M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust
Annual Report 2021

2021Annual
Report

The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.

Coretta Scott King

As I reflect on the work of the Murdock Trust and our partners in 2021, I cannot help but think of how this moment will shape our future. The historic events of our recent history have forced us all to enter a new reality and this “new normal” has brought with it a list of new challenges to be addressed, while not many of the old challenges went away. Combined, they have brought any number of hardships to our communities and our world and a reality that must not be overlooked or underestimated. However, they have also brought new opportunities. Opportunities for innovation, collaboration, creative renewal, and partnerships.

Throughout my service at the Murdock Trust, I have seen countless examples of how thoughtful leaders, committed public servants, and dedicated community members can join together and build innovative, sustainable solutions that transform instances of challenge into opportunities for flourishing. 2021 was no different. Organizations adapted in inspiring ways to serve the diverse needs of our region. As you will read in this report, the Murdock Trust continues to seek to partner and serve innovative organizations and leaders that are bringing to life transformational ideas to enrich the lives of others. We remain guided by the legacy of our benefactor and the spirit of those individuals and organizations seeking to partner and serve the common good.

As much as 2021 will always remind me of the innovative and generous spirit of our region, it will also hold a personal marker in my own growth and renewal. After 16 years as the executive director and CEO of the Murdock Trust, I will soon pass the baton of leadership to my successor, Romanita Hairston, this summer. I am excited for what lies ahead for the Murdock Trust and for the opportunity to pursue new challenges in my own professional service, having more time to support the development of the next generation of servant leaders and work directly with boards and other members of the philanthropic sector.

With the support of our Trustees, our leadership team, our staff, and our constituents, we look forward to welcoming Romanita and helping her onboard in an intentional, thoughtful, Murdock-ish way.

One of our core values at the Murdock Trust is gratitude and I want to thank each of you for the encouragement, patience, insights, and wisdom you have offered to me and our team as we have sought to be stewards of the mission to nurture and advance the social, spiritual, educational, and cultural fabric of the Pacific Northwest.

I would like to close by simply expressing my thanks to each of you. Whether we are longtime friends, have met at a site visit or event, or connected in some other way, if you are reading this, I suspect you are committed to the common good. I am grateful for your partnership, for your dedication, and for your service. Blessings to you and all those you hold close.

Steven G.W. Moore
Executive Director

From the Executive Director

A Look
Back at
2021

$90m

Total Granted

466

Grants Awarded

$10.7m

to Arts & Culture

$20m

to Education

$14.9m

to Health

$38.3m

to Human Services

$6.3m

to Scientific Research

Serving Those on the Front Lines of COVID-19

University of Idaho, Idaho
p:ear, Oregon

As the world entered its second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, nonprofits continued their tireless dedication to serve the diverse needs of the Pacific Northwest. Across sectors, individuals and nonprofit organizations rose to the occasion, rapidly adapting programs and services to support ongoing and emerging needs in the midst of one of the most difficult times in recent history. We have been honored to play a small role in supporting their invaluable work through our COVID support grants programs.

COVID Total Giving in 2021: $14,044,256 through 132 grants

COVID Giving by Initiative:

Arts & Culture, $5,731,650 through 58 grants
Camps, $1,795,000 through 20 grants
Mental Health, $1,974,312 through 17 grants
Immigrant, $2,008,000 through 15 grants
Youth Wellbeing, $2,435,294 through 21 grants

 

Why the Arts?

The arts play a central role in the health and flourishing of any community. They entertain and inspire, engage and educate. They preserve cultural heritage for generations to come while promoting understanding across diverse backgrounds. They help power our economy and provide opportunities for all to thrive. 
 
In 2021, we met with a collection of our grantees working in the arts and culture space to shed light on the myriad ways these organizations uplift our communities and region, including Why The Arts as a broader theme, the role art plays in Preserving Native and Indigenous Cultures, how Performing Arts programs help establish community, how Arts Programs for Children serve and support local youth, and the way Contemporary and Fine Art spaces bring forward diverse lived experiences. We are grateful to be able to share these stories in the following series of short films.

