Vancouver, Wash. — June 1, 2026 — Kuni Foundation awarded more than $3 million through its 2026 spring grant cycle to community partners serving rural and urban communities across Washington and Oregon.
“Transformative progress begins with bold ideas and the people courageous enough to pursue them,” said Angela Hult, President of Kuni Foundation. “These grants reflect our commitment to advancing innovative cancer research and creating more inclusive communities where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can thrive. From supporting breakthroughs in pediatric cancer to expanding access to housing, employment and community connection, our partners are improving lives across the Pacific Northwest each day. We are honored to invest in their vision, leadership and impact.”
Advancing innovative cancer research and scientific discovery
Building on its 2025 fall grant cycle, which funded 17 cancer research projects, the Foundation awarded 19 Imagination Grants this spring. Nearly $2 million in new funding was awarded to cancer researchers in Washington and Oregon, supporting 22 established and early-career principal investigators at leading research institutions throughout the Pacific Northwest.
The grants support research focused on improving cancer detection, treatment, affordability and clinical outcomes across multiple cancer types. More than 25% of funded projects focus on pediatric cancer, a critical yet underfunded area that receives only about 4% of federal funding for cancer research—a figure that has remained largely unchanged for decades.
Funded projects include an Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) study examining how drug responses within pediatric bone sarcomas influence patient outcomes. Seattle Children’s Hospital received four grants to advance research into pediatric neuroblastoma and other solid tumors, osteosarcoma treatment resistance, and safer, more effective therapies for children with cancer.
Expanding inclusion and housing for people with IDD
Kuni Foundation awarded nearly $1 million in Imagination Grants to 23 nonprofit organizations supporting people with IDD throughout Washington and Oregon. The projects and initiatives address a wide range of community needs, including inclusive housing, employment services, arts, education, healthcare navigation, transportation, outdoor recreation, and technology.
Independence Through Interdependence (ITI) received a $49,500 grant to develop and pilot an innovative phoneme-based augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device. Founded and led by autistic and ADHD women, ITI’s all-neurodivergent team is advancing research, prototyping, and early proof-of-concept development in Oregon in partnership with Portland-based Tula Consulting.
In response to ongoing provider capacity challenges and limited access to inclusive employment and community services in King County, Wash., Orion Industries received a $50,000 grant to expand into the Auburn/South King County region in 2026. This bridge funding supports the startup costs, expanded services, and time required to build a sustainable caseload for long-term financial sustainability—ensuring more individuals with IDD in South King County can access employment and community inclusion opportunities for greater independence, connection and stability.
In addition, Kuni Foundation provided more than $170,000 to strengthen statewide IDD advocacy efforts in partnership with organizations including The Arc Oregon, The Arc of Washington State, Community Vision, and Disability Rights Oregon.
Together, these investments reflect Kuni Foundation’s commitment to advancing innovation, expanding opportunity, and improving quality of life across the Pacific Northwest. Below is a full list of our latest grant recipients:
2026 Imagination Grants for Cancer Research
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Institute for Systems Biology
- Oregon Health & Science University
- Providence Portland Medical Center
- Seattle Children’s Hospital
- University of Washington Medicine
2026 Imagination Grants for IDD and Housing
- Albertina Kerr (OR)
- Alpha Supported Living Services (WA)
- Camp Yakety Yak (OR)
- Cares of Washington (WA)
- Community Homes (WA)
- Fair Housing Council of Oregon (OR)
- Group Action for Peninsula People (WA)
- Germaine’s Culinary (OR)
- Holly Ridge Center (WA)
- Independence Through Interdependence (OR)
- North Pole Studio (OR)
- Orion Industries (WA)
- Parents Empowered and Communities Enhanced (PEACE) NW (WA)
- Parkview Services (WA)
- Pearl Buck Center (OR)
- REACH Inc. (OR)
- Ryther (WA)
- Skagit Preschool and Resource Center (WA)
- Steps (WA)
- The Arc of Grays Harbor (WA)
- The Friendship Circle of Washington (WA)
- The Shadow Project (OR)
- Victory Academy (OR)
About Kuni Foundation
Kuni Foundation advances the power of human potential. Based in Vancouver, Wash., we support scientists revolutionizing cancer research and advance inclusive opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Since 2017, the Foundation has awarded more than $94 million to organizations throughout Washington and Oregon in service to its mission. Visit kunifoundation.org to learn more.
