Vadon Foundation
Vadon Foundation is a private foundation based in Seattle, Washington, that supports community-based initiatives to strengthen Native communities and sustain healthy, thriving Indigenous nations. It is listed as a Form 990-PF filer.
Vadon Foundation at a glance
In short: Vadon Foundation gave $3.5M across 39 grants in 2024 (avg $89K), top state South Dakota. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $3,472,500
- -14.8% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 39
- +8.3% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $89,038
- -21.4% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $75,000
- Total assets
- $53,630,403
- +7.0% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- South Dakota (31% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026.
How to apply to Vadon Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation states on its 2024 filing that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Its website asks interested potential partners to begin with an introductory email or call, after which the foundation and partner may determine what further information would be useful. For grants, awards, or gifts to colleges and universities, Tribal or other governmental entities, or hospitals and health systems, the foundation permits a maximum indirect cost rate of 10%; rates for grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits are determined case by case.
- Contact
Mailing address: 110 Union St Ste 200, Seattle, WA 98101
Phone: (206) 472-7220
Website: https://vadonfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Vadon Foundation
Who Vadon Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Stanford University ($250K). Together the top 10 received $1.8M.
Grant Size Distribution
142 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 55 grants of 142 (39%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s 2024 grant dollars went primarily to recipients in South Dakota (31%) and Washington (29%), followed by California (8%), Montana (5%), and Colorado (5%). Its listed grants also show support for organizations in other states, including Virginia and Nebraska.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 39 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How Vadon Foundation gives
- 54% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 80% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 147% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (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 $1.9M (2020) to $4.1M (2023). In 2024 it made 39 grants totaling $3.5M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Stanford University Redwood City, CA | To Support Organization | $250,000 |
| Wambli SKA Okolakiciye Rapid City, SD | To Support Organization | $250,000 |
| Oceti Sakowin Community Academy Rapid City, SD | To Support Organization | $225,000 |
| Children of the Setting Sun Productions Bellingham, WA | To Support Organization | $200,000 |
| Salish School of Spokane Spokane, WA | To Support Organization | $200,000 |
| Treehouse Ash Grove, CO | To Support Organization | $175,000 |
| Inchelium Language and Culture Association Inchelium, WA | To Support Organization | $160,000 |
| Knife Chief Buffalo Nation Society Porcupine, SD | To Support Organization | $140,000 |
| American Indian Youth Running Strong Alexandria, VA | To Support Organization | $100,000 |
| Cheyenne River Youth Project Lincoln, NE | To Support Organization | $100,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Vadon Foundation?
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 | $53,630,403 | $2,698,481 | $4,237,879 | $3,472,500 | 39 | $3,761,478 | $2,264,013 | $2,564,336 |
| 2023 | $50,108,627 | $1,466,701 | $4,576,591 | $4,076,913 | 36 | $4,339,646 | $1,236,714 | $2,322,280 |
| 2022 | $46,251,931 | $1,156,155 | $3,153,842 | $2,687,887 | 32 | $2,925,466 | $1,030,041 | $2,478,742 |
| 2021 | $60,354,253 | $2,010,133 | $2,230,170 | $1,928,528 | 33 | $2,125,399 | $1,905,424 | $2,779,098 |
| 2020 | $53,431,154 | $5,416,350 | $2,163,749 | $1,877,377 | 2 | — | $738,845 | $2,375,506 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Vadon Foundation reported a distributable amount of $2.6M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s mission is to support innovative community-based initiatives that sustain healthy, thriving Indigenous nations and foster self-determination, autonomy, evolution, and sustainability for successive generations.
Its stated funding areas include Native language revitalization; Native-led grassroots work addressing MMIWG2S; community leadership, particularly efforts supporting youth and families; and food and essential needs related to COVID-19. Examples of supported organizations illustrate this work: Salish School of Spokane describes its mission as language revitalization that powers cultural renewal, while Inchelium Language and Culture Association works to create a community of fluent Interior Salish speakers. Oceti Sakowin Community Academy says it aims to provide education grounded in Oceti Sakowin thought and philosophy. Children of the Setting Sun Productions describes itself as a Native American-led nonprofit using storytelling to share and educate about Native American lifeways.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 39 grants totaling $3,472,500. Grants ranged from $12,500 to $250,000, with a median of $75,000.
Notable 2024 grants included $250,000 each to Stanford University and Wambli Ska Okolakiciye; $225,000 to Oceti Sakowin Community Academy; $200,000 each to Children of the Setting Sun Productions and Salish School of Spokane; $160,000 to Inchelium Language and Culture Association; and $140,000 to Knife Chief Buffalo Nation Society. Other reported grants included $100,000 each to American Indian Youth Running Strong, Spokane Language House, and Tanka Fund. The grantees describe their work as including, respectively, meeting immediate needs and supporting Native youth, creating a new generation of Spokane language speakers, and returning buffalo to Native lands, lives, and economies.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Mark Vadon as president, treasurer, and director; Marilyn Vadon, David LaSarte-Meeks, and Allison Barnes Vadon as directors; and Georgia Vadon and Evelyn Barnes as board members. The foundation’s website identifies Dave LaSarte-Meeks as executive director.
