"I've planned for many years now that the majority of my estate will be left to philanthropy to continue the work of the foundation and to fund nonprofit scientific research like the groundbreaking work being done at the
Allen Institute for Brain Science," Allen said. "As our philanthropy continues in the years ahead, we will look for new opportunities to make a difference in the lives of future generations."
In recognition of its twentieth anniversary, the foundation awarded five special grants of $20,000 each to founders of nonprofits in the region it has supported. The recipients are Rachel Bristol, CEO of the
Oregon Food Bank; Bridge Cooke, executive director of
Adelante Mujeres, a grassroots organization that works to educate and empower Latina women and their families; Jeanne Harmon, executive director of the
Center for Strengthening the Teaching Profession; Myra Platt and Jane Jones of the
Book-It Repertory Theatre; and Ken Stuart, president of the
Seattle Biomedical Research Institute.