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
The fund is open exclusively to Eastside Pathways Partners and prioritizes efforts within the Bellevue and Lake Washington School District catchment areas.
Honoring a Legacy of Equity and Community
Named in memory of Bill Henningsgaard, Eastside Pathways’ founding board chair and executive director, this fund celebrates Bill’s unwavering commitment to community, collective action, and racial equity. The Bill H. Fund for Children awards annual, unrestricted grants to local organizations that serve youth and families in East King County while advancing equitable systems change.
2024 Grant Recipient
On behalf of the Eastside Pathways Leadership Council, we proudly recognize the Eastside Native American Education Program as the 2024 recipient of the Bill H Fund for Children grant in the amount of $10,000.
This incredible program has become a cornerstone of belonging and cultural enrichment for Native American, Alaska Native, and American Indian students across the Lake Washington, Bellevue, and Northshore School Districts.
“Your unwavering commitment to fostering a sense of community, preserving cultural heritage, and supporting the educational journey of Indigenous students has had a profound and lasting impact.”
The Leadership Council honors the transformative work this program has done to:
- Celebrate Native youth identity
- Foster deep cultural connections
- Support academic and social growth
- Create community and space for Indigenous belonging
This grant reflects our belief in your mission and a commitment to your continued success.
Past Recipients
2023: Culture Clash Series – Africans on the Eastside
2022: Mental Health and Social Emotional Wellbeing – Youth Eastside Services
2021: Systems working to battle the dual pandemics of COVID-19 and racial inequity – Sistema Escolar USA
2020: Mental Health & Social Emotional Wellbeing among children and youth – Lake Washington Schools Foundation (Balance in Mind program)
2018: College and Career Readiness (middle and high school) – Boys & Girls Club of Bellevue – BE GREAT: Graduate (BGG) program
2017: Transitions (grades 8-9 and 12-college) – Sammamish Leads Program by Bellevue Schools Foundation
2016: Attendance and/or Tardiness – Community Truancy Board
2015: School Readiness and Early Learning – Chinese Information and Service Center
2014: Summer and Extended Learning – Bellevue YMCA