Bill Longbrake
/SOURCE OF WEALTH: Washington Mutual
FUNDING AREAS: Human Services, Education, Religious
OVERVIEW: Bill Longbrake and family move their philanthropy through the Longbrake Family Foundation, which, according to available tax filings, awarded $223,000 in grants in 2018. The foundation, through nonprofit organizations, supports affordable housing, education, and Christian mission; it once had a website but it does not appear to be currently active.
BACKGROUND: Bill Longbrake graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in economics from the College of Wooster in 1965, earned a master’s degree in monetary economics in 1968 and an MBA in 1969 from the University of Wisconsin, and a Ph.D. in finance from the University of Maryland in 1976. Longbrake began his career in Washington, D.C., in 1970, serving in various government positions until 1982. He was CFO and deputy to the chairman of the FDIC in 1994 and 1995. Longbrake was CFO and vice chair of Washington Mutual.
ISSUES:
HUMAN SERVICES: Longbrake is one of three founders of Lift Up Africa, which “works with organizations and African communities to support sustainable programs that lead to independence and communal ownership by addressing problems associated with disease, hunger, unemployment, and the lack of education.” Lift Up Africa recently was rebranded as Richer Life Foundation. The Longbrakes, via their foundation, have supported Housing Up, Capitol Hill Housing, Mercy Housing Northwest, and City Fruit, which works to “nourish people, build community and protect the climate.”
EDUCATION: Longbrake is chairman emeritus of his alma mater College of Wooster. He recently contributed $15 million towards the institution’s capital campaign. He recently gave a $1 million gift to University of Maryland. Not only did he get his Ph.D. from the school but he currently spends time at his alma mater doing research, writing, and teaching. Foundation grantees have included ARK Institute of Learning, Portage Public Library, Montessori School of Wooster, and Elizabeth Seton High School.
RELIGIOUS: Longbrake’s late wife Martha was a longtime member and leader of Seattle First Presbyterian. His son Derek, based in the Mid-Atlantic, has worked as a pastor. Longbrake support has gone to Sunshine Gospel Ministries, CRISTA Ministries, and St. Peter’s Episcopal.
LOOKING FORWARD: Clearly, religious causes and housing are important to this funder. The family has ties to several regions, including the Mid-Atlantic—something to watch as philanthropy leadership shifts to the family’s next generation.
CONTACT:
The Longbrake Family Foundation does not provide a clear avenue of contact but below is an address:
The Longbrake Family Foundation
P.O. Box 21027
Seattle, WA 98111
