OUR HISTORY

In 1989, a motivated group of twenty-somethings formed an organization dedicated to involving their generation in the Seattle community. Calling themselves The Benefit Gang, the group believed that people in their twenties desired community engagement but needed alternatives to the Rotary Clubs and high-priced charity balls attended by their parents. Benefit Gang leaders understood the importance of ‘giving back’ and sought means of community participation that matched their lifestyle.

What started as “the party of the year” has evolved into the mobilization of a generation to take action.

Over time the name has changed and the horizon has expanded to embrace a broader scope of volunteerism, civic engagement and philanthropy. What was The Benefit Gang is now a veritable force called Seattle Works. From the beginning we were providers of energetic volunteer teams that have sprung inventive programs recognized for their impact on the community. Seattle Works was nominated for the Presidential Points of Light Award in