November 20, 2007 Taproot Foundation's Awards to Local Nonprofits tops $600,000 Recent gift from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to help 20 area nonprofits effectively pursue their mission

SEATTLE -- Taproot Foundation has awarded an additional five service grants to King County nonprofits. Recipients include Chinese Information and Service Center, Climate Solutions, ECOSS (Environmental Coalition of South Seattle), Kids Co., and Senior Services.

Since Taproot Foundation's initial grant round in Seattle in March 2007, approximately $600,000 worth of pro bono services has been awarded to fifteen Seattle area nonprofit organizations. By the end of 2009, Taproot Foundation expects to have awarded 100 grants with a total value of $4 million in professional services. The organization's official kick-off took place in early November at a launch party for current volunteers, nonprofit grantees, and local funders.

To read the full press release, visit the Taproot Foundation Web site.

###
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people's health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, the foundation is led by CEO Patty Stonesifer and co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett.