For Mollie and Jon Kauffman, philanthropy is about strengthening the communities that make our entire region thrive.
Longtime residents of the Puget Sound region, Mollie and Jon raised their two children here and have spent decades volunteering and supporting local causes. Although they live in Seattle, they were drawn to RRCF after learning about its deep, place-based work in South King County.
“There’s so much happening in the south end of the county that can be harder to see if you’re in Seattle,” Jon shares. “Many of the people who help make our region thrive live all over the county, but they don’t benefit from the same tax bases and city services as places like Seattle and Bellevue.”
That insight shaped how the Kauffmans think about giving. With much of the region’s wealth concentrated in Seattle and Bellevue, they believe philanthropy can play a powerful role in ensuring resources reach communities that are essential but often under-resourced.
They also recognize how deeply interconnected the region is. “Many of the people who teach our kids, take care of us in the hospital, and make our food can’t afford to live in Seattle,” Jon says. “I depend on their work and on their communities supporting them, so I want to support those communities too.”
RRCF’s close relationships with South King County organizations made it easy for the Kauffmans to put those values into action. “RRCF stays in direct touch with on-the-ground organizations doing meaningful work,” Mollie explains. “That gave us confidence and helped accelerate our giving.”
Inspired by what they learned, Mollie and Jon opened a donor-advised fund at RRCF. Jon has also participated in RRCF’s Trust-Based Philanthropy in South King County convenings for the past three years, building relationships with local nonprofit leaders. Today, RRCF partners with the Kauffmans to steward their giving—supporting programs in South King County and beyond, including an HBCU in Louisiana.
We are proud to partner with Jon and Mollie and grateful for their commitment to equity, trust, and community-driven impact.
If you are curious about opening a fund with RRCF, here is more information. You may also email LeAnne Moss at lmoss@rentonfoundation.org