Mission

The Dupar Foundation supports professionally managed non-profit projects and programs that focus on education, youth and health. We try to keep our grant making to charities in the King County area, with a few exceptions.

Four Primary Funding Efforts

The four primary efforts The Dupar Foundation provides financial support to are: Education Institutions and Related Activities, General Operating Funds, Youth Development Programs and Elderly & Disabled Programs.

Education


Funding for education institutions and related activities include universities, technical or vocational schools, community colleges and all programs within these institutions. Funding from the Dupar foundation covers mostly scholarships for students who grew up within the state of Washington. Please note, the foundation does not choose the scholars themselves, but leaves this task up to the institutions. Ultimately, these funds play a crucial role in fostering academic success, promotion lifelong learning, and preparing students for future challenges.

Operating Funds


General operating funds are essential for covering the day-to-day expenses of an organization. These funds support a range of activities, including staff salaries, utility bills, rent or mortgage payments, office supplies, and other routine operation costs. They ensure that the organization can run smoothly and efficiently without interruption, allowing it to maintain its core functions and services. General operating funds enable a non-profit organization to focus on its mission and goals, rather than being preoccupied with funding shortages.

Youth Development


Funding for youth programs plays a role in providing enriching opportunities and support for young people. This funding typically covers a variety of expenses, including educational materials, program staffing, facility maintenance, and activities designed to engage and develop youth. It supports after-school programs, summer camps, mentoring initiatives and sports. Ultimately, it empowers youth to reach their full potential, equips them with valuable life skills, and helps them navigate challenges with confidence.

Elderly & Disabled


Funding for elderly & disabled development programs is important for enhancing the quality of life and ensuring the well-being of older adults and individuals with disabilities. This funding typically covers a range of essential services and support, including accessible housing, personal care aid, mobility equipment, and specialized medical treatments. It also supports programs that offer social activities, vocational training, and educational needs to live a fulfilling life.

Please Note:

The Dupar Foundation will be accepting applications starting November 15, 2024.

Grants will be awarded to organizations that work to impact a positive change in people's lives and benefit our community.

About Us

Frank Dupar established the Frank A. and Ethel L. Dupar Charitable Trust in 1944, a trust document that provided for a 25-year life. Frank contributed cash from Palmer Supply Company and stocks from hotel companies and family enterprises to help fund the foundation.

The first trustees of the Frank and Ethel Dupar Charitable Trust were: Frank A. Dupar, Sr., Ethel L. Dupar, Frank A. Dupar, Jr., Dorothy D. Lynch, Robert W. Dupar and Marilyn French.

During the 1950’s family foundations came on the scene in the United States. They were established in perpetuity, rather than having an expiration date. The Dupar Charitable Foundation was established on January 28, 1954, for the exclusive support of Washington State Charities. The trust came to an end in 1969 and all its assets were granted to the Dupar Charitable Foundation.

Our Founders

The Dupar Foundation was founded by Francis Augustus Dupar, Sr. and his wife, Ethel Leona (Gilbert) Dupar in 1953. Frank Dupar was born in Grand Island, Nebraska in 1888. He moved west as a young man in 1906 and helped with the cleanup of the great earthquake in San Francisco, before becoming a journeyman plumber. He then moved to Seattle where he started working for Palmer Supply Company. He later purchased Palmer Supply Company and got involved in the hotel business. In 1930, Frank and Sievert Thurston combined their two companies to form the Western Hotels. After building hotels internationally they changed the name to Western International Hotels, which then became Westin.

Frank married Ethel in 1918 and they raised 8 children. She was very active in the community and started the Ethel L. Dupar Fragrant Garden for the Blind. She was an early supporter of the Children’s Orthopedic Hospital and donated many hours to the Seattle Children’s Home. She donated their property at Seabeck (previously the family summer camp) to the Camp Fire Girls. This was later sold to the State and is a part of Scenic Beach State Park. The Camp Fire Girls designated part of Camp Sealth to “Dupar Valley”, in honor of Ethel Dupar.

Dupar Foundation Through the Years

Frank Dupar, Sr., President. Seattle Rotary Club.

Ethel L. Dupar Fragrant Garden for the Blind Seattle, Washington

The Original Vision

World's Fair

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Olympic Hotel Seattle, Washington

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Olympic Hotel

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Benson Hotel Portland, Oregon

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Dupar Grandchildren at Family Camp

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Dupar Foundation Application Process

The Dupar Foundation is a family foundation. It is restricted to making grants and contributions to qualified organizations and institutions within the State of Washington. The average grant size is $2,500 to $5,000 within the State of Washington, preferably within the Puget Sound, King County area.

Grants will be awarded to organizations that work to impact a positive change in people’s lives and benefit our community.

Please note: The Dupar Foundation will be accepting applications starting November 15, 2024.

How to Donate

Please note, we are a monetary foundation only, and do not accept donations of household items, clothing, etc. To donate funds to the Dupar Foundation, please contact Shirlee Hargett at info@duparfoundation.org.

Ethel L. Dupar Fragrant Garden for the Blind 50th Anniversary

In 2023, the Dupar Foundation celebrated the Ethel L. Dupar Fragrant Garden for the Blind's 50th Anniversary.

Board of Trustees

Directors:
Adrienne G. Riley – President
Robert W. Dupar Jr. – Vice President
Thomas Dupar, Jr., - Treasurer
Michelle Dupar – Secretary

Trustees & Members:
Robert W. Dupar III
Dana Dupar
Francis Dupar IV
Mimi Dupar
Shirlee Hargett
Katharine Harris
James H. Lynch Jr.
Patty Meredith
Cathy Oliver

Contact

Dupar Foundation

Shirlee Hargett, Executive Director

info@duparfoundation.org
425-831-1505
PO Box 2060, North Bend, WA 98045