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GREATER GIG HARBOR FOUNDATION

EIN 43-2104829 GIG HARBOR, WA

Revenue 2024
$2,167,426
Expenses 2024
$2,066,147

Program services were 100.0% of total expenses calculated — Part IX's program-services column over total expenses, both as filed.

As filed

Subsection
03
NTEE code
N32
Classification
1000
Street
7191 WAGNER WAY STE 102

These codes are the IRS's own and are shown exactly as filed. What each one means is in the Business Master File documentation (opens in a new tab).

Mission and programs · 2024

Mission

The Greater Gig Harbor Foundation is a strategic community partner dedicated to strengthening the greater Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula region. GGHF brings people and resources together-leveraging research, expertise, partnerships, volunteers, grantmaking, and direct services to help address opportunity gaps and meet diverse community needs. GGHF works collaboratively across five core areas: arts and culture, education, parks and environment, recreation, and social capital. Since its founding in 2006, GGHF has invested more than $21.5M into the community, benefiting over 50 organizations and public agencies through grants, supporting more than 600 students with education scholarships, directing more than $2.8M toward hunger relief, over $6M for early childhood education, $3.35M for parks and outdoor spaces, and more than $2.5M for conservation initiatives. Through these efforts, the Foundation helps build, bridge, and enrich communities of the greater Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula area.

Activities or mission (Part I)

THE GREATER GIG HARBOR FOUNDATION WORKS TO HELP STRENGTHEN WASHINGTON STATE'S SOUTH PUGET SOUND COMMUNITIES OF THE GREATER GIG HARBOR AND KEY PENINSULAS THROUGH PROGRAMS, PROJECTS AND SERVICES, ENCOURAGING AND SUPPORTING EFFECTIVE CHARITABLE GIVING, AND BY PROVIDING LEADERSHIP ON CRITICAL ISSUES IN OUR COMMUNITY. OUR FIVE CORE AREAS INCLUDE: ARTS & CULTURE, EDUCATION, ENVIRONMENT, RECREATION AND SOCIAL CAPITAL.

  • The Greater Gig Harbor Foundation serves a regional population of more than 70,000 residents. As a community foundation, GGHF provides services and long-term stewardship of charitable funds to meet diverse community needs, and it acts as fiscal sponsor for numerous donor-directed funds, projects, and scholarship programs aligned with the Foundation's mission. In 2024, Foundation staff contributed more than 55,000 program hours, and more than 650 community volunteers provided an additional 38,000 volunteer hours across all GGHF initiatives. The Foundation raised over $250,000 to support local nonprofit organizations, community projects, public programming, grants, scholarships, and direct assistance. Signature fundraising and community engagement events supporting the Foundation's five core program areas included Cider Swig, Shamrock'n the Harbor, INDULGE, Students of Distinction, Gig Harbor Basket Brigade, The Community Table, #CommunityHarvest, and The Green Gig. GGHF also continued to support Pierce County, Washington State Parks, the City of Gig Harbor, and local park districts through its EnviroCorps program-now in its 20th year-which provides structured opportunities for volunteers to help maintain beaches, parks, trails, roadways, and public lands. In 2024, EnviroCorps volunteers contributed more than 13,000 hours, collected over 2,300 bags of litter and 100 bags of recyclables, conducted 140 hours of Litter Patrol, and provided 150 hours of direct service to community agencies. EnviroCorps maintained 22 road sections throughout Gig Harbor and the greater peninsula region and assisted with multiple remote-area cleanups involving abandoned machinery, appliances, garbage, and tires, improving public safety and environmental health. The Foundation also advanced work on plans for a permanent community center that will house a senior center, an event space, and an environmental learning center designed to meet the region's growing and diverse needs.

    Expenses $532,883 · Grants $86,250 · Revenue $1

  • The Foundation's largest program is GGHF Curious by Nature School (CBNS), the community's only nature-based early learning center. CBNS uses a Reggio Emilia-inspired, nature-immersed curriculum that supports the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and early literacy, math, science, and arts skills. Since 2012, the program has served more than 4,500 children ages 2 to 6 and has provided over $70,000 in tuition assistance to help reduce barriers to high-quality early childhood education. In 2024, CBNS served more than 400 children ages 2 to 10 through school-year programming, nature-based camps, and environmental education activities. The Foundation awarded $7,500 in financial assistance through the Steward Scholarship Fund, expanded its outdoor immersion program to meet growing demand, and offered free hands-on learning activities at multiple community events. CBNS also granted more than $5,000 to support professional development for early learning educators, with a focus on math readiness, literacy, social-emotional learning, and environmental stewardship. During 2024, CBNS continued its work toward becoming one of Washington State's first fully licensed outdoor, nature-based early learning programs through the Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF). More than 300 children and their families participated in community-connected environmental learning through the Jr. Explorers Program. CBNS received grant support and proceeds from its annual fundraiser, The Green Gig, and benefited from more than 7,800 volunteer hours contributed by parents, grandparents, educators, scientists, interns, and community members. Summer school and camp programs engaged approximately 300 children ages 3 to 10 in extended outdoor learning experiences.

