M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust

Image 1: a woman holds a baby while another woman measures the baby's head. Image 2: three people cheer behind a sign that says "Bravo!"  Image 3: a young girl wearing a yellow t-shirt in a bouncehouse. Image 4: an outdoor shot of a new facility.

While eyes turn to the fresh promise of a new year, the team at the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust is still basking in the joys of the holiday season.

In the midst of the festive final weeks of 2017, the Trust approved 87 grants to organizations serving the Pacific Northwest, totaling just over $17 million.

It is our unique pleasure to support these projects touching every corner of the region, from Montana to Washington, from Oregon to Alaska and across the entire Pacific Northwest.

2017 was a record-setting year for the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust as we made more than 300 grants totaling more than $57 million to a wide variety of organizations in the arts, health and human services, education and science sectors. While we are pleased to mark such a milestone for our organization, we are inspired and humbled by the tireless efforts taking place in every corner of our region and across the country by those committed to serve and support neighbors in need and build stronger communities. Below, you will find a selection of some of these groups and the incredible impact of their work in our region.

As we look forward to 2018, we are energized and enthusiastic to work together with our colleagues and partners and to continue to encourage, partner and invest in those working to serve the common good.

Wishing you and yours a joyous new year,

Steven G.W. Moore
Executive Director


Alaska and Across the Northwest

  • HOPE International plans to open a Northwest office to provide more support to families in underserved communities around the world.
  • The habitat of the Eklutna River in Alaska will move closer to restoration thanks to the removal of a decommissioned dam by the Conservation Fund.
  • Campers at Young Life’s Camp Malibu in British Columbia will enjoy a renovated club room for their many camp activities.
  • Families of first responders will have increased support by a staff addition at The Navigators.

Image 1: a woman smiles behind a sewing machine. Text overlay says "HOPE International." Image 2: two men smile for a selfie in front of a window that shows high-rise city buildings. Text overlay says "The Navigators." Image 3: a man stands in a stream with a large waterfall in front of him. Text overlay says "Conservation Fund." Image 4: a large room full of students. Text overlay says "Young Life."


Montana

  • Residents of Billings will have greater access to health services and education through the expansion of the RiverStone Health Foundation clinic.
  • With the acquisition of a cryo-electron microscope, Montana State University researchers will be able to model cellular structures at the atomic level, providing crucial advances in basic science, biotechnology and health studies.
  • Young mothers and their children will have better access to shelter and resources as Mountain Home Montana adds program staff to further their reach.
  • Foster families will receive more resources and support as Child Bridge expands its staff in the Great Falls region.

Image 1: a young girl with blond hair looks at a nurse wearing glasses, while sitting in a health facility. Text overlay says "RiverStone Health Foundation." Image 2: six people stand around a girl wearing a graduation cap and gown, smiling for the camera. Text overlay says "Child Bridge." Image 3: two men wearing white lab goats and goggles in a science lab. Text overlay says "Montana State University." Image 4: a young child on a young woman's back, smiling for the camera. Text overlay says "Mountain Home Montana."


Oregon

  • Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East will increase its partner engagement through the addition of new staff and new donor tracking software.
  • Portland residents will have better healthcare access following the construction of the Eastside Health Clinic by Central City Concern.
  • The I Have a Dream Foundation of Oregon will be able to help more underserved children achieve a post-secondary education through the Dreamer School Project.
  • New staff will help SPOON Foundation build partnerships and educate key corporate, institutional and individual partners.

Image 1: a group of adults and children cheer for the camera while standing on front porch stairs. Text overlay says "Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East." Image 2: Four people, two of them in nun's habits, work on something together at a table. Text overlay says "SPOON Foundation." Image 3: a young girl with straight black hair smiles for the camera while holding a sign that says "We Heart Our Home." Text overlay says "Central City Concern. " Image 4: A man shakes hands with a student wearing a graduation cap, gown, and lei while a young girl looks up at them. Text overlay says "I Have a Dream Foundation."


Washington

  • New staff will assist the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust as it expand efforts to conserve and protect the natural land and water spaces of North Central Washington.
  • The Point Defiance Zoo will introduce countless new visitors to the wonders of aquatic life with the expansion of the Pacific Seas Aquarium
  • Pacific Northwest Ballet will be able to expand local exposure to the arts by providing more quality dance instruction and performance opportunities through the development of the new Francia Russell Center.
  • Children, teens and families dealing with behavioral and mental health challenges will have more support following the renovation of facilities on the Ryther campus.

Image 1: people paddleboarding on a body of water with mountains and trees in the background. Text overlay says "Chelan-Douglas Land Trust." Image 2: Four adults play with two children inside a playroom. Text overlay says "Ryther." Image 3: Children and an adult reach their hands into a touch tank. Text overlay says "Point Defiance Zoological Society." Image 4: Five young girls in ballerina leotards dance inside a studio. Text overlay says "Pacific Northwest Ballet."


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