Funding + Financials
For over 30 years, Sightline Institute has diligently promoted research and policy solutions that help Cascadia reconcile people, place, and prosperity. We have earned a reputation as a trusted source of practical vision and innovative thinking that inspires and equips leaders to advance policies that build a healthy future for all communities within and beyond the region. 
A contribution to Sightline provides one of the best returns on your investment, amplifying the impact of our team’s deep research analysis, targeted messaging tools, and support of unusual, effective coalitions. Your gift grows solutions across a range of issues—from upgraded electoral systems to more fire-resilient communities, from neighborhoods abundant with homes in all shapes and sizes to a robust clean-energy economy—in thousands of places across Cascadia
. 
Where Sightline funding comes from
Nearly 75 percent of Sightline’s funding comes from private charitable foundations whose grants vary in size. These foundations may extend across generations of family or through business legacy and responsibility; alternatively, they may focus on the philanthropy of an individual or a couple with a shared vision for the future. Sightline primarily receives general operating grants, and fewer restricted to specific programs. Grants are usually made in one- or two-year commitments and provide a consistent and reliable basis of support. 
Another 15 percent of Sightline funding comes from individual donations from supporters across the globe. From annual gifts of $10 to $10,000; via recurring monthly gifts, workplace giving, and stock gifts; and from retirement accounts, these investments from our community drive Sightline’s success and serve as a bellwether for our relevancy and impact in the work that we undertake. 
The remaining 10 percent of our revenue currently comes in large part from responsibly invested funds that are carefully managed to provide an extra level of resources.  
How Sightline spends your donation
Over 90 percent of dollars spent at Sightline directly fund programmatic staff time—that is, the salaries and benefits of the staff members, research consultants, editors, designers, and other experts working tirelessly to dig deeply into the issues, think creatively on policy design, and then work with community allies and decisionmakers to test, improve, and implement change. As of fall 2024, Sightline operates fully remotely with very low overhead supporting an all-remote team spread out across Cascadia. 
Learn more about the impact your support helps us achieve. 
Financial Documents
Sightline is proud to hold high ratings from nonprofit accountability groups Candid (GuideStar) and Charity Navigator. We earn these in part for judicious financial management and transparency, including making key financial documents readily available for public review.  
View all of our latest available, externally audited financial statements and tax Forms 990:
Sightline Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and nonpartisan research and communications organization. Contributions to Sightline are tax-deductible within the full extent of the law. We respect the privacy of our donors and will never share or sell personal information.