  • Why the Arts?
    Julie Taymor, the critically acclaimed director and writer, has said that, “there is incredible power in the arts to inspire and influence.” It is common to think of arts as a community luxury, but data shows the value of the arts runs far, far deeper. The arts support educational and youth development, preserve diverse cultures, help drive economic prosperity across communities, and do so much more. This is why our benefactor, Jack Murdock, believed strongly in investing in arts and culture organizations and why the Murdock Trust has continued this work since our founding. For our 2022 Annual Video Project, we wanted to take a closer look at some of the ways the arts help the Pacific Northwest flourish and thrive and hear from some of the individuals and organizations who invest in this sector every day. We begin this project by asking that question, “Why the arts?” Why is it so important that we, as a community, invest in painting and dance and sculpture and music and weaving and so many other forms?
  • Native and Indigenous Art and Cultural Preservation
    It is common to think of arts as a community luxury, but their value runs far, far deeper. For Native and Indigenous communities, the arts are a history book, connecting generations and communities through song, dance, weaving, sculpture, painting and many other forms. Across the Pacific Northwest, the arts support educational and youth development, preserve diverse cultures, help drive economic prosperity across communities, and do so much more. This is why our benefactor, Jack Murdock, believed strongly in investing in arts and culture organizations and why the Murdock Trust has continued this work since our founding. For our 2022 Annual Video Project, we wanted to take a closer look at some of the ways the arts help the Pacific Northwest flourish and thrive and hear from some of the individuals and organizations who invest in this sector every day. In this video, we meet with Native and Indigenous leaders who share the myriad ways that the arts play a critical role in preserving their culture through generations.
  • Contemporary and Fine Art
    Julie Taymor, the critically acclaimed director and writer, has said that, “there is incredible power in the arts to inspire and influence.” Contemporary and fine arts help preserve tangible examples of our history and provide a window into the lived experience of others. This is one reason why our benefactor, Jack Murdock, believed strongly in investing in arts and culture organizations and why the Murdock Trust has continued this work since our founding. For our 2022 Annual Video Project, we wanted to take a closer look at some of the ways the arts help the Pacific Northwest flourish and thrive and hear from some of the individuals and organizations who invest in this sector every day.
  • Arts for Children
    Arts can play a critical role in the development of children, educationally, socially, and culturally. This is one reason why our benefactor, Jack Murdock, believed strongly in investing in arts and culture organizations and why the Murdock Trust has continued this work since our founding. For our 2022 Annual Video Project, we wanted to take a closer look at some of the ways the arts help the Pacific Northwest flourish and thrive and hear from some of the individuals and organizations who invest in this sector every day. These organizations invest in ensuring that every child has the opportunity to explore and flourish through a variety of art forms.
  • Performing Arts
    It is common to think of the arts as a community luxury, but data shows the value of the arts runs far, far deeper. The arts support educational and youth development, preserve diverse cultures, help drive economic prosperity across communities, and do so much more. This is why our benefactor, Jack Murdock, believed strongly in investing in arts and culture organizations and why the Murdock Trust has continued this work since our founding. For our 2022 Annual Video Project, we wanted to take a closer look at some of the ways the arts help the Pacific Northwest flourish and thrive and hear from some of the individuals and organizations who invest in this sector every day. In this piece, we look to the stages of our region. How do the performing arts help build community and inspire audiences through shared experience?

Our Grantees at Work

Our work at the Murdock Trust would not be possible without the thousands of nonprofits we are proud to partner with across the Pacific Northwest. These organizations serve countless individuals and communities through programs in arts and culture, education, health, human services and scientific research. Below is just a fraction of the many incredible organizations that received a grant in 2021.

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Alaska
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Arts & Culture
Education
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Human Services
Scientific Research

JazzEd

At Seattle JazzED, students from diverse backgrounds receive quality musical education through workshops, ensembles, and summer camps. There are programs for 8-month-olds, high school seniors, and all ages in between. Located in Seattle, a city with a rich jazz tradition, JazzED exposes young musicians to the rhythm and creativity of the quintessential Black American art form. A Trust grant supported the construction of a youth performing arts center to increase JazzED’s capacity and give students a state-of-the-art facility in which to show off their new jazz skills.

