fiscally sponsored project.
The filing says grant requirements and restrictions are communicated at the time of award. Project grants and large general support grants require annual narrative and financial reports during the grant term.
The Advancing Disability Justice Grants program listing describes awards of $5,000 to $10,000 for disabled BIPOC leaders and organizations in Oregon and parts of Washington, with additional funds allocated for accessibility costs. It describes support for community building, civic engagement, and leadership development, with projects led by people most impacted by disability injustices. The listing was last updated June 15, 2025, and gives no application deadline. It advises interested organizations to speak with the foundation team before applying and says applicants must register for a user account, which can take up to two business days to activate.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Jesse Beason as president and CEO; Anita Rodgers as director of finance and operations; Jennifer Matheson as director of programs; and Felicita Monteblanco as public affairs manager.
Listed board leaders include Mechele Johnson, board chair and executive committee chair; Jason McNeal Graham, board member and interim board chair; Corinne Sams, board vice chair; David Saez, board treasurer and finance committee chair; Eddie Melendrez, board secretary; and Mohamed Alyajouri, board member.
Northwest Health Foundation is led by Jesse Beason, President & CEO since 2023 (on filings since 2020); all 12 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Jesse Beason
President & CEO
President → President & CEO, 2023
On filings since 2020
34.2 hrs/week
$189K (2020) → $229K (2024)
Mechele Johnson
Board Chair, Executive Committee Chair & Governance C
Vice Chair → Board Vice Chair, 2023
Board Vice Chair → Board Chair, Executive Committee Chair & Governance C, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
$3K (2020) → $5K (2024)
David Saez
Board Treasurer & Finance Committee Chair
Director → Treasurer, 2022
Treasurer → Board Treasurer & Finance Committee Chair, 2023
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
$2K (2021) → $5K (2024)
Jason McNeal Graham
Board Member, Interim Board Chair & Executive Committee
Director → Board Member, 2023
Board Member → Board Member, Interim Board Chair & Executive Committee, 2024
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
$2K (2022) → $6K (2024)
Anita Rodgers
Director of Finance & Operations
Director of Finance → Director of Finance & Operations, 2023
On filings since 2020
17.8 hrs/week
$54K (2020) → $163K (2024)
Jennifer Matheson
Director of Programs
On filings since 2022
20.4 hrs/week
$151K (2022) → $166K (2024)
Cyreena Boston Ashby
Board Member
Chair → Board Chair & Executive Committee Chair, 2023
Board Chair & Executive Committee Chair → Board Member, 2024
On filings since 2020
0.6 hrs/week
$2K (2020) → $3K (2024)
Corinne Sams
Board Vice Chair
Director → Board Secretary, 2023
Board Secretary → Board Vice Chair, 2024
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
$2K (2021) → $5K (2024)
Eddie Melendrez
Board Secretary
Director → Board Member & Governance Committee Chair, 2023
Board Member & Governance Committee Chair → Board Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
$4K (2022) → $6K (2024)
Felicita Monteblanco
Public Affairs Manager
On filings since 2023
36.8 hrs/week
$101K (2023) → $106K (2024)
Mohamed Alyajouri
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
0.6 hrs/week
$3K (2024)
Ryan Hassan
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
0.6 hrs/week
$3K (2024)
Former officers (6)
- Former: Andrea Williams (2020–2022) — Secretary & Governance Chair
- Former: Christoph Nicolo Serra (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Michael Alexander (2020–2021) — Chair
- Former: William D. Thorndike Jr. (2020–2021) — Treasurer
- Former: Jamie McLeod Skinner (2021) — Director
- Former: Donalda Dodson (2020) — Vice Chair
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $229K, to Jesse Beason (President & CEO). 12 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Northwest Health Foundation
How much does Northwest Health Foundation give each year?
Northwest Health Foundation gave $2.6M across 24 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $221K across 10 grants.
What is Northwest Health Foundation's typical grant size?
Northwest Health Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $76,000, and its average grant was $109,281, across 24 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Northwest Health Foundation that year got $71K on average.
Where does Northwest Health Foundation give grants?
Northwest Health Foundation gives mostly in Oregon: 77% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest states were Washington (14%) and California (9%). The most frequent recipient cities were Portland, OR (14 grants) and Seattle, WA (2 grants).
Does Northwest Health Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 88% of Northwest Health Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (21 of 24) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990.
Who are Northwest Health Foundation's largest grantees?
Northwest Health Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Building Power for Communities of Color ($529,000), Fiscal Sponsor Tides Advocacy for Oregon Futures Lab ($233,500) and Accion Politica Pcunista ($195,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. Together they received 37% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Northwest Health Foundation?
Northwest Health Foundation reported $71.2M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $3.7M.
What does Northwest Health Foundation fund?
The foundation’s stated mission is to advance, support, and promote health in Oregon and southwest Washington. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Northwest Health Foundation?
Northwest Health Foundation has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Northwest Health Foundation's EIN?
Northwest Health Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 91-1854545. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 12, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 7, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 4, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 11, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 7, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work Northwest Health Foundation funds
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Northwest Health Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 23, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/northwest-health-foundation-morg_ef8fcda978a1441f963e8d443a10d061
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_911854545_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Northwest Health Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/northwest-health-foundation-morg_ef8fcda978a1441f963e8d443a10d061},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-23. 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 Northwest Health 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.
Northwest Health Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?