The Think Forward Foundation
The Think Forward Foundation is a private foundation, based in Seattle, WA. IRS filing data is available from 2020 through 2024. As of 2024, the organization holds $3.2M in total assets. In 2024, it awarded 1 grant totaling $101K. Net investment income was $29K.
The Think Forward Foundation at a glance
In short: The Think Forward Foundation gave $101K across 1 grant in 2024 (avg $101K), mostly in Washington. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $100,555
- Grants made (2024)
- 1
- Average grant
- $100,555
- Median grant
- $100,555
- Total assets
- $3,178,319
- -5.3% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- Washington (100% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated September 2026.
Who The Think Forward Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Grant Size Distribution
3 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $100–250K range: 1 grant of 3 (33%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Grant Distribution by State
Share of the 2024 grant dollars on its one itemized grant.
States
Cities
How The Think Forward Foundation gives
- In 2024 it paid out 51% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $101K (2024) to $3.7M (2020). In 2024 it made 1 grant totaling $101K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 grant to individuals Recipients not named | — | $100,555 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $3,178,319 | $-29,263 | $150,290 | $100,555 | 1 | $109,765 | $29,434 | $213,492 |
| 2023 | $3,357,872 | $424,083 | $36,291 | — | — | $20 | $936,868 | $173,813 |
| 2022 | $2,970,080 | $186,757 | $39,215 | — | — | $20 | $140,575 | $265,065 |
| 2021 | $2,822,538 | $3,943 | $53,982 | — | — | — | $43,145 | $804,895 |
| 2020 | $2,872,577 | $41,118 | $3,693,504 | $3,684,858 | 2 | — | $51,464 | $580,113 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Think Forward Foundation reported a distributable amount of $213K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
The Think Forward Foundation is led by Ellen M. Gonser, President & Treasurer on every filing since 2020; none of the 2 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Ellen M. Gonser
President & Treasurer
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Thomas H. Gonser
Vice President & Secretary
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
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.
Frequently asked questions about The Think Forward Foundation
How much does The Think Forward Foundation give each year?
The Think Forward Foundation gave $101K across 1 grant in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
How large is The Think Forward Foundation?
The Think Forward Foundation reported $3.2M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $110K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $213K (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
Where does The Think Forward Foundation operate?
The Think Forward Foundation has awarded grants in New York, Washington.
What is The Think Forward Foundation's EIN?
The Think Forward Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 84-3397271. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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