The Mountaineers Foundation established this fund to honor the noble gift left by Brunhilde Wislicenus.

Background

Bruni

Brunhilde Wislicenus joined The Mountaineers in 1940 at the age of 26. Bruni, as she was known by her friends, was a graduate of The Mountaineers’ Basic and Intermediate climbing courses. Over the years she climbed many peaks, including the original Six Majors and the twenty-four Irish Cabin Peaks located in and adjacent to Mt. Rainier National Park. Bruni was an avid backpacker, skier, hiker and longtime Tacoma resident. Through her extraordinary gift to The Mountaineers Foundation we now hope to share her passion for the outdoors and The Mountaineers with future generations.

Grant Guidelines

In keeping with Bruni’s wishes, The Mountaineers Foundation will make the proceeds of the Brunhilde Wislicenus bequest available as grants for Mountaineers-led projects which celebrate Bruni’s passion for enjoying the outdoors, her commitment to conservation and education, and her nearly seven decades of membership and service to The Mountaineers Tacoma Branch.

Proposals will be evaluated based on: 1) cost effectiveness and 2) significance of benefit to the community. Larger-scope projects delivering a lasting impact are encouraged.

Geographic Focus

Washington State. Preference will be given to projects in Pierce County, Tacoma, Mt. Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, Snoqualmie Pass and surrounding areas.

Areas of Interest

The proceeds of the Brunhilde Wislicenus bequest will be used to fund projects benefitting:

• The Mountaineers Tacoma Clubhouse

• Backcountry ski access and facilities

• Conservation and educational programs

• Hiking/backpacking trails and facilities (including dog-friendly sites)

• Mountaineering-oriented educational programs and facilities, backcountry access, or backcountry facilities

• The Mountaineers Recreational Properties and specifically Irish Cabin

Limitations

No support for projects outside of Washington State.

The Mountaineers Foundation does not support:

• for-profit organizations

• regular operating expenses (e.g. overhead, ongoing or administrative salaries - project-specific salaries or portions thereof are acceptable)

• projects that include legislative lobbying or support candidates for office

• commercial ventures or feasibility studies that might lead to commercial products or programs

• fund drives

• projects that could harm the environment

• memberships in organizations

• projects that have no start/end dates

• projects that repeat established and/or verified studies

Projects must be:

•Educational, scientific, historical, or charitable in nature

•Of benefit to the general public (not just Club Members)

•Support and uphold the purposes and the mission of the Mountaineers Club and the Mountaineers Foundation

Applications are not currently being accepted for grants from this fund