Pax Learning Center

In Southwest Washington, youth and adults who did not finish high school receive free tutoring and GED prep from professional teachers and tutors thanks to the PAX Learning Center. During the pandemic, PAX engaged in more than 2,000 tutoring hours and 1,000 hours of online student engagement and saw hundreds earn their GED or high school diploma. As part of our Capacity Building Support initiative, a Trust grant supported the hiring of a consulting firm to help PAX develop a five-year strategic plan so it can continue to serve the diverse educational needs of Southwest Washington for years to come.

Down Syndrome Community Puget Sound 

DSC aims to empower people with Down syndrome and their families through inclusive learning and experiences, while building an accepting and inclusive society that celebrates every extraordinary individual. DSC hosts events and programs such as the First Call program for parents who have received a Down syndrome diagnosis and the Learning Program for supporting the literacy and numeracy education of those with Down syndrome. A Trust grant supported a new partnerships manager to coordinate fundraising, communications, and community outreach.

Wolf Haven International

Since 1982, Wolf Haven International has rescued more than 300 displaced, captive-born wolves. In addition to its conservation work as a nationally recognized sanctuary, Wolf Haven offers education programs about wolves, wildlife, and ecosystems, and advocates for coexistence with wolves in the wild. It also offers visitors a chance to see wolves in their natural habitat through guided sanctuary tours. In order to grow sustainably, the organization recognized that it would need to increase its development program. A Trust grant supported this growth through partially funding a new development director position and the creation of a major gifts program. 

Gonzaga University

The Trust has partnered with Gonzaga University, a private liberal arts university in Spokane, for more than 30 years to support its growing science and research capabilities. Today, with 47 full-time science faculty members and up to 70 students engaging in research at any given time, Gonzaga University is helping prepare the next generation of STEM professionals, while making important scientific advancements. This year, Trust grants supported a new position in biology and research into three understudied essential genes.

Lan Su Chinese Garden

Considered the most authentic Chinese garden in North America, the Lan Su Chinese Garden is an oasis of beauty and tranquility in downtown Portland. Before the pandemic, Lan Su hosted hundreds of culturally specific performing arts groups, artists, and scholars, as well as a school program that welcomed thousands of students annually. A Trust grant supported the hiring of consultants to inform Lan Su’s strategic plan for the next twenty years so guests can enjoy the beauty of the garden for years to come.

Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education

OJMCHE in downtown Portland invites visitors to explore the legacy of Jewish experience in Oregon and learn universal lessons of the Holocaust. Serving more than 35,000 annually, OJMCHE curates exhibitions, education programs, concerts, films, and readings that stimulate dialogue about civic engagement and social responsibility. When the pandemic hit, OJMCHE quickly pivoted to virtual programs and transformed its 18 large, ground-floor windows into public-facing displays for those passing on the street. The Trust supported this work through a grant from the COVID-19 Arts & Culture Resilience Fund to create a digital strategy for the center moving forward.

The Center Foundation

Located in Bend, The Center Foundation cares for young athletes by providing access to sports medicine services and education. The organization places athletic trainers in Central Oregon high schools to provide injury prevention services, emergency care, rehab treatment, and injury and sports safety education. The result in schools is lower serious injury rates, better concussion identification rates, and faster return-to-play rates. A Trust grant supported this foundation’s expansion to a new high school, which will allow more student athletes in Bend to play sports safely.

Latino Community Association

LCA empowers Latino families in Central Oregon to thrive, primarily by serving its immigrant neighbors from Mexico and Central America. It supports Latino families as they gain citizenship, secure affordable housing, learn or improve English skills, secure health insurance, and more. During the pandemic, LCA provided financial support to thousands of individuals and small businesses who were not receiving public assistance. A Trust grant supported the strategic growth of LCA through funds toward expanding its Bend office, hiring a new staff member, and improving technology. 

OHSU

Researchers at OHSU are investigating the impact of maternal chronic and dietary stress on fetuses, infants, and young children. This study will contribute to scientific understanding of infant vulnerability to chronic disease and will study women from three distinct groups—Yup’ik Alaskan Native, Caucasian, and Latina women—in the midst of unique generational dietary transitions. A Trust grant will support this important research with funds for research supplies, project leadership in Alaska and Ontario, and a liquid nitrogen plant in Alaska to store samples.

