Empowering Nonprofits — Strengthening Communities
Our mission is to enrich the quality of life in Washington, Oregon, and other regions meaningful to the family by partnering with nonprofits in Education, Health & Human Services, Arts & Culture, and Children & Youth to support the long-term growth of their programs.
The Keller Foundation was founded in 1997 by Dick and Ruthie Keller. It is a living entity in which family members and their future generations can unite with pride to strengthen their communities and country through philanthropy.
At the Keller Foundation, our vision is to empower and strengthen communities by being a strategic partner to nonprofits. We collaborate closely with organizations to identify what matters most because it’s not about what we want to fund; it’s about what they truly need. Through strategic grant making focused on their priorities, we aim to make a meaningful and lasting impact.
Our Founders
Dick Keller
Dick Keller, a West Point graduate and the third successive generation of his family to graduate from the United States Military Academy, sought to live his life exemplifying the West Point core values of “duty, honor, country.” This was evident in his civilian pursuits; he was no stranger to personal sacrifice in order to uphold his paramount values of honesty and fairness. He was successful in the world of investments and sought to share that success in an impactful way.
Ruthie Keller
Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Ruthie Keller was deeply passionate about the arts. She attended Reed College and graduated from the University of Washington at a time when many women did not pursue advanced education. She took drama and piano lessons beginning in childhood, eventually leading her to serve nearly two decades as a board member of the Oregon Symphony. She was renowned for her charm and love for those around her.
Our Commitment to Community
At the Keller Foundation, our work is rooted in a commitment to the community and grounded in trust. We believe that meaningful impact begins by being a good neighbor – listening, supporting, and acting with integrity. We value trust but also believe in verifying that trust through responsible stewardship and thoughtful collaboration.
We approach challenges head-on, guided by compassion and careful consideration. In every initiative, we aim to bring people together and create lasting solutions that make a difference. These guiding principles keep us focused on what matters most: serving our community with respect, reliability, and a drive to improve lives for generations to come.
Board of Directors
The Keller Foundation is governed by a board of directors designated by Dick and Ruth Keller, consisting of up to three family members and four trusted, independent advisors.