Vadon Foundation is led by Mark Vadon, President, Treasurer & Director since 2021 (on filings since 2020); 1 of 6 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Mark Vadon
President, Treasurer & Director
President → President, Treasurer & Director, 2021
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
David Lasarte-Meeks
Secretary & Director
Officer → Secretary & Director, 2021
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$148K (2020) → $205K (2024)
Marilyn Vadon
Director
Secretary → Director, 2021
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Allison Barnes Vadon
Director
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Evelyn Barnes
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Georgia Vadon
Board Member
New on the 2024 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Robert Blais (2020) — Treasurer
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 $205K, to David Lasarte-Meeks (Secretary, Director).
Frequently asked questions about Vadon Foundation
How much does Vadon Foundation give each year?
Vadon Foundation gave $3.5M across 39 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $4.1M across 36 grants.
What is Vadon Foundation's typical grant size?
Vadon Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $75,000, and its average grant was $89,038, across 39 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Vadon Foundation give grants?
Vadon Foundation's top state is South Dakota, with 31% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were Washington (29%) and California (8%). The most frequent recipient cities were Rapid City, SD (5 grants), Seattle, WA (5 grants), Spokane, WA (2 grants) and Porcupine, SD (2 grants).
Does Vadon Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 39 grants with a stated purpose on Vadon Foundation's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "To Support Organization" (39 grants).
Who are Vadon Foundation's largest grantees?
Vadon Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Stanford University ($250,000), Wambli SKA Okolakiciye ($250,000) and Oceti Sakowin Community Academy ($225,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 21% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Vadon Foundation?
Vadon Foundation reported $53.6M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $3.8M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $2.6M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Vadon Foundation fund?
The foundation’s mission is to support innovative community-based initiatives that sustain healthy, thriving Indigenous nations and foster self-determination, autonomy, evolution, and sustainability for successive generations. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Vadon Foundation?
The foundation states on its 2024 filing that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Vadon Foundation's EIN?
Vadon Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 46-3669945. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Vadon Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Vadon Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
First Nations Development Institute
Longmont, CO
First Nations Development Institute funds tribes, Native nonprofits, and Native individuals working to strengthen Native communities, including projects focused on youth, financial empowerment, institutions, food and health, and land stewardship. Its 2025 grants ranged from $6,000 to $750,000, with a median of $50,000, supporting work across 46 states, Washington, D.C., American Samoa, and Guam. It does not accept unsolicited requests; applications are submitted through specific Requests for Proposals.
Assets
$116.2M
Grants
279
Total Given
$14.6M
Common Counsel Foundation
Oakland, CA
Common Counsel Foundation supports community-led social justice, organizing, movement building, and structural change, with national reach and some funds focused specifically on California. Its 2024 grants had a median of $30,000, while its Grassroots Exchange Fund typically awards $1,000; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$67.5M
Grants
621
Total Given
$101.2M
NDN Collective Inc
Rapid City, SD
NDN Collective funds Indigenous-led organizations, Tribes, groups, projects, and individuals advancing Indigenous self-determination and community-based solutions across Turtle Island, including North America and specified island territories. Its 2024 listed grants ranged from $5,600 to $1 million, with a median of $50,000; it does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$49.7M
Grants
72
Total Given
$10.3M
Novo Foundation
Hurley, NY
NoVo Foundation supports organizations serving women and children, including work related to children’s well-being, adult health and agency, and local food systems. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,000 to $20 million, with a median of $150,000; most funding went to New York, and it also funded organizations in California and elsewhere. It does not accept unsolicited requests and gives only to preselected organizations.
Assets
$937.8M
Grants
508
Total Given
$214.1M
Northwest Area Foundation
St. Paul, MN
Northwest Area Foundation funds organizations advancing racial, social, and economic justice, especially with Native American, communities of color, immigrant and refugee, and rural communities across Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and 76 Native nations in that region. Its 2024 grants ranged from $550 to $700,000, with a median of $100,000. It generally awards grants by invitation and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$547.6M
Grants
149
Total Given
$18.2M
The Schmidt Family Foundation
Palo Alto, CA
The Schmidt Family Foundation funds nonprofits working in education, human welfare, community health, and community development, with recent grants also supporting ocean stewardship, climate and energy, human rights, Indigenous land stewardship, civic engagement, youth, and food systems. Its 2024 grants had a median of $130,000, with amounts ranging from $400 to $8 million; grant dollars went mainly to organizations in California, New York, Washington, and the District of Columbia. It describes an online application process and says it does not limit giving to preselected organizations; deadlines and application details are online.
Assets
$2.0B
Grants
695
Total Given
$185.4M
More similar funders
More Funders in Washington
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Vadon Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 13, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/vadon-foundation-morg_4ef5210441534b01a906419e3fdb4316
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_463669945_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Vadon Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/vadon-foundation-morg_4ef5210441534b01a906419e3fdb4316},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-13. 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 Vadon 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.
Vadon Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?