The Myrna Loy

The Myrna Loy is a cultural center that presents exciting arts experiences of all disciplines to the people of Central Montana. From film screenings and theater productions to arts education programs and individual artist grants, The Myrna Loy seeks to not only present the arts, but also support and amplify the creative voices of Montana. A Trust grant will support the center’s communications strategy so it can grow its audience and tell the stories of Montanan artists in new and creative ways.

Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium

MBHI was founded in 2009 to inspire an appreciation and understanding of insects through innovative exhibits and educational programs. Children experience the exciting world of bugs through creative programs such as Bug Birthday Bash, where Bug Ambassadors visit birthday parties, and Bugs Around Town, where children can hold live invertebrates for free at community spaces around Missoula. With the help of a Trust grant, MBHI will open Montana’s only tropical butterfly house.

Tamarack Grief Resource Center

TGRC is the only comprehensive grief center in Montana, a state with historically low access to mental health services. Through culturally relevant counseling, grief camps and retreats, school programs, support groups, and more, TGRC cares for those navigating grief and trauma. New staff and resources will allow TGRC to increase its capacity to care for those most affected by COVID-19, including those who are uninsured or underinsured, financially disadvantaged, attend underserved schools, or live in tribal or rural communities.

Leadership Montana

Leadership Montana provides unique educational programming to develop leaders committed to building a better Montana. At the heart of the organization is a flagship eight-month educational program where approximately 40 participants gain a deeper awareness of opportunities and issues facing Montana and collaborate to find solutions. A Trust grant funds outreach and programming for engaging leaders from indigenous communities, such as providing full tuition and traveling costs for indigenous participants and creating a leadership immersion program in which participants engage with tribal communities. 

MSU Bozeman

MSU Bozeman is internationally recognized for its excellence in education, high undergraduate enrollment, and cutting-edge research. It boasts the world’s first, largest, and best-known biofilm research center, where students, faculty, and visiting scholars advance understanding of biofilm processes. A new multi-modality, multi-photon digital light sheet microscope, partially funded by a Trust grant, will support this research, contributing to scientific understanding of important societal challenges such as water quality, antibiotic tolerance, and more.

Idaho Shakespeare Festival

The Idaho Shakespeare Festival brings high-quality theater and educational programming to Boise from its amphitheater on the banks of the Boise River, offering public performances and a School of Theater to cultivate theater skills in children. It has also grown two outreach tours that bring performances to 150 schools and more than 50,000 students across Idaho, including those in rural and mountainous regions of the state who might otherwise miss out on artistic experiences. A Trust grant will help the festival reimagine the amphitheater and grounds to increase capacity and reach more people.

Foundation for Idaho History

The Foundation for Idaho History provides fundraising support to the Idaho State Historical Society, helping uncover and share important stories of Idaho’s past. The Idaho State Historical Society includes the Idaho State Museum, Idaho State Archives, Old Idaho Penitentiary and Historic Sites Program, and other cultural and historic resources across the state. It serves over 110,000 people, including over 30,000 school-aged children, each year through educational and cultural programs that uncover and illuminate Idaho’s history for future generations.

Lee Pesky Learning Center 

The Lee Pesky Learning Center understands that everybody learns differently. It provides one-on-one clinical services to those with learning and attention challenges, helping them meet academic and social-emotional needs through individualized learning frameworks. By partnering with instructors and researchers across Idaho and the nation, the center also works to increase the understanding and implementation of self-regulated learning, which would support all students in becoming independent, lifelong learners. Thanks in part to a Trust grant, a new staff member will oversee a literacy program that provides inclusive reading instruction to students within the Hispanic community. 

Boys & Girls Club of Lewis Clark Valley

BGCLCV has been committed to the youth of the Lewis Clark Valley since 1945. Through programs in character and leadership, education and career, health and life kkills, the arts, and fitness and recreation, BGCLCV provides children with a safe space to grow, build relationships, and prepare for a well-rounded adulthood. A grant from the Trust’s COVID-19 Youth Well-Being Fund will support the remodeling of one of the club’s facilities to promote greater security and safety for all children and staff.

