Our History
Founded in Seattle, WA in 1998 by Elaine Nonneman, the Channel Foundation supported a variety of global grassroots leadership until 2005 as well as the Women’s Leadership Scholarship (WLS) program until 2009. Starting in 2005, the Foundation focused its grantmaking on women’s human rights.
Elaine Nonneman
Elaine Nonneman passed away in late 2024. Our memorial page includes photos and tributes from partners.
Past Grantees, 1998-2005
Organization listed by Focus Area. * = no longer in operation
Population, Poverty and Gender Equity
Indigenous People Rights
- Center for Social Justice*
- Indian Peoples Action*
- Potlatch Fund
Diverse Grants
- Eqbal Ahmad Foundation
Conservation of Biodiversity, Protection of Indigenous Peoples Land Rights, Sustainable Economic Development
Women’s Leadership Scholarship (WLS)
The Women’s Leadership Scholarship (WLS) program (formerly the Native Leadership Scholarship) supported non-doctoral graduate education for women activists, grassroots leaders, and organizers from the Global South and/or from indigenous groups. Between 2001 and 2009 Channel invested in remarkable leaders studying human rights, sustainable development, and public health in many places around the world. The program supported 40 women leaders from around the world and prior to 2005, also supported 12 male recipients.