M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust

Arts, Culture, & Education

Enriching lives, cultivating empathy, fostering curiosity

 The Pacific Northwest is a region known for its creativity and curiosity. The Arts, Culture, & Education sector of the Murdock Trust aims to strengthen nonprofits supporting the creative human spirit, honoring diverse cultures, fostering curiosity about the natural world, advancing sustainable learning models, and setting up youth for a lifetime of learning and creativity.  

A few of the areas in Arts, Culture, and Education we fund include:

Artist Residencies · Early Childhood Learning · Historic Preservation · Informal Education (Zoos, Aquariums, Gardens) · Innovative Educational Pathways · Literary Arts · Museums · Private K-12 · Skills Building · Visual Arts · Youth Camps · Youth Clubs

Arts, Culture & Education Grantee Stories

Click on the arrow next to each story title to read more. 

Native Arts and Cultures Foundation

Investment in communications staff at the Native Arts & Culture Foundation yielded storytelling impact for the nonprofit and the artists it supports.

Washington STEM

Washington STEM was more equipped to address a statewide STEM education learning gap for early learners after hiring a new program director.

Stories of Impact: Sitka Fine Arts Camp

Dormitory renovations at one of Alaska’s premier residential arts camps helped them welcome more campers and increase program sustainability.

Marine Education

The Seattle Aquarium, Alaska SeaLife Center, and the Oregon Coast Aquarium are using marine education for the common good by helping visitors learn how to care for the sea life around them.

“Arts, culture, and education engage us in experiences that reveal more of the world to us.”

Lorin Schmit Dunlop, Senior Director, Arts, Culture, & Education

Grant Opportunities

The Trust offers strategic project grants that build capacity for nonprofits in the Arts, Culture, & Education sector. If your organization is looking to invest in capital growth, equipment and technology, or program and staff, learn more about our grant opportunities.

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The Trust guides nonprofit organizations through every level of their development through grants and other resources.

The Trust has a wealth of knowledge and experience that can make all the difference to you and your organization.