The Robinson Foundation: Grantee Information
YMCA of Greater Seattle: Robinson Education Center at Camp Orkila
The Robinson Foundation is the lead funder of an exciting new outdoor education space at the YMCA of Greater Seattle's Camp Orkila located on Orcas Island. The Robinson Education Center will allow Camp Orkila to increase participant numbers through an improved program experience for pond and wetland study as well as the Camp Orkila Garden by providing flexible classroom space, restroom and kitchen space. Additionally, a boardwalk will line a portion of the pond to make pond access safer and easier for campers and staff. The YMCA will break ground in the project in Fall of 2022.
The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden: Backcountry
Opening in June 2022, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden "Backcountry" was designed to mimic the remote, open spaces of California and provide a unique opportunity for children and families to experience the natural world. Visitors of all ages are invited to explore varied terrain to connect with native plants through play and study. Situated alongside Mission Creek, the Backcountry is filled with special habitats and features that evoke some of the habitats found throughout Southern California. Here, visitors are encouraged to take the path less traveled and discover something new. The Backcountry also provides space for the SBBG to host a variety of educational programs for the community throughout the year. The Robinson Foundation awarded a grant of $50,000 in 2022 to support the construction of this amazing space.
The Oaks Parent Child Workshop - Santa Barbara California (1)
Since 1958, the Oaks Parent Child Workshop has provided an amazing educational experience for both children and their parents. Like many other childcare and educational institutions, COVID-19 brought many challenges for the Oaks and it's families. After several months at home learning, the Oaks needed financial support to reopen for students with added safety measures and staffing. The Robinson Foundation was able to provide the needed restart funding as well as additional funding for needed improvements around the school building. These included funds to pay staff, technology upgrades, cleaning supplies, and outdoor sink for hand washing, interior building upgrades, a new shed and art station, and much more.
The Oaks Parent Child Workshop - Santa Barbara, California (2) In honor of the Oaks 75th Anniversary, the Robinson Foundation awarded a $75,000.00 multi-year grant at the request of the Oaks Parent Child Workshop Board that will help the school continue to serve families for many years. This grant included funds to make upgrades to the school's building and grounds, staffing, resources to engage in the development of long term planning, and materials to enhance the student learning experience.
YMCA Of Greater Seattle: Pandemic Response Funding
The COVID-19 Pandemic brought numerous challenges to everyday life, business, and community agencies across the country. In order to pivot, and meet the needs of the greater Seattle Community as well as the membership of the Y, The YMCA of Greater Seattle worked tirelessly to provide much needed childcare, financial resources, food and supplies, and increased medical and mental health support. The Robinson Foundation felt compelled to support the community and leverage the reach and programming of the Y by making a donation of $100,000.00 in 2020 to support their work to provide much needed services to the Greater Seattle Community.
