As we step into 2026, I want to share what's at the heart of our work: advancing human flourishing for the common good across the Pacific Northwest. This vision serves as our compass, guiding how we show up as partners in this region.
The listening sessions we hosted throughout 2025 — our 50th Anniversary year — sharpened our understanding of how the Trust can best serve Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. They also reinforced Jack Murdock's enduring values: his pragmatic approach to problem-solving, his belief in investing in people and institutions for the long term, and his conviction that innovation and integrity go hand in hand. These principles continue to shape our decisions.
Those same conversations brought into sharp relief the unprecedented need across our communities at a moment when resources remain constrained. Clarity matters in moments like these. We recently announced that grant demand has significantly exceeded what we are able to fund this cycle. Many incredible organizations will not receive funding, and we feel the weight of that reality. I want to be transparent about the landscape we're navigating together, and the core commitments that will guide our path forward.
- Grantmaking Clarity. In 2025, you told us that navigating foundation requirements and understanding each funder’s role in the ecosystem can feel unnecessarily complicated. We take that feedback seriously. Throughout 2026, we will continue our ongoing efforts toward grantmaking clarity through transparent funding priorities, streamlined processes, and regular communication about our efforts. Follow our newsletter to stay up to date and expect more updates from Pauline Fong, Chief Program & Impact Officer.
- Facing the Reality of the Sector. The nonprofit sector is under profound strain. Organizations are stretched thin, demand continues to outpace resources and capacity, and difficult choices are being made every day. We believe in naming these challenges honestly while working toward solutions with clarity and shared commitment. The Murdock Trust will continue partnering with sector leaders and support organizations as we respond to these realities together.
- Bridge-Building Leadership. Through hundreds of conversations with leaders across the social sector during my time at the Murdock Trust, I’ve seen that sustainable progress often depends on our ability to build bridges across differences and work collaboratively even (especially) when it’s difficult. I will be sharing more about the ideas behind this leadership model in 2026, and invite you to join and contribute to the conversation.
- Tri-Sector Collaborations. Some challenges are simply too complex for any single sector to solve alone. Cross-sector collaboration — bringing together public, private, and nonprofit expertise — will remain essential as we navigate what lies ahead.
As we enter our sixth decade of partnership in the Pacific Northwest, we're more committed than ever to honoring Jack Murdock's legacy and advancing our vision through grantmaking that builds capacity, fosters collaboration, and positions organizations for sustainable impact.
Thank you for walking this road with us!
Romanita Hairston
Chief Executive Officer