The Seattle International Foundation
Seattle International Foundation (SIF) was founded as a supporting organization to The Seattle Foundation for the purpose of increasing and enhancing international philanthropy and development efforts from the Pacific Northwest and to serve as a resource to our community.

SIF was founded by Bill and Paula Clapp, who have 15 years of experience in international development work. They co-founded Global Partnerships where Bill was the CEO, and is now Chairman. Bill also co-founded the Initiative for Global Development with other notable internationalists from the Northwest and serves as a director of the organization.

SIF's first undertaking was to co-found the Global Washington Initiative, dedicated to bringing together the wealth of Washington State's expertise to create a hub of excellence for global sustainable development.

SIF's financial support is very strategic in nature. It seeks to bring about changes in attitudes and practices related to international development that lead to social change, greater equity in opportunity and reductions in poverty. Please see what we support for more information.

Bill and Paula Clapp
Bill served as the CEO of Mathew G. Norton Company, a Seattle based investment, real estate and management company, for 30 years. He has served on the board of Alaska Airlines and Weyerhaeuser Co. as well as numerous private companies and non-profit organizations. Paula Clapp has worked with numerous non profit organizations in the Seattle area in addition to Global Partnerships focusing primarily in education and social needs.