THE BAMFORD FOUNDATION

The purpose of the Bamford Foundation is to improve the quality of life of individuals and to strengthen their communities, primarily in Tacoma, Washington and the South Puget Sound area of the Pacific Northwest.

History: The Bamford Foundation was established in 1990 by Calvin D. Bamford, Jr. and Joanne Bamford with the intent of supporting their home community of Tacoma, Washington. As long-time President of Globe Machine Manufacturing Company, founded in 1917 and located on Tacoma’s tide-flats, Calvin has demonstrated his commitment to give back to the Tacoma community through this foundation and through his membership on boards and in a variety of community organizations. Likewise, Joanne, having moved to the area in 1967 when she married Cal, has led a number of boards and has worked with many charitable organizations in the areas of education, human services and the arts, in order to improve the quality of life of families in Tacoma. The Bamford Foundation embodies the values that Joanne and Calvin instilled in their children and hope to instill in future generations. These values include the importance of family, life-long education, involvement in one's community, and generosity.

What we support: We support 501c(3)organizations that use inventive and effective ways to offer opportunities for people to help themselves and those around them to lead productive and satisfying lives. We support organizations that promote tolerance, respect for diversity, and understanding across cultures. The foundation expects to accomplish its mission principally through the following areas of giving:

1. Provision of Basic Needs (shelter, food, clothing, health care): Without the basic needs, it is difficult for individuals to take advantage of opportunities offered to them.

2. Civic, Arts and Cultural Programs: For communities, access to and involvement in arts, arts education, and opportunities for cultural understanding.

3. Early Childhood Education: Promotion of young children’s healthy development and learning through support of organizations that improve access to and quality of early childhood education, support and educate parents as their child’s first teachers, and enhance professional development of those who work with young children.

4. Access to Higher Education and Job training Opportunities: Promotion of programs that improve access to higher education for young adults, including those that help students to stay in school, opportunities for job training and vocational programs, and
opportunities for individuals with disabilities to gain skills and higher educational options.

Areas that the Foundation will not support:
- organizations that discriminate on the basis of ethnic origin,
gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation.
- Individuals (e.g. direct grants or scholarships for individuals)
- Religious or sectarian organizations whose principle activity is for
the benefit of their own members
- Basic Research
- Sponsorship
- Conferences
- Organizations that support violence

Notice about The Bamford Foundation’s current status: For the time period lasting until September 2012, the Bamford Foundation’s board has voted to maintain the current grant process of reviewing letters of inquiry and request from potential grantseekers by invitation only. If you have been invited to submit a letter of inquiry to the Foundation, you may do so using the following contact information. The foundation will respond to a letter of inquiry with a specific request for an application and supporting documents. The foundation grants committee meets 4 times per year and will typically be able to respond to a letter of request within 3 months time.  Potential grantseekers may contact the director via email with any questions about the grant process or about the foundation’s priority giving areas. 

The Bamford foundation email is info@bamfordfoundation.org. Electronic
communication is preferred. If necessary, mail can be sent to Bamford Foundation,
Attn: Holly Bamford Hunt, P.O. Box 2274, Tacoma, WA 98401. Phone:
253-620-4743.

We hope to post additional information about grants given and the grant process soon.

© 2012 Bamford Foundation