Schultz Family Foundation

The Schultz Family Foundation, established in 1996 by Starbucks co-founder Howard Schultz and his wife Sheri, is a prominent philanthropic organization based in Seattle, Washington. Its core mission is to create pathways to opportunity, focusing on empowering individuals and strengthening communities across the United States. The foundation operates with a deep commitment to addressing systemic barriers and fostering social mobility, primarily through strategic grant-making and collaborative partnerships with non-profit organizations.

The foundation's work is primarily structured around three key initiatives: Onward Youth, Onward Veterans, and Onward Community. Onward Youth aims to support young people aged 16-24 who are not engaged in school or employment, helping them acquire skills and secure meaningful work. Onward Veterans focuses on assisting post-9/11 veterans in their transition to civilian life, addressing challenges such as employment and mental wellness. The Onward Community initiative tackles broader societal issues like food insecurity and economic opportunity, often through local partnerships designed to build resilient communities.

The Schultz Family Foundation demonstrates significant financial commitment to its causes. In 2022 alone, the foundation disbursed over $40 million in grants to various organizations working on its core initiatives. For instance, in the same year, it provided a substantial grant of $2 million to Year Up, Inc., an organization dedicated to closing the opportunity divide for young adults. The foundation has also made large-scale commitments, including a $100 million pledge towards its "Onward Together" initiatives, underscoring its long-term vision for impactful change.

As a philanthropic entity, the Schultz Family Foundation does not engage in venture capital investments in the traditional sense, but rather provides grants to non-profit organizations. Its funding approach is characterized by a blend of direct financial support and strategic collaboration, aiming to amplify the efforts of its partners and drive measurable outcomes in the areas of youth development, veteran support, and community resilience. The foundation continues to be a significant force in the philanthropic landscape, leveraging its resources to foster a more equitable and opportunity-rich society.