Mount Rainier above forested ridges in Washington
Foundation Lookup

Form 990-PFTax year 2025EIN 91-1504193

The Bamford Foundation

A private foundation in Tacoma, WA. Its return for tax year 2025 lists 140 grants and $1.7 million paid in grants.

See which foundations fund work like yours Matching by cause, place and grant size

Tax year 2025 (period ending Dec 31, 2025), read from the IRS e-file on Nov 11, 2026. Returns reach the IRS 5 to 18 months after the year they describe.

How to apply

Accepts applications

The return gives an application contact and rules, as below.

Contact
Holly Bamford
PO Box 1135
Tacoma, WA 98401
(253) 905-7614
[email protected]
Form and materials
The bamford foundation has now adopted an online grants portal through which organizations may submit a letter of inquiry. Www.grantinterface.com. See www.bamfordfoundation.org for more information.
Deadlines
For 2025, grant cycles will occur during the winter, spring, and summer quarters.
Restrictions
For 2025, the foundation will focus on leveraging the impact of small (less than 15,000) size grants with both new and existing grant partners. The foundation continues to make grants aligned with four priority giving areas, primarily within the greater tacoma and pierce county, in the spirt of our founders' mission to improve the quality of life of individuals and families and strengthen their communities. Our four giving priorities: basic needs, early learning and parent support, expanded learning opportunities, post-secondary ed & job training.

Assets and giving by year

9 returns on file
Grants paid by tax year. The latest year is in blue.

  • Tax year 2025

    $1,712,705

    Grants listed
    140
    Assets, end of year
    $24,339,540

  • Tax year 2024

    $1,534,718

    Grants listed
    156
    Assets, end of year
    $24,604,080

  • Tax year 2023

    $35,000

    Grants listed
    3
    Assets, end of year
    $15,068,180

  • Tax year 2022

    $2,031,233

    Grants listed
    97
    Assets, end of year
    $14,804,449

  • Tax year 2021

    $2,504,132

    Grants listed
    142
    Assets, end of year
    $13,477,074

  • Tax year 2020

    $3,502,773

    Grants listed
    121
    Assets, end of year
    $12,392,279

  • Tax year 2019

    $3,166,893

    Grants listed
    109
    Assets, end of year
    $13,559,256

  • Tax year 2018

    $3,232,184

    Grants listed
    111
    Assets, end of year
    $11,635,564

  • Tax year 2017

    $1,754,895

    Grants listed
    87
    Assets, end of year
    $9,803,949

Grants paid in 2025

140 grants, largest first

As listed on the return.

  1. YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap CountiesTacoma, WA

    Pearl street y campaign support

    $166,666
  2. Foundation for Tacoma StudentsTacoma, WA

    General support

    $82,500
  3. Asia Pacific Cultural CenterTacoma, WA

    Education and mentoring programs.

    $65,000
  4. First 5 FundamentalsTacoma, WA

    General support

    $50,264
  5. Greater Tacoma Community FoundationTacoma, WA

    General support

    $50,000
  6. Tacoma Urban Performing Arts CenterTacoma, WA

    General support

    $50,000
  7. Communities in Schools of TacomaTacoma, WA

    Program support

    $48,000
  8. Brightspark Early Learning ServicesRenton, WA

    Advocacy grant

    $40,000
  9. Foss Waterway Seaport MuseumTacoma, WA

    Program support

    $35,000
  10. Goodwill of the Olympics and RanierTacoma, WA

    Postsecondary pathways - general support

    $25,000
  11. Tacomapierce County Habitat for HumanityTacoma, WA

    Basic needs - general support

    $25,000
  12. The Trust for Public LandSan Francisco, CA

    Basic needs

    $25,000
  13. Comprehensive Life ResourcesTacoma, WA

    Program support

    $20,000
  14. Goodroots NorthwestBonney Lake, WA

    General support

    $20,000
  15. Tacoma Parks FoundationTacoma, WA

    General support

    $20,000
  16. The Big Homie ProgramTacoma, WA

    Expanded learning opp.

