May Newsletter: Stay Engaged

NEWSLETTER VOL 15 | May 2025

Stay Engaged

As we head into summer, it’s easy to shift into vacation mode—putting off things like charitable giving until the end-of-year rush. But the causes and communities that rely on our collective support can’t wait. Recent developments have underscored this urgency. For example, in Washington state and beyond, many immigrant and refugee communities are facing increasing uncertainty as protections are rolled back.

The need for intentional, equity-driven giving remains constant—even (and especially) in quieter months. Yet, data shows most U.S. charitable giving still flows elsewhere: in 2023, 24% went to religious organizations, while only 3.4% supported environmental causes, and just 14% went to human services. These numbers remind us how important it is to align our giving with the urgency of the times we live in.

This month, instead of sharing a new blog post, we’re revisiting one of our most resonant pieces—focused on charitable giving through an equity lens. Let’s stay engaged as we head into summer mode, and continue expressing our values across our entire financial picture.

Mount Rainer + Wildflowers - digital painting by Linda Sholberg

BLOG POSTS

Thu, Jan 11

Charitable Giving Through an Equity Lens

Trust-based philanthropy is centered around the idea that those closest to the problems are best equipped to serve their communities and know how to deploy their scarce resources for maximum impact.

How to Reduce Economic Inequality by Expanding Employee Ownership

This article discusses how expanding employee ownership—through models like ESOPs, worker cooperatives, and employee ownership trusts—can significantly reduce economic inequality by providing workers, especially those from marginalized communities. It highlights that such ownership structures not only improve financial security and job quality but also promote greater resilience and equity within local economies. Employee ownership has grown in recent years to become an attractive investment opportunity. We are currently researching compelling private investment asset managers and funds in this space. Reach out to learn more.

Washington Enacts Substantial Changes to Estate and Capital Gains Taxes

This article summarizes the recent changes to Washington State’s estate tax and capital gains tax - which may reshape estate planning priorities for many Washingtonians going forward. Key takeaways: capital gains tax rate will rise from 7% to 9.9% on gains over $1 million, and the estate tax exclusion will increase to $3 million, with rates up to 35% for estates exceeding $9 million.

EVENTS WE PARTICIPATED IN

NextGen investors for social impact: The power to scale Employee Ownership

Last month, Humanize Wealth partner Leslie Rosenberg was a co-panelist for a wide ranging discussion around the unprecedented opportunity to scale employee ownership (EO) as a solution to wealth inequality in the U.S. In case you missed it, the recording of the call is now available online. Check it out!

Renton Regional Community Foundation event

Earlier this month, our team joined more than 250 people for an evening of joy, connection, and community hosted by the Renton Regional Community Foundation (RRCF). Amidst the profound challenges currently facing our region, we were encouraged and inspired by wise words of leaders from the Ukrainian Community Center of Washington, UTOPIA Washington & more; by beautiful music from members of Songs of Black Folk; by invitations to take action locally from ten nonprofit partners on-hand to educate and inform; and by choosing to embrace hope. The event raised more than $150,000 for RRCF and the CARE Together Fund - which invests vital resources in local nonprofits who are addressing some of South King County’s most critical needs.

UPCOMING EVENTS

When: June 20-22nd
Where: SIFF Film Center, Seattle
Cost: Tickets available online; pricing varies

Guardians tells the inspiring story of Amazonian Indigenous environmental defenders standing at the frontline of protecting sacred lands and waters. Through their courage and resilience, the film sheds light on the vital connection between Indigenous rights and global environmental justice. It invites viewers to rethink how we relate to the Earth and each other, urging bold action toward a sustainable future.

Join the Seattle community for a compelling evening of film, conversation, and commitment to protecting our planet. Hosted at the SIFF Film Center. RSVP here or learn more about the film.

Have a friend that would enjoy reading this newsletter? Forward this email to them and they can subscribe using the button below!