M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust announces new CEO to join July 2022

The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, one of the largest grantmaking foundations in the Portland area, announced a new CEO beginning July 2022, Romanita Hairston. Hairston will be the Murdock Trust’s fifth CEO, following the retirement of Steve Moore after 16 years of service.

Hairston comes to the Murdock Trust from a position at Microsoft. Previously, Hairston was vice president of U.S. programs at World Vision, a major charitable nonprofit. She also served as program director at the Murdock Trust for several years, before focusing on the future of work and learning at Microsoft. Now, Romanita returns to the foundation where she will oversee the work of the third largest grantmaking foundation in the Portland area.

Last year, the Murdock Trust announced a record year of giving, totaling $110 million through 460 grants. Since its founding in 1975 after the untimely death of its benefactor and Tektronix co-founder, Jack Murdock, the foundation has given $1.2 billion to nonprofit organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest.

M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust announces Summer 2022 grants

 Recently, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, a private nonprofit foundation in Vancouver, WA, released their Summer 2022 grants report. They awarded more than $26.7 million to nonprofit organizations in the Pacific Northwest that strengthen the region’s cultural, social, educational, and spiritual fabric. The Greater Portland area saw two nonprofits receive grants.

 Girls on the Run Greater Oregon received $188,500 to help hire new staff for youth outreach. This organization is an athletics nonprofits that provides programs for girls in elementary and middle school, inspiring them to engage in physical activity as a way to gain confidence, learn life skills, and stay active.

 Sanctuary Inn, a nonprofit retreat for Christian missionaries, received $147,000. Guests come to Sanctuary Inn for pastoral counsel, healing prayer, restorative manual labor, solitude, life coaching, personal care, and cross-cultural engagement. The grant from the Murdock Trust will help them expand their services for guests.

 The Murdock Trust has awarded more than $1.2 billion to nonprofits in the region since its founding in 1975.

M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust announces Spring 2022 grantees

The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust in Vancouver, WA, recently released its Spring 2022 Grants Report. The nonprofit foundation announced that it gave $32.5 million throughout the Pacific Northwest, including Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, and Alaska.

In Vancouver alone, the Murdock Trust gave $540,500 to Shared Hope International, $151,500 to Pink Lemonade Project, and $400,000 to Cornerstone Christian Academy for Learning and Leadership. Each of these grants were given to help build the capacity of the nonprofit’s work, such as for new training platforms, new services, and expanded education programs.

Murdock Trust Executive Director Emeritus Steve Moore noted that this grants report marks a special moment for the foundation, as it was his final quarter before passing the baton to incoming CEO Romanita Hairston. Moore said that he was excited for the future of the Murdock Trust and that he will continue to serve his community by supporting leaders and encouraging generosity throughout our region. Romanita will officially begin as CEO in July 2022.