    $20,000
  17. University of Washington Foundation (uw-Tacoma)Seattle, WA

    Milgard hall campaign and iige support

    $20,000
  18. Boys and Girls Club of South Puget SoundTacoma, WA

    Program support

    $18,000
  19. American Leadership ForumTacoma, WA

    General support

    $17,000
  20. Oasis Youth CenterTacoma, WA

    Expanded learning opportunities - general support

    $16,000
  21. TacidTacoma, WA

    Job training for individuals with disabilities

    $15,500
  22. AmaraTacoma, WA

    Program support

    $15,000
  23. Associated MinistriesTacoma, WA

    Access 4 point housing and outreach support.

    $15,000
  24. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget SoundBellevue, WA

    General support

    $15,000
  25. Emergency Food Network of TacomaTacoma, WA

    Access to postsecondary edu.

    $15,000
  26. Making A Difference FoundationTacoma, WA

    General program support

    $15,000
  27. Metropolitan Development CouncilTacoma, WA

    Program and general support

    $15,000
  28. Rainers ScholarsTacoma, WA

    Postsecondary pathways - general support

    $15,000
  29. Rebuilding Hope Sexual Assault Center of Pierce CountyTacoma, WA

    General program support

    $15,000
  30. Schools Out WashingtonTukwila, WA

    General support

    $15,000
  31. Start Early WashingtonChicago, IL

    General support

    $15,000
  32. Symphony TacomaTacoma, WA

    Program support - family concert series

    $15,000
  33. Tacoma Arts LiveTacoma, WA

    Program and general support

    $15,000
  34. Tacoma Community Boat BuildersTacoma, WA

    General operations support

    $15,000
  35. Tra Medical Imaging FoundationTacoma, WA

    Scholarship fund

    $15,000
  36. Degrees of ChangeTacoma, WA

    General support

    $12,000
  37. Friends of the ChildrenTacoma, WA

    Program and general support

    $12,000
  38. Junior Achievement of WashingtonAuburn, WA

    Biztown scholarships program support

    $12,000
  39. Northwest Education AccessSeattle, WA

    Program support - pierce county student postsecondary access

    $12,000
  40. Raising GirlsTacoma, WA

    Program and general support

    $12,000
  41. Reach Out and Read NorthwestTacoma, WA

    Early learning - general support

    $12,000
  42. Tacoma Community HouseTacoma, WA

    Capital campaign

    $12,000
  43. Arts ImpactTacoma, WA

    Tacoma creative impact

    $10,000
  44. Bryant Neighborhood CenterTacoma, WA

    General support

    $10,000
  45. CJK Community HomesTacoma, WA

    Program support

    $10,000
  46. Consejo Counseling and Referral ServiceTacoma, WA

    Expanded learning opp.

    $10,000
  47. Girl Scouts of Western WashingtonSeattle, WA

    General support

    $10,000
  48. Harbor Hope CenterGig Harbor, WA

    General support

    $10,000
  49. Journeymen InstituteVashon, WA

    Basic needs

    $10,000
  50. Look Listen and LearnTukwila, WA

    Early learning - general support

    $10,000
  51. No More UnderSeattle, WA

    Expanded learning opportunities - general support

    $10,000
  52. Open Doors for Multicultural FamiliesTacoma, WA

    Early learning - general support

    $10,000
  53. Our Sister's HouseTacoma, WA

    Program support - DV housing and wraparound support

    $10,000
  54. Page Ahead Children's Literacy ProgramTacoma, WA

    Basic needs

    $10,000
  55. Peace Works United IncLakewood, WA

    Youth media program support

    $10,000
  56. Psesd Learning Communities FoundationTacoma, WA

    Basic needs

    $10,000
  57. Push for DreamsTacoma, WA

    General support youth programs

    $10,000
  58. Tacoma Urban LeagueTacoma, WA

    Youth program support

    $10,000
  59. Tacoma Youth ChorusTacoma, WA

    General support

    $10,000
  60. Washington Women in NeedPuyallup, WA

    General support

    $10,000
  61. YWCA of Pierce CountyTacoma, WA

    General support

    $10,000
  62. Palmer ScholarsLakewood, WA

    Program support - r. Merle palmer scholarship fund

    $9,000
  63. Building Youth Through MusicTacoma, WA

    Youth program support

    $8,500
  64. Communities for Healthy BayTacoma, WA

    Program support

    $8,500
  65. Pacific Lutheran University Center for Community EngagementTacoma, WA

    Program support - peoples gathering

    $8,500
  66. Brotherhood Rise CenterTacoma, WA

    Basic need - general support

    $8,000
  67. Key Peninsula NewsTacoma, WA

    Expanded learning opp.

    $8,000
  68. Museum of GlassTacoma, WA

    General support

    $8,000
  69. Olive CrestSanta Ana, CA

    Independent living programs support

    $8,000
  70. Puget Sound Community Wellness WorkshopsCovington, WA

    General support

    $8,000
  71. Tacoma Art MuseumTacoma, WA

    General support

    $8,000
  72. A Step Ahead Pierce CountyPuyallup, WA

    Program support

    $7,500
  73. Children's International Health ReliefTacoma, WA

    Basic needs

    $7,500
  74. First WashingtonKent, WA

    Expanded learning opp.

    $7,500
  75. Helping Hand HouseTacoma, WA

    Program and general support

    $7,500
  76. Hilltop ArtistsTacoma, WA

    Scholarship support-afterschool program, general support

    $7,500
  77. Innovations Human Trafficking CollaborativeOlympia, WA

    General support - trafficking survivor programs

    $7,500
  78. Job Carr Cabin MuseumTacoma, WA

    Education program support

    $7,500
  79. Program for Early Parent SupportLacey, WA

    Early learning - general support

    $7,500
  80. Tacoma Youth Symphony AssociationTacoma, WA

    Program support - youth programs

    $7,500
  81. Ted Brown Music OutreachTacoma, WA

    Expanded learning opp.

    $7,500
  82. Thrive InternationalSeattle, WA

    Expanded learning opp.

    $7,500
  83. Washington State Opportunity ScholarshipSeattle, WA

    General support

    $7,500
  84. Girls Hearts on FireTacoma, WA

    Program support - youth leadership and mentoring programs

    $7,000
  85. Puyallup Valley St Francis HouseCovington, WA

    Basic needs

    $7,000
  86. Girls on the Run Puget SoundSeattle, WA

    Program support - tacoma and pierce county schools

    $6,000
  87. Pierce County Project AccessTacoma, WA

    Support of health care access / counseling

    $6,000
  88. The Mockingbird SocietyBellevue, WA

    Expanded learning opp.

    $6,000
  89. Your Money MattersAuburn, WA

    Youth program support

    $6,000
  90. Ahat HomecareTacoma, WA

    General support

    $5,000
  91. Ashley HouseFederal Way, WA

    Program support

    $5,000
  92. Convene FoundationTacoma, WA

    Expanded learning opp.

    $5,000
  93. Divine Alternative for Dads ServicesLakewood, WA

    General support

    $5,000
  94. Eileen & Callie's PlaceFederal Way, WA

    General support

    $5,000
  95. Hands on Children's MuseumTacoma, WA

    Basic needs

    $5,000
  96. Innovative Change MakersLakewood, WA

    General support

    $5,000
  97. Key Peninsula Healthy CommunityVaughn, WA

    Early learning - child care

    $5,000
  98. King Cobras Athletic ClubVaughn, WA

    Expanded learning opp.

    $5,000
  99. NAMI - Pierce CountyTacoma, WA

    General support

    $5,000
  100. Network TacomaTacoma, WA

    Capital campaign for housing

    $5,000
  101. New ConnectionsTacoma, WA

    Expanded learning opp.

    $5,000
  102. Northwest Furniture BankTacoma, WA

    Program support and capacity building

    $5,000
  103. Northwest Infant Survival & Sids AllianceVancouver, WA

    Early learning - general support

    $5,000
  104. On the Road with Partner CafeUniversity Place, WA

    General support - mobile basic needs resources and referral

    $5,000
  105. Pacific Science CenterSeattle, WA

    General support

    $5,000
  106. Pearl Foundation Puget SoundLacey, WA

    General support

    $5,000
  107. Perinatal Support WashingtonTacoma, WA

    Early learning - general support

    $5,000
  108. Proyecto Mole-Leadership FoundationsSeattle, WA

    Postsecondary pathways - general support

    $5,000
  109. Puyallup Food BankTacoma, WA

    General program support

    $5,000
  110. Rainbow CenterTacoma, WA

    General program support

    $5,000
  111. Rebuilding Together South SoundLakewood, WA

    Basic needs

    $5,000
  112. Swan Creek Art AcademyTacoma, WA

    General support

    $5,000
  113. Tacoma Area Youth for ChristTacoma, WA

    Program support - mentor one 80 juvenile justice

    $5,000
  114. The Backstage FoundationBellevue, WA

    General support

    $5,000
  115. Washington DecaTukwila, WA

    Youth program support

    $5,000
  116. Northwest Association of Blind AthletesVancouver, WA

    General support

    $4,000
  117. Northwest SinfoniettaTacoma, WA

    General program support

    $4,000
  118. St Leo Food ConnectionTacoma, WA

    Childrens food program support

    $4,000
  119. Tacoma Opera AssociationTacoma, WA

    Expanded learning opp.

