2018 – 2020 President’s Term Report
Who we are. Why we are.
Leaders. Entrusted. Dedicated. Inspiring. Professionals.
Some of the public rooms entrusted to the Foundation to maintain and enhance the rooms’ furnishings and art.
Special Tours in 2019/2020
Women’s History, Suffrage – highlighted tours
In 2019 and 2020 the Foundation put an emphasis on integrating tours and special events into the larger themes of the state, emphasizing Washington artists and relating Foundation collections to the Washington story. The GMF Tour Program brought first person interpretations to tour goers about events and personalities in the Mansion as well as emphasizing Women’s History in the Mansion including the state’s first ladies and landmark historical events.
We are exceptionally proud of our record of service to the state and its people through private fundraising to acquire and care for our collection. Our remarkable Docents have given thousands of volunteer hours conducting free tours for residents and visitors relating the fascinating history of the house as an important part of Washington’s heritage.
Events
January 2019 – Suffragists Trail
Docent Shanna Stevenson portraying Spokane Suffragist May Arkwright Hutton at the Mansion housewarming in January 1909, addressing the right of women to vote as pivotal legislators were present.
March 2019 – Meet some of Washington’s First Ladies and one Governor on “Special First-Person tours”
January 2020 – 1909 Housewarming History
Shanna Stevenson portrayed “Zephorena Cosgrove”, wife of Washington Governor Samuel Cosgrove, the sixth governor of the state of Washington.
March 2020 – Women Gain the Right to Vote in 1920
March 2020 – Washington Ratifies the US 19th Constitutional Amendment for Women’s Suffrage”. Costumed docent, Shanna Stevenson portraying Representative Frances Haskell in portrayal of the March 22, 1920 ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution for voting rights for women by the Washington State Legislature.
Sustained by Endowment, donations, and fundraisers
Endowment. Fundraisers. Donations.
Self-sustaining at no taxpayers’ expense.
Endowment Program
In 1988 the Board of the Governor’s Mansion Foundation voted to establish an endowment fund to provide a permanent source of income for the acquisition and maintenance of the furnishings and art for the Mansion. This fund was intended to provide for non-operational projects.
The Endowment was promoted as a Centennial Gift to Washington as the state celebrated its 100th Birthday in 1989.
Since 1999 the Endowment has been placed with the Seattle Foundation, which administers two separate funds for us:
Endowment Fund
The assets of the Fund are held by the Seattle Foundation and comingled with other Seattle Foundation property for investment purposes. A percentage of the fund is annually distributed to the Governor’s Mansion Designated Fund.
Designated Funds
The funds distributed into the Designated Fund are the funds we are allowed to spend on the Mansion furnishings, art and educational programs. This fund continues to earn income and that is also ours to spend. However, the Seattle Foundation retains control of these funds and we must request a grant from them each time we need support for a project.
Our Endowment Funds are doing well and we have over one million dollars in the Endowment and Designated Funds, and that provides the Governor’s Mansion Foundation with a sense of stability and ensures that we will be able to continue maintaining and preserving the Mansion, and providing public education about the Mansion regardless of future membership and fundraising.
Other sources of income to cover Foundation operations
Throughout the year many members, companies and friends of the Mansion donate generously to the operational fund of the Foundation. In addition, the Chamber Concerts, wine socials, retail sales, and art exhibits – all hosted and put on by the Foundation – are self-supporting and well attended fundraisers.