United Way of King County Receives $1 Million Grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for New Home

SEATTLE -- United Way of King County is closer to meeting its $4 million fundraising goal for its new headquarters thanks to the generosity of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The foundation's $1 million grant will go toward the purchase of United Way of King County's new headquarters, which will be located at 205 Columbia Street in Seattle. The organization expects to move into the new structure on July 1, 2003.

"This generous grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation shows the commitment they have for the Community Safety Net and for making King County stronger," United Way of King County President/CEO Jon Fine said. "The Gates family have been strong supporters of ours for decades, and this grant shows their ongoing commitment to our mission.  Thanks to their extraordinary generosity, we are going to be able to better serve the community."

The grant is part of a $4 million fundraising effort to offset costs for purchasing the new building. United Way of King County has been headquarted at the 10-story Lowman Building on 107 Cherry Street since 1957, which was purchased for their use by the Boeing Company.

United Way of King County is moving from its 107 Cherry Street location to be more effective. Currently, United Way of King County's employees are spread throughout 10 floors.  The future headquarters, located two blocks northeast of the current building, will allow United Way of King County to seamlessly conduct business in a more efficient building at a central location.

United Way of King County is a nonprofit community-impact organization supporting King County since 1921. United Way of King County assesses needs through data-driven research to address the community's most pressing needs. A 61-member volunteer board of directors governs United Way of King County, and several hundred other community volunteers provide direction for programs and activities. A staff of 135 supports all efforts.

On the Internet:
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, www.gatesfoundation.org
United Way of King County, www.unitedwayofkingcounty.org