Svanee’s Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Svanee’s Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to animals.

IP TAKE: The foundation lacks transparency, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. Grantmaking appears to prioritize organizations in the state of Washington, where the foundation is based. The foundation does not appear to accept unsolicited proposals, but contact information is provided below. It appears that the foundation’s grantmaking has paused since 2022, despite healthy assets, but this could change in coming tax years.

PROFILE: Established in 2013, the Svanee’s Foundation was founded by retired dentist Russell Castner and his wife Svanhild. The foundation does not maintain a website, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. According to tax filings, the Svanee’s Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to animals.

Grants for Animal Research and Animal Welfare

This funder’s grants for animals tend to focus on the welfare of animals, as well as research dedicated to studying animals and their environments. Past mid-sized organizations include Pasado’s Safe Haven, Kitsap Humane Society, and Seattle Humane.

Russell and Svanhild Castner have also committed $250,000 to create scholarship opportunities for Central Washington University students in memory of their daughter, Amy Castner, through the Amy Marie Castner Scholars Program.

The couple also created the Russell L. Castner Endowed Research Fund at University of Washington’s Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences. Russell earned an environmental health degree as one of the first graduates of the UW School of Public Health.

Important Grant Details:

This funder made about $900,000 in grants in a recent year. Grants range from $5,000 to $100,000. Past grantees include Save a Forgotten Equine, Central Valley Animal Rescue, Greyhound Pets Inc., Progressive Animal Welfare Society and the Seattle Humane Society.

The foundation keeps a low profile and does not accept unsolicited proposals. An address an phone number are provided below.

PEOPLE:

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CONTACT:

Svanee’s Foundation
P.O.Box 77012
Seattle, WA 98177

(206) 949-6898