The Wayne D. Kuni and Joan E. Kuni Foundation has partnered with the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington to create a new $50 million fund that will support cancer and other medical research, and enhance the lives of developmentally disabled adults.
Before Wayne passed away more than a decade ago, he planned to gift his ownership in Kuni Automotive—a dealership group he founded and grew over 35 years — to a private foundation. That planned gift has made the Wayne D. Kuni and Joan E. Kuni Foundation one of the largest private charitable foundations in Washington.
“Wayne and Joan’s wish was to help as many people as possible,” said Carolyn Miller, board chair of the Kuni Foundation. “The Community Foundation is the right partner to help expand and enhance our work well into the future.”
The Kuni Foundation board and community foundation staff will work together to ensure that the grants awarded are aligned with Wayne and Joan’s original wishes and achieve the greatest impact.
“We look forward to helping the Kuni Foundation fulfill Wayne and Joan’s mission of supporting cancer and other medical research, and adults with developmental disabilities,” said Jennifer Rhoads, president of the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington.
Kuni Foundation has provided funding for the construction and operation of Stephen’s Place, a loving, supportive adult care home for adults with developmental disabilities; $5 million to Oregon Health & Science University to support cancer research; and more.
About the Wayne D. Kuni and Joan E. Kuni Foundation
The Wayne D. Kuni and Joan E. Kuni Foundation is one of the largest private charitable foundations in Washington. It has supported cancer and other medical research in addition to enhancing the lives of developmentally disable adults since 2005. www.kunifoundation.org
About the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington
Established in 1984, the Community Foundation helps Southwest Washingtonians build a more vibrant community by inspiring investments in local philanthropy. The Foundation holds more than 300 distinct funds, which are actively invested to generate growth and income for granting purposes. Governed by an esteemed volunteer Board, the Community Foundation offers benefits and services to donors, nonprofits and the community at large. Learn more at www.cfsww.org.