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1975-1978
The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust hosted its first grants meeting in December 1975, awarding 14 grants to nonprofits such as Trillium Family Services in Oregon and Seattle Children’s Hospital Foundation in Seattle. The Trust expanded to serve nonprofits in Montana, such as Rocky Mountain College, in 1976, to groups in Alaska, such as the Iditarod Area School District in 1977, and to groups serving Idaho, such as St. Benedict’s Hospital Foundation, in 1978.
Rocky Mountain College -
1981
The Trust awarded its 500th grant in January 1981 at a meeting where investments were made in nonprofits such as Pacific Northwest Research Institute, University of Providence, University of Oregon and Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation. -
1985
Seattle Pacific UniversityThe Trust’s Fall 1985 grants meeting saw the foundation award its 1,000th grant, investing in organizations such as Greater Missoula Family YMCA, Oregon Ballet Theatre, Seattle Pacific University and Guide Dogs for the Blind. -
1986
Lynwood Swanson joined the Trust as Trustee, succeeding Paul Boley.
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1988
Photo: Joe Mabel, LicenseThe Trust moves into The Murdock Building on Broadway in downtown Vancouver. Starting with just a few offices, the Trust would grow over the next thirty years to ultimately occupy the entire seventh floor. -
1990
The Partners in Science and Murdock College Science Research Programs are formed. The programs bring scientific research and education opportunities to Pacific Northwest high schools and colleges and universities respectively.
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1995
Neal Thorpe succeeded Walter Dyke and John Castles succeeded his father, Jim Castles, as Trustees.
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1998
The Murdock Trust introduces the Enrichment Program which would encompass several efforts, such as Women in Leadership, Partners in Science and MCSRP, helping support individuals and organizations through education and development.
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2000
With the dawning of the new millennium, the Murdock Trust awarded its 2,500th grant. At the Winter 2000 grants meeting, the Trust awarded 69 grants to nonprofits including Boise State University, Museum of Flight Foundation, Bozeman Health Foundation, Oregon Coast Aquarium and Taproot Theatre Company.
Bozeman Health Foundation -
2010
Jeff Grubb joined the Trust as Trustee, succeeding Neal Thorpe.
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2013
At the Winter 2013 grants meeting the Trust awarded more than $9.5 million through nearly 100 grants to nonprofits, including the foundation’s 5,000th lifetime grant. At this meeting, grantees included Sealaska Heritage, Boise Bicycle Project, Montana State University Bozeman, Sequim Community Broadcasting and Salem Free Clinics.
Montana State University Bozeman -
2016
Jeff Pinneo succeeded Lynwood Swanson as the Trust’s eighth Trustee.
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2018
The Murdock Trust moved into its new office space on the Vancouver Waterfront. -
2019
The Murdock Trust surpasses $1 Billion in lifetime grants at the spring 2019 grants meeting. At this meeting, grants were awarded to a variety of organizations, including Storyknife Writers Retreat, Boys and Girls Club of Magic Valley, Camp Mak-A-Dream, Oregon Zoo and Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery.
Oregon Zoo
