Creating pathways to employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Since the U.S. first recognized National Disability Employment Awareness Month in 1945, systemic barriers and inequities have persisted despite decades of advocacy and progress. Today, for example, the unemployment rate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) remains nearly twice as high as for those without disabilities. Across Washington and Oregon, the Kuni Foundation is honored to […]
Honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Local researchers driving global impact
Each October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month offers a moment to reflect on progress and recommit to advancing cancer research and care. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we are fortunate to live in a region that is driving and defining the future of cancer innovation. The Kuni Foundation is honored to partner with world-class cancer researchers […]
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: Accelerating Innovation
Cancer remains the leading cause of disease-related death in children, and for those diagnosed with aggressive bone sarcomas such as Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma, survival rates have not improved in decades. These cancers often return after treatment, spreading to distant parts of the body and leaving children and families with few options. Across the Pacific […]
A playground that unites and inspires
Fruit Valley Park in Vancouver, Washington, spans six acres and serves more than 1,000 households, a central gathering space known for its natural beauty, community garden, and movie nights. The well-loved playground needed replacement, and the Kuni Foundation worked collaboratively with the City of Vancouver to reimagine the space with a focus on inclusive design […]
Kuni Foundation awards $13.4 million to advance IDD inclusion and cancer research across the Pacific Northwest
Funding deepens ongoing commitment to accelerate inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and world-class cancer studies in Washington and Oregon Vancouver, Wash. — June 11, 2025 — In its largest Spring Grant Cycle to date, the Kuni Foundation awarded more than $13.4 million to support bold innovation in cancer research and greater inclusion […]
Centering inclusion: Sabin CDC and partners advance affordable housing for people with IDD
Sabin Community Development Corporation (CDC) recently hosted an engaging roundtable at its Center of Joy in Northeast Portland to highlight recent work with Portland State University (PSU) and other housing efforts. Graduate students from PSU’s Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) Program kicked off the gathering with a presentation of their feasibility study, analyzing […]
An evening of community, compassion and hope with the University of Washington Medicine
Surrounded by Dale Chihuly’s inspiring glass artwork, an equally inspiring capacity crowd came together on April 18 for the University of Washington Medicine’s annual Spring Soirée. Speakers including university leaders, researchers and UW Medicine patients all helped evoke a hopeful future, celebrating the power of medical research and philanthropy to create a better, healthier community […]
Kuni Foundation Awards $11.3 million to Washington and Oregon Nonprofits
Funding accelerates inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and revolutionary cancer research. From a documentary film on Autism to a first-in-the-world clinical trial for children’s leukemia, the Kuni Foundation’s recent round of funding is powering potential through grants, advocacy and program related investments. A full list of funded organizations can be found here. […]
Empowering Independence: Horizon Project, Inc. Launches STEP Center for Independent Living in Hermiston
On a beautiful day in April with a room full of supporters, Horizon Project, Inc. proudly announced the opening of the STEP Center for Independent Living in Hermiston, Oregon. Rooted in the organization’s mission to empower adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, this innovative program promises to be a beacon of support and opportunity for […]
Kuni Foundation Awards $2.5 million to Advance IDD Housing Options and Catalytic Cancer Research
Funded projects include renovations to assist in aging in place for residents with IDD, the use of artificial intelligence to detect skin cancer and an exciting homeownership pilot project for neurodiverse adults. The Kuni Foundation awarded more than $2.5 million during the organization’s most recent round of grantmaking to accelerate groundbreaking cancer research and inclusive, […]