University of Idaho

An interdisciplinary team at the University of Idaho can conduct new biofluids and biomechanics research thanks to a high-resolution 3D printer from a U.S. National Science Foundation award and an integrated imaging and printing system partially funded by a Trust grant. Together, this new equipment and system will enable researchers to capture high-resolution details of objects in 3D space, allowing them to perform experimental studies with lower measurement uncertainties compared to their existing equipment. This research will advance knowledge in critical areas, including lung ventilation, brain cancer drugs, traumatic brain injury, biological tissues, and more. 

Alaska Arts Southeast

The Sitka Fine Arts Camp (SFAC) provides Alaskan youth with exposure and training in the arts, primarily for those with little or no arts education due to their remote location. Today, SFAC reaches approximately 1,000 students annually through their nationally acclaimed summer camps with class options in theater, dance, music, creative writing, visual arts, digital arts, and Alaska Native arts so that youth can discover and pursue their favorite art form. SFAC also offers arts teacher training, a year-round theater program, a fitness center, and more. A Trust grant will help the organization remodel its primary student dormitory.

Tidelines Institute

Tidelines Institute in Southeast Alaska educates students, citizens, and leaders through the liberal arts, scientific inquiry, experiential learning, outdoor excursions, and community events. It offers a gap year program for young adults, courses for visiting students, community workshops for locals and visitors, facilities for researchers, and a residency program for individuals across disciplines. Through these programs, the institute honors and explores the culture and communities of its land, S’ix’ Tlein (Icy Strait) and Sit’ Eeeti Gheeyi (Glacier Bay). A new educational building, partially funded by a Trust grant, will allow the institute to significantly expand the size of its programs.

Girdwood Health Clinic

Located just south of Anchorage, the Girdwood Health Clinic provides health care services to six communities in its region, caring for patients regardless of their ability to pay. In addition to primary/family care, immunizations, lab tests, physicals, and acute care, the clinic offers integrated behavioral health care services. During the pandemic, it quickly pivoted to serve its communities through increasing telehealth capabilities and serving as a testing and vaccination site. A Trust grant will help fund the construction of a new clinic in downtown Girdwood, allowing it to serve more patients, particularly those from local rural communities.

Covenant Youth of Alaska

CYAK is a Christ-centered ministry in Alaska that focuses on relational outreach, discipleship, and leadership development. It connects primarily with Alaskan Native youth, many of whom live below the poverty line, have experienced significant trauma, or have little access to mental health resources and other care due to their remote location. Through young adult ministries, Bible camps, and more, CYAK seeks to support these youth and young adults and raise mature believers in Christ who will lead the church in Alaska for generations to come. 

University of Alaska Fairbanks 

A wide range of researchers, including students and faculty at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, will benefit from the acquisition of a proteomics instrument partially funded by a Trust grant. This multi-use, inter-disciplinary facility will serve teaching, federal, state, and national research needs in the Arctic by allowing high-throughput workflows to separate unknown and known compounds. One cutting-edge application of this instrumentation includes identifying and sequencing proteins from fossils, which can then be used to identify the organism from which the fossils came. Other applications include identifying forensic material, searching for novel antibiotics, and more. 

WESTAF

WESTAF (Western States Arts Federation) is an arts service organization committed to creatively advancing and preserving the arts in the Western United States. WESTAF strengthens arts financial, organizational, and policy infrastructure through research, professional development programs for state arts agencies, funding for performing arts presenters, and more. It also regularly convenes thought leaders to discuss relevant topics, such as public art and technology in the arts. A Trust grant will support the expansion of a variety of programs, including the Emerging Leaders of Color program, an Executive Director Forum, and a Disability Communities Convening.

Complete College America

CCA advocates for increasing college completion rates through policies and structural reforms that remove institutional barriers to student success. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach to higher education, CCA desires to see thoughtful, inclusive, equitable policies that set all students up for success. For example, CCA advocates for reimagined first-year experiences, improved career exploration resources, flexible course schedules, proactive advising, and more. A Trust grant will help fund a new staff member to serve the Northwest region, with focus on Washington and Alaska, two of the last states to join CCA’s national network of 47 states and consortia.

