Bill Henningsgaard Fund for Children

Bill Henningsgaard was the founding board chair and executive director of Eastside Pathways. His bold vision and deep belief in the power of community launched our collective impact movement in East King County. Tragically, Bill passed away in August 2013—but his legacy continues to shape and inspire our work every day.

To honor his lifelong commitment to children and equity, the Eastside Pathways Board established the Bill Henningsgaard Fund for Children—a grant that carries forward his values and catalyzes change.

About the Grant

The Bill H. Fund for Children supports work that betters the lives of children, youth, and young adults by strengthening the systems that serve them. Each year, Eastside Pathways awards an unrestricted grant to a partner organization that:

• • Centers equity by addressing systemic barriers and uplifting historically excluded communities
  • Advances collective impact through cross-sector collaboration
  • Creates measurable opportunities for youth to thrive—educationally, emotionally, and socially

Grant Making Protocol

Each year, the Eastside Pathways Leadership Council—the partnership’s decision‑making and accountability body—reviews nominations and selects the award recipient using established criteria that reflect our shared values.

Decision‑Making Parameters

• • Budget size and how the award will meaningfully strengthen organizational capacity
  • Impact on youth, including quality, reach, and demonstrated outcomes
  • Focus on populations furthest from justice, ensuring equity is centered
  • Impact on the broader community, including partnerships, family engagement, and systems‑level influence
  • Policy or advocacy efforts that improve conditions for children and youth

Additional Eligibility Requirements

• • Organizations must be Eastside Pathways partners
  • Recommendations and awards are limited to partners
  • Organizations cannot receive the award in consecutive years, but remain eligible in later cycles