The Dimmer Family Foundation, established in 1993 by John C. and Marilyn J. Dimmer in Tacoma, Washington, aims to support community betterment primarily in Tacoma-Pierce County through grants exceeding $12 million to date. Its mission focuses on benefiting children, families, the elderly, military and veterans, education, civic improvements, social services, culture and the arts, healthcare, animals, and the environment. With a commitment to enhancing the community, it supports a wide range of charitable organizations and projects, reflecting the diverse interests of the Dimmer family members.
The Dimmer Family Foundation’s grant program primarily supports organizations serving Tacoma-Pierce County, focusing on various cause areas including support for children, families, the elderly, military and veterans, education, civic improvements, social services, culture and the arts, healthcare, animals, and the environment. Interested organizations must meet geographic criteria and make an initial inquiry via email. The grant application process involves consideration of past interactions with the foundation, personal relationships between board members and applicant organizations, and alignment with the foundation’s mission. The majority of grants are decided upon during the Board’s spring meeting, with a secondary meeting in the fall, and occasional decisions made outside these meetings for urgent requests. The foundation advises previously supported organizations to periodically update the foundation on their progress to remain under consideration for future grants.