Angel Flight West

Angel Flight West (AFW) aims to remove transportation as a barrier to health equity. Volunteer pilots provide free air transportation for those traveling long distances to access medical care, while volunteer drivers shuttle passengers to and from airports. Flights are also offered to those experiencing domestic violence who need to move to a safer location, those providing care for a family member, and more. Since 1984, AFW has arranged more than 90,000 flights, the equivalent of more than $70 million in donated flight costs. A Trust grant will help fund a new staff member to support outreach and secure funding.

Wellspring Foundation

Wellspring Foundation empowers those who lead and teach the children of Rwanda with tools to engage and inspire servant leaders for the next generation. With trusted grassroots relationships with Rwandan nationals, Wellspring provides leaders, teachers, and parents with values-based leadership and teacher training. In western Rwanda, these programs have benefited more than 100,000 children across 99 school communities, supporting them as they use their education to break cycles of poverty, reduce gender inequalities, and develop as responsible citizens. A Trust grant supported this important work through funds for the hiring of a new staff member to manage recurring gifts. 

Council for Christian Colleges and Universities

CCCU is a global association of more than 180 Christian institutions, including more than 150 in the United States and Canada. CCCU institutions are accredited colleges and universities with Christ-centered missions rooted in the historic Christian faith, and many of them have curricula rooted in both arts and sciences. CCCU focuses its support of these institutions on public advocacy, professional development and scholarship, and experiential education through off-campus study programs. A Trust grant will support this important work through funds to strengthen undergraduate STEM research infrastructure at CCCU institutions. 

More 2021 Grants Awarded Details

 

Enrichment

This year, we were delighted to welcome hundreds of nonprofit leaders back to in-person meetings in terra firma at the Murdock Trust. For me, it’s a relief to be back – and not just for the joy of reuniting and reconnecting unhindered by mute buttons and screen fatigue. I’m grateful to be back for reasons that are deeply rooted, permanent, and physical.

Being face-to-face, even with masks, means something extra given the nature of the work we do. Each one of our programs serve organizations built on the mission of care for people — embodied human beings living at identifiable locations and addresses, right down to the street corner. Your work has always involved in-person engagement with our neighbors in the Pacific Northwest. The stakes are high because those whom we serve are real people with physical needs. And through nearly two years, you have endured faithfully in your worthy missions to meet the needs of your neighbors. I am inspired by the leaders we serve and their resilient commitment to the service of others.

While the empowering impact of your work stretches far beyond our purview, our priority is tending the garden in our own yard; we invest in the communities that compose this beautifully diverse region. This year, we offered new trainings including board training and development for general nonprofits and board training for Leaders of Color called The Green Room. In addition, we transitioned many of our programs back in person, taking great care to provide for the health and safety of all our partners while celebrating their return to our corner of Vancouver, WA.

Our conviction has always been that good news travels fast. As communities across the nation and globe are influenced by your service, we stand in deep gratitude for the privilege of advancing so much good work that covers the field of every conceivable human need, both physical and spiritual.

Two years after the onset of ultimate unfamiliarity, you have learned to pace yourself through the marathon of pandemic challenges. You have served not only the needs of your constituents, but the weary staff you steward, your fellow leaders, and your families at home. As we felt the growing discomfort of collective tiredness and prolonged uncertainty, you carried the torch through the night — you demonstrated resilience and helped us fix our eyes on the hope and vision of a brighter tomorrow

Kimberly Thornbury
Senior Program Director for Enrichment

Heidi Maimer, Partners in Science year 2 partner
The 2021 Murdock College Science Research Conference