    $4,000
  120. Washington Healthcare Access AllianceTacoma, WA

    Access to postsecondary edu.

    $4,000
  121. Sumner Community Food BankSumner, WA

    General support basic needs

    $3,850
  122. Tacoma RowingUniversity PL, WA

    Capital funding for aed equipment

    $3,525
  123. Gridiron FoundationTacoma, WA

    Access to postsecondary edu.

    $3,000
  124. Seattle FoundationSeattle, WA

    Wa early childhood funders

    $3,000
  125. Tacoma Sister CitiesTacoma, WA

    Expanded learning opportunities - general support

    $3,000
  126. Wellspring Family ServicesTacoma, WA

    Basic needs

    $3,000
  127. Bethel Cooperative PreschoolTacoma, WA

    Basic needs

    $2,500
  128. Blue Star FamiliesEncinitas, CA

    General support

    $2,500
  129. Key Peninsula PreschoolVashon, WA

    Early learning - general support

    $2,500
  130. Kid Connect Pierce CountyAuburn, WA

    Basic needs - general support

    $2,500
  131. Operation HomefrontSan Antonio, TX

    General support

    $2,500
  132. Peace Community CenterTacoma, WA

    Basic needs - general support

    $1,500
  133. Team WRK FoundationTacoma, WA

    Expanded learning opp.

    $1,500
  134. College Success FoundationTacoma, WA

    Program support (tacoma empowering youth)

    $1,000
  135. Tacoma Pierce Affordable Housing ConsortTacoma, WA

    General support

    $1,000
  136. Association of Fundraising Professionals South SoundTacoma, WA

    General support

    $500
  137. South Sound Philanthropy SummitTacoma, WA

    General support

    $500
  138. Tacoma Community College FoundationTacoma, WA

    Scholarship fund

    $500
  139. Tacoma Public Library FoundationTacoma, WA

    Children's area furnishings

    $500
  140. GreentrikeTacoma, WA

    General operating and outreach program support

    $400

Where the money goes

By cause: grants to organizations we matched to the IRS list of exempt organizations, by their category.

  1. Human services10 grants $286,66627% of the total
  2. Arts and culture15 grants $217,90021% of the total
  3. Education9 grants $178,00017% of the total
  4. Philanthropy and grantmaking6 grants $88,5008% of the total
  5. Youth development5 grants $69,0007% of the total
  6. Health5 grants $35,0003% of the total
  7. 11 other causes20 grants $184,87517% of the total

By State

Grants to organizations with a US address, latest year.

  1. Washington138 grants $1,695,205
  2. Illinois1 grant $15,000
  3. California1 grant $2,500

Officers, directors and trustees

5 people as filed

As filed on the return, with average hours per week and pay from the foundation.

  • Calvin Bamford JrPRESIDENT / TREASURER Hours 1Pay $0
  • Joanne BamfordVP / DIRECTOR Hours 1Pay $0
  • Holly BamfordSECRETARY / DIRECTOR Hours 20Pay $126,525
  • Drew BamfordDIRECTOR Hours 1Pay $0
  • Heather BamfordDIRECTOR Hours 1Pay $0

The return

More foundations

Similar foundations

Same main cause (human services), giving between a quarter and four times this foundation’s where possible, nearby first.

  1. Gary E Milgard Family Foundation- SunshineTacoma, WA 69 grants Accepts applications $1,410,400 giving
  2. Gary E Milgard Family Foundation-LoriTacoma, WA 28 grants Accepts applications $2,400,348 giving
  3. Cedarmere FoundationSeattle, WA 13 grants Preselected only $1,684,224 giving
  4. McCreight FoundationGig Harbor, WA 4 grants Preselected only $1,866,000 giving
  5. The Fortive FoundationEverett, WA 13 grants Preselected only $1,476,250 giving