M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust

Last week, Murdock Trust staff gathered to spend a day focused on connection and forward-looking investment in who we are and where we are headed. We could not be more grateful for the team's dedication to our work and partners, as well as the unique value each person brings.

Thank you to University of Portland for allowing us to use their beautiful space!

It is with so much gratitude that we celebrate Stefanie Narhi's retirement at the Trust.

Joining the team in 2012 as Executive Assistant, Stefanie quickly became indispensable to the organization. She brought diligence, commitment, and warmth to each area of her work: CEO support, Trustee communications, event planning, and operations management. Her critical work served as the backbone for essential functions.

Beyond her excellence, Stefanie also brought a calming presence, quiet humor, and deep care for her colleagues and all of our partners. While we will greatly miss Stefanie's contributions and presence, we wish her the best as she enters her well-deserved retirement.

Learn more about Stefanie's story: https://bit.ly/4egJ8Bw

The Murdock Trust’s work is strengthened by advisors who bring unique perspectives as experts in their field.

We are proud to support one of our longtime Senior Fellows, Kent Thornburg, Professor of Medicine Emeritus at Oregon Health and Science University, as his research into the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease is featured in a new documentary.

Thornburg coined the term "the 100-year effect" to describe how early life environment can affect lifelong risk of chronic disease across generations. His research on epigenetics and generational health embodies the Trust's belief in the power of scientific research to improve quality of life.

Learn more about the documentary and where to watch it: https://bit.ly/3QnGMrs

In Washington state, it’s predicted that 75% of job openings through 2032 will require postsecondary credentials, yet the rate of attainment has stalled below 45% over ten years.

Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS) addresses this gap through a private-public partnership to support students facing barriers to earn postsecondary credentials and launch careers in STEM, healthcare, and the trades.

Learn how WSOS is working in a unique tri-sector partnership to not only focus on scholarships, but to build strong pathways from education to meaningful work, benefiting individuals, companies, and the overall community.

Read the full story: https://bit.ly/3Qpkd5u

Are you an executive director of a nonprofit looking to transform your organization’s fundraising strategy? Applications are open through July 17 for the Murdock Trust’s Essentials of Development 2027 cohort!

Launched over three decades ago, Essentials of Development is a year-long fundraising training program for small-to-midsize Pacific Northwest nonprofits. It includes two sessions (each two days) in Vancouver, WA with the head of your organization and 2 board members, along with personalized coaching.

Participating organizations will gain:
• Personalized coaching from experienced development professionals
• An understanding of the four essentials of effective fundraising
• Tools to powerfully communicate their mission
• A supportive community of peer organizations

If you lead an organization that would benefit from this training, we invite you to explore more about the program, eligibility, and the application process at https://bit.ly/45GVpv2.

10 counties in Washington have fewer than 10 dentists. 2 counties have none at all.

Lack of access to dental care is a significant healthcare disparity. To address this gap, Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) School of Dental Medicine uses a recruit-educate-return model, training students from rural and underserved areas who are more likely to return home to practice.

Learn more about PNWU's work and vision: https://bit.ly/4tPIik7

Strong nonprofit boards don't happen by accident.

The Murdock Trust’s Board Leadership program equips organizations to build and sustain them. Applications for our 2027 cohort are open through July 17 for Pacific Northwest nonprofits!

Developed in 2014 by experienced coaches and faculty, this nine-month training combines a virtual orientation, in-person intensive training, and personalized coaching.

Participating organizations explore:
• Four pillars of a high-performing board
• The distinct roles of the board and executive director
• Action steps for long-term sustainability
• Board culture and the critical relationship between board chair and executive director
• Aligning mission, vision, and values for strategic planning with measurable results and goals

Find program details, organizational eligibility, and how to apply: https://bit.ly/451G1sZ

We're hiring our first-ever Vice President of Information Technology!

As we look toward our next decade of impact, we're seeking a senior technology leader who will strengthen how we support nonprofit partners, inform decisions, and advance mission impact across the Pacific Northwest.

Learn more about the role and how to apply: https://bit.ly/3PPHD41

Earlier this month, Murdock Trust staff spent time in Anchorage connecting with the community in two meaningful ways: a listening session with local leaders to hear about the challenges and opportunities unique to Alaska and a graduation celebration for The Foraker Group's Catalyst for Change cohort.

Our team appreciated the chance to connect with and learn about the community and region. Thank you to the leaders who joined our listening session, and congratulations to the leaders who graduated from the program!

In our 50th year of partnering with nonprofits, 2025 proved to be a year of both/and: agility and challenge, purpose and uncertainty, honoring the past and leaning into the future.

Across the social sector, a rapidly changing funding landscape brought uncertainty and weariness. And still, nonprofits showed up for each other and those they serve, committed to sustaining their vision.

Our 2025 Annual Report shares the story of 337 grants and $85 million reaching communities across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Read the full report: https://bit.ly/4v1iz9l