Changing Faces in 2021

Jenni Burkholder
Receptionist and Administrative Assistant
Jenni joined the Murdock Trust as our new receptionist and administrative assistant, and is already bringing a smiling face and welcoming spirit to our front desk area.
Sarah Ruckle
Assistant Program Coordinator for Enrichment
Sarah returned to the Murdock Trust as our assistant program coordinator for enrichment, having previously spent time here as a 2019-2020 Oregon Fellow. We are thrilled to welcome Sarah back!
Shannon Hendricks
Investment Associate
Shannon officially joined the investment team as an investment associate, following her time as a 2020-2021 Oregon Fellow at the Murdock Trust. She is already making invaluable contributions to the team, especially in reporting and data analytics.
Shannon Mayer
Visiting Scholar
Dr. Shannon Mayer, professor and chair of the physics department at the University of Portland, joined the Murdock Trust as a visiting scholar to support a variety of projects related to science and faith.
Aiden Nyquist
Intern
A recent graduate of North Park University, Aiden served as our Summer and Fall 2021 intern, supporting scientific grantmaking, enrichment conferences, and more.
Jennifer Larson-Cody
Director of Technology and Information Management Services
After 23 years of loyal service, most recently as director of technology and information management services, Jennifer stepped down from her role at the Murdock Trust. We are so grateful for her years of service to the Murdock Trust, and can’t wait to cheer her on in this next season of life.
Katherine Gottlieb
Senior Fellow
Katherine joined the Murdock Trust as a senior fellow, providing critical insight into the current needs of Native communities, communities in Alaska, and the healthcare sector.
Squire Broel
Visiting Scholar
A gifted sculptor and innovative artist, Squire joined the Murdock Trust as a visiting scholar, supporting the Trust as we seek to partner with arts organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Steve Moore
Executive Director
In summer 2021, Steve Moore announced his plans to retire in 2022. While we will provide a full tribute to Steve in our 2022 report following his official retirement, we wanted to briefly acknowledge this significant announcement and celebrate his 16 years of unparalleled service leading the Murdock Trust.
View the Full Trust Team

 

Celebrating Jennifer Larson-Cody

Jennifer Larson-Cody has left an indelible imprint on the work of the Trust through her 23 years of service. As our Director of Technology and Information Management Systems, Jennifer led our team through times of growth, transition, and deployment of new technologies. Thanks in large part to Jennifer’s foresight and leadership, the Trust made a seamless transition as we moved into new offices and operated remotely while maintaining 100% capacity during the pandemic. We would not be where we are today without Jennifer’s tireless and forward-thinking work.

While Jennifer is best known for her contributions to the Trust’s Technology program, her impact can be felt in many other areas of our work. Jennifer began her career on our finance team where she invested more than a decade helping strengthen our business practices. She also provided leadership of our emerging communications efforts, at one point co-leading the department alongside her technology duties. She was also a generous volunteer in the Vancouver community and an engaged civic leader.

Yet, as anyone who knows Jennifer would tell you, it is not only her work ethic but her integrity, energy, thoughtfulness, and humor that make her such a beloved colleague and friend. Even as she was challenging us to adapt to new technology, she was making us laugh and stay mission-forward. She will be greatly missed around the Trust office, valued as an alumnus, and celebrated in this next season.

Jennifer is an amazing person who would tackle anything with a smile on her face and could function at all levels. She helped put Murdock on the map in Vancouver with her community involvement and willingness and ability to serve. She had the tenacity and drive to figure her varying roles out and performed at a very high level. Jack would be proud.

Jim Martin, Chief Investment Officer Emeritus, Murdock Trust

I had the privilege of working with Jennifer for many years and watched her grow professionally in many ways. She became a highly competent IT Director for the Trust and impressed me with her customer service penchant and desire to exceed expectations whenever possible. She was upbeat and positive in all my interactions with her. I miss her smiling face but wish her the utmost happiness and personal satisfaction in whatever new endeavors she tackles in the future.

John Castles, Trustee, Murdock Trust

 

Remembering Verne Sedlacek

It was with incredibly heavy hearts that we learned of the passing of our friend and colleague Verne Sedlacek (1954-2021) in December. Verne joined the Murdock Trust team in 2015 first as a Visiting Scholar, then as one of our Senior Fellows. During his time here, he offered valuable perspective and coaching regarding financial and investment strategy, as well as best practices of nonprofit boards. From his work in higher education finance and investment to his 12 years leading Commonfund, as well as his service to a number of nonprofits, Verne invested in others and created opportunities for flourishing. He was an innovative thinker, courageous leader, humble listener, and wise mentor. A true quiet giant whose loss will be felt deeply.

