Making the Last Best Place better
The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation funds direct service non-profit organizations that help improve the quality of people’s lives by providing them with the tools they need to succeed. Since its inception in 1988, it has funded programs for those with special needs, summer camps for cancer-stricken or troubled children and ensured access to theater, arts and music programs by economically disadvantaged youth and their families. It has granted wishes for terminally ill children, awards for science and math fair winners, and funded programs to purchase clothing, school supplies and toys for needy children. The Foundation also has supported rescue missions, food banks, shelters for victims of domestic violence, free mammogram exams for low-income women, and dental screenings and preventive care for underprivileged youth.
When deciding to award a grant, we examine each organization’s short and long term financial stability, operational readiness, staffing and facility infrastructure. Additionally, we assess the ability of an organization to sustain a program into the future and their ability to show a measurable impact on the population they serve. Finally, we guide our funding toward organizations that support our four main focus areas: Education, Health and Human Services, Arts and Culture, and Community Service.