The Satterberg Foundation Inc
The Satterberg Foundation is a private family foundation based in Seattle, Washington, established in 1990 and tax-exempt since February 1991. Named to honor Elmer and Ruth Satterberg, the foundation strengthens communities by promoting a just society and a sustainable environment. The foundation was imagined by Virginia (Ginny) Satterberg Pigott Helsell and Bill Helsell, who brought together the children of their blended family and committed to ensuring their connection far into the future. The foundation is governed by the Founding Board, composed of their children.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$425.6M
-4.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$42.6M
-6.3% YoY
Grant Count
286
-29.7% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$149K
+33.3% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's mission is to maintain and enjoy the interconnection of its family while providing funds to non-profit organizations that enrich and support its communities. The foundation's initial mission, established in 1990, was "to improve the quality of life in the Pacific Northwest community through focused, considered grantmaking." This mission has evolved to reflect what matters most to the foundation in the 21st century.
Primary funding focus areas include:
- Education
- Human Services and Nonprofit Human Services
- Poverty Alleviation
- Reproductive Health
- Social Justice and Racial Equity
- Environmental Sustainability
Grantmaking
Since its founding in 1991, the Satterberg Foundation has provided over $300 million in grants to non-profit organizations. The foundation's grantmaking has grown significantly over time: in 1991, the foundation authorized $13,916 in grants; by 2011, this had grown to $388,000; and by 2015, annual grantmaking exceeded $22 million.
Average Grant
amount: $110,000
Grant Types
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily supports organizations in Washington, California, and Arizona, which account for approximately 90% of all grants. Grantmaking reaches organizations across 29 states, with a particular emphasis on the Pacific Northwest region.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Assets and Revenue (2024):
- Total Assets: $425.6 million
- Annual Revenue: $21.7 million
- Total Giving: $42.6 million
- Total Liabilities: $591,000
Historical Growth: Total assets have grown from $2.1 million in 2011 to $425.6 million in 2024.
2023 Financial Data:
- Total Revenues: $80.3 million
- Total Expenses: $50.1 million
- Total Assets: $443.3 million
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $425,573,369 | $443,335,399 | $392,319,939 |
| Revenue | $21,660,433 | $80,338,467 | $50,066,288 |
| Expenses | $47,375,928 | $50,117,843 | $48,565,294 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $45,865,956 | $48,292,017 | $47,351,600 |
| Net Investment Income | $20,664,778 | $78,290,058 | $49,169,971 |
| Distributable Amount | $22,647,231 | $20,186,629 | $18,889,282 |
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
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Sarah Walczyk is listed as the principal officer and executive director of the foundation.
The foundation is governed by 10 officers and trustees, representing the children of the blended family that established the foundation.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| SARAH WALCZYK | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $443,000 |
| TYLER PIGOTT | DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| PETE HELSELL | TREASURER | 5 | — |
| JUDY PIGOTT | SECRETARY | 5 | — |
| SEAN BOYD | DIRECTOR | 5 | — |
| MARY PIGOTT | PRESIDENT | 5 | — |
| FRANK HELSELL | DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| BEN LAZARUS | DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| MEAGAN GABLE | DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
| CB SHAMAH | DIRECTOR | 2 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation has undergone a significant transition, with updates and frequently asked questions about this transition available on its website. The foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to racial justice funding, particularly supporting Black-led organizations, even as some funders have pulled back on such commitments.
Satterberg Foundation - Form 990PF - Nonprofit Explorer - ProPublicaThe foundation has been recognized for its pioneering adoption of Trust-Based Philanthropy, an approach emphasizing integrity, community, joy, compassion, respect, and responsibility in its grantmaking relationships.
Recent grantees have included Liberty Hill Foundation, CompassPoint Nonprofit Services, and Byrd Barr Place, among hundreds of other organizations across its funding areas.
Subject 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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