    Expenses $1,282,828 · Grants $6,880 · Revenue $1,340,919

  • The Greater Gig Harbor Foundation's second-largest program is the Gig Harbor Senior Center (GHSC), the only community-based, self-funded center for active older adults in the greater Gig Harbor area. With more than 32% of the region's population now over age 60, GHSC continued expansion of its programs and services in 2024 to meet the growing needs of older adults seeking connection, wellness resources, educational opportunities, and social engagement. The Center has one 0.75 FTE director and one 0.35 FTE Tai Chi Instructor, and support from the Foundation's management and administrative staff for running day to day operations. Oversight and guidance is provided by a six-member Advisory Board. GHSC offereings include diverse programs that promote health, lifelong learning, community service, and social well-being. In 2024, GHSC built upon its 2023 professional services contract award from Pierce County Human Services by further developing and delivering programs specifically designed for adults age 60+. Membership and participation continued to increase, supported by a complex funding model that includes membership and program fees, private grants, business sponsorships, individual donations, and substantial financial and in-kind support from the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation. Approximately 70% of GHSC's annual operating budget was supported by private donations and two major fundraising events-INDULGE and Shamrock'n the Harbor-with membership fees providing roughly 9% of the budget and GGHF contributing about 17% through general fund support, staff time, and donated services and goods. In 2024, GHSC continued to strengthen its role as a vital resource for the region's expanding senior population, offering accessible programming and community engagement opportunities that enhance independence, wellness, and quality of life for older adults.

    Expenses $108,558 · Grants $335 · Revenue $155,017

  • Harbor Center - In 2024, major trides were made toward the "Harbor Center" (working title/name) will be located at the intersection of Pt. Fosdick & 36th in Gig Harbor, Washington. The 13.15-acre site will eb transformed into a community hub that integrates a long overdue senior center, event center and the community's first ever environmental learning center. Additionally, the project will ensure the permanent conservation of approximately 9 acres adjacent to the 209 acres of permanently forested land owned and managed by Pierce County Public Works as part of the Tacoma Narrows Airport protected fly zone. Accomplishments of 2024, included finalizing all studies, civil engineering, phase I architectural design work, and inital conservation strategy for permanent protection of about 65% of the site. The Harbor Center will be a place where generations connect, learn, and thrive - a community campus that includes a dedicated senior center, flexible event and learning spaces, and a nine-acre conservation area. By late 2024, the majority of all work was completed to prepare for submitting to Pierce County for permitting.

    Expenses $19,679 · Revenue $50,600

  • The Minerva Scholarship Fund continues to grant scholarships to women in the Peninsula area.

    Expenses $37,008 · Grants $34,000 · Revenue $85,581

  • Gig Harbor Basket Brigade - established in 1993 the Basket Brigade has provided more than 20,000 Thanksgiving meals (and more) to area families over the years. Each year, the Basket Brigade engages hundreds of volunteers. In 2022, while at the end of the pandemic, we were able to deliver more than 700 Thanksgiving Baskets to local families. More than 450 volunteers came to assist in the two-day operation, assembling baskets and delivering them.

    Expenses $24,835 · Grants $6,000 · Revenue $22,701

  • Students of Distinction is a community recognition program that awards post-secondary scholarships. In 2022, the program returned to its pre COVID-19 in-person awards dinner platform to recognize and celebrate the nominated graduating seniors for their remarkable achievements before a crowd of 200+ teachers, sponsors, family, and the community. This year, 36 Peninsula School District high school seniors were honored for superior effort in seven categories: Academics, Athletics, Business & Entrepreneurship, Community Service, Music, Art & Drama, Overcoming Adversity, and Science & Technology. Scholarships awarded were $12,000. Nearly $245,000 in post secondary scholarships have been awarded since 2003 and over 580 students have been recognized.

    Expenses $21,080 · Grants $11,250 · Revenue $25,759

  • Heron's Key Scholarship Fund. Started in 2018, the Heron's Key Scholarship Fund (HKSF) works to provide resources to Gig Harbor's youth in support of education programs within the Peninsula School District, including scholarship assistance to individual students and project support for staff enrichment. Since 2018, the fund has provided more than $40,000 in post secondary scholarships.

    Expenses $27,901 · Grants $26,650 · Revenue $25,115

  • Withheld by Nonprofiteer: this text may name a private individual.

    Expenses $11,375 · Grants $11,375 · Revenue $9,002

As filed on the 2024 return. A text marked withheld matched a screen for wording that may name a private individual, such as an honorific or "in memory of". Most of what it withholds names no one; it is withheld so that what does is never shown.

Officers and directors · 2024

As listed in Part VII of the 2024 return, in the order the filer printed them. Each return names its own; this is not a roster the organization keeps with us.

  • Ariel Gustanski

    Chief Operating Officer

    Total calculated
    $68,952
    From this org
    $68,952
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Hours/week
    40

  • Toni Gillespie

    Office Administrator

    Total calculated
    $47,325
    From this org
    $47,325
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Hours/week
    40

  • Odette Alina

    Director, Curious By Nature School

    Total calculated
    $44,458
    From this org
    $44,458
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Hours/week
    40

  • Joyce Shultz

    Board Member

    Total calculated
    $28,690
    From this org
    $28,690
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Hours/week
    30

  • Dena Randazzo

    Bookeeper

    Total calculated
    $28,419
    From this org
    $28,419
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Hours/week
    20

  • Rob Rigoni

    VP and EnviroCorps Manager

    Total calculated
    $18,862
    From this org
    $18,862
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Hours/week
    25

  • Julie Ann Gustanski

    Board Member/CEO

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    40

  • Jud Morris

    President

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    15

  • Barb Turecky

    Secretary

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    15

  • Rick Gillespie

    Board Treasurer

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    5

  • David Olson

    Board Member

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    15

  • Marlene Druker

    Board Member

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    15

  • Gina Cabiddu

    Board Member

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    15

  • David Cathers

    Board Member

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    5

Compensation is as filed in Part VII: reportable pay from this organization and from related organizations, other compensation, and hours per week. The total, marked calculated, is our sum of the three dollar columns, with a blank column counted as $0; the form itself has no total. On a Form 990-EZ the columns are Part IV's instead, and on a Form 990-PF Part VIII's — compensation, contributions to benefit plans, and expense account — and the total sums those. Earlier years are each on their own filing page.

Filings

  • 2024
    Revenue
    $2,167,426
    Expenses
    $2,066,147
    Contributions
    $571,992
    Grants paid
    $77,824
  • 2023
    Revenue
    $1,863,421
    Expenses
    $2,113,956
    Contributions
    $535,782
    Grants paid
    $114,307
  • 2022
    Revenue
    $942,389
    Expenses
    $1,185,378
    Contributions
    $330,820
    Grants paid
    $46,161

The four totals the IRS asks for on Part I of the Form 990, as filed. A dash means the figure was not present on the return — not that it was zero.

Other returns filed

  • 2021 · 990

    Revenue
    $1,193,487
    Expenses
    $688,921
    Assets (EOY)
    $1,121,076

  • 2020 · 990

    Revenue
    $751,509
    Expenses
    $586,419
    Assets (EOY)
    $465,298

  • 2019 · 990

    Revenue
    $940,250
    Expenses
    $768,185
    Assets (EOY)
    $226,085

  • 2018 · 990

    Revenue
    $611,525
    Expenses
    $571,807
    Assets (EOY)
    $147,536

  • 2017 · 990

    Revenue
    $509,876
    Expenses
    $490,919
    Assets (EOY)
    $116,093

  • 2016 · 990

    Revenue
    $427,310
    Expenses
    $376,783
    Assets (EOY)
    $97,136

  • 2014 · 990

    Revenue
    $201,833
    Expenses
    $253,906
    Assets (EOY)
    $63,312

  • 2011 · 990

    Revenue
    not reported
    Expenses
    $92,900
    Assets (EOY)
    $568,742

  • 2010 · 990

    Revenue
    not reported
    Expenses
    $87,448
    Assets (EOY)
    $603,120

Nonprofiteer parses Forms 990, 990-EZ and 990-PF, in a window of recent tax years. These returns are recorded from the IRS e-file index, so their figures were extracted by that index rather than read from the return here — treat them as a different source from the filings above, not as more of the same record. A dash means the index carries no figure; Form 990-T listings carry none at all.

Grants made

  • Friends of Harbor Hill Environmental Sanctuary

    $25,000

    2023 In November, the Friends of Harbor Hill Environmental Sanctuary received a $25,000 grant from the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation's GKKP Conservation Fund to support the Sanctuary project's environmental education and stewardship efforts.

Where these grants went next →

Grants received

Taxable family

From Schedule R Parts I, III and IV: entities that legally are the filer, and taxable partnerships, corporations and trusts it is related to. These record ownership and control, not shared board members or money.

Disregarded entities on its 2024 return

Other IRS files

Auto-Revocation List

Not listed. The IRS publishes this list for organizations whose exemption was automatically revoked for failing to file for three consecutive years.

Publication 78

Listed as of 13 October 2026, under deductibility PC.

These are two separate IRS files on two separate schedules, shown as published and not reconciled with each other. Neither is a statement about whether a contribution is deductible today: 19,245 organizations appear in Publication 78 while the IRS's own revocation file lists them as currently revoked, more than half of those revoked before 2019. Absence from Publication 78 is evidence of nothing, and presence is not evidence either. Verify current status with the IRS before relying on it.

What this page reflects

The registration facts above come from the IRS Business Master File published 13 October 2026 and read 26 October 2026, for every organization at once. Returns through tax year 2024, the newest we have parsed for this organization.