Inatai Foundation

The journey of Inatai Foundation is a story of transformation and a deepening commitment to equity and racial justice. Its origins trace back to the Group Health Cooperative, a healthcare organization with a long history in Washington state. In 2017, a pivotal moment occurred when the Group Health Cooperative was acquired by Kaiser Permanente. The proceeds from this sale, a staggering $1.8 billion, were used to establish a new grantmaking nonprofit, initially known as the Group Health Foundation. This new entity was born with the mission to serve the communities of Washington and improve health equity. For the first few years, the foundation embarked on a listening tour, with President and CEO Nichole June Maher and her team visiting all 39 counties in Washington multiple times. These conversations with community leaders and organizations across the state were instrumental in shaping the foundation's direction and values.

This deep engagement with communities revealed that to truly achieve health equity, the foundation needed to address the underlying structures of power and systemic racism. It became clear that their focus had to expand beyond just healthcare. This realization led to a significant evolution, and in January 2023, the Group Health Foundation was renamed Inatai Foundation. The name 'Inatai' is a Chinuk Wawa word meaning 'across' or 'the other side,' symbolizing the foundation's expanded commitment to bridge divides and work across sectors to build a more just and equitable future. As a 501(c)(4) organization, Inatai has the flexibility to engage in advocacy, policy work, and support a wide range of organizations, including 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) nonprofits, tribal nations, and other entities dedicated to building community power. Since its inception, Inatai has granted over $264 million, prioritizing organizations led by Black, Indigenous, and people of color, and continues its journey to transform the balance of power for a racially just Washington.