Rest in peace, Verne. Thank you for counseling us, encouraging us, and reminding us to dare to be great. We will miss you.

Verne was a mentor and a friend to me in a very short time. We know he devoted his life to helping others flourish. His patience, wisdom and knowledge blessed me and so many, including our Murdock Trust family. Verne helped you believe anything was possible, encouraged you, challenged you and pushed you to be better. He was an inspiration for us in the financial industry and his work is truly a blessing. I am going to miss you, friend.

Elmer Huh, Chief Investment Officer, Murdock Trust

Verne was a pioneer in investment thought and influenced countless organizations with his creative and adaptive thinking. He had an unusual ability to think outside the box and embrace what made sense. Verne was our MVP and secret weapon — he gave us the courage to ‘dare to be great.’ Beyond all that he was a good guy and became my friend. I am forever grateful and thankful our paths crossed.

Jim Martin, Chief Investment Officer Emeritus, Murdock Trust

Verne defined the idea of being a servant leader and was the perfect blend of confidence and humility. His thoughtfulness, encouragement and wise counsel were invaluable to us in stewarding the assets of the Trust. His impact has been immeasurable and his loss will be felt deeply by all of us.

Mark Pyatt, Investment Officer, Murdock Trust

 

World Relief Spokane, Washington
My Voice Music, Oregon

Total Assets, Grants Approved, & Grants Paid

Hover over the graph for more information. Amounts in thousands. Example: $1,140,574 = $1,140,574,000

Asset Diversification

The Murdock Trust divides all potential investments into three “Buckets”: Bucket 1 (low risk/return), Bucket 2 (medium risk/return), and Bucket 3 (high risk/return). The Trust considers all types of investment products—without preconceived ideas or built-in biases—for all three Buckets. Our investment objectives follow directly from this three-Bucket allocation strategy. More information on this strategy ›

Target Allocation

Bucket  

low Risk/Return

Investments
  • Cash
  • Fixed Income
  • Real Estate (debt-back, lower risk)
  • Private Credit (lower risk)
  • Infrastructure (lower risk)

Bucket  

medium Risk/Return

Investments
  • Public Equity
  • Private Credit/Mezzanine (higher risk)
  • Real Estate (equity financed, higher risk)
  • Distressed Debt
  • Private Equity Secondaries
  • Infrastructure (higher risk)

Bucket  

high Risk/Return

Investments
  • Private Equity
  • Venture Capital
  • Growth Equity
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Meet Jack Murdock

The late Melvin J. “Jack” Murdock, co-founder of Tektronix, Inc., was an entrepreneurial leader with business interests throughout the Pacific Northwest. Born and raised in southeast Portland, Jack turned a passion for radio and electronics repair into one of the largest employers in Oregon’s history through innovation and a commitment to building a workplace where his team could thrive.

Upon his untimely death in 1971, his will directed three Trustees to establish a charitable trust “to nurture and enrich the educational, cultural, social and spiritual lives of individuals, families and community.”

Watch the full documentary ›

The Jack Murdock Story – Trailer – The Ripple of Jack Murdock

Our Mission

To serve individuals, families and communities across the Pacific Northwest by providing grants and enrichment programs to organizations that strengthen the region’s educational, social, spiritual and cultural base in creative and sustainable ways.

‹ Visit the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust Website

© 2012-2023 M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust

Visit the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust Website
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The Trust guides nonprofit organizations through every level of their development through grants and other resources.

Grants


Enrichment Activity

Grant Resources

Sectors the Trust is committed to enriching in the Pacific Northwest:

Grant Stories

Grant Story: Covenant House Alaska

Grant Story: Wassmuth Center for Human Rights

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

Resource Categories

Featured Resources

Starting a Nonprofit

How to Put Your Best Foot Forward When Applying for a Grant

News & Announcements

May Staff Update

Stories of Impact: Lee Pesky Learning Center

Webinar: Lifting the Fog: Mental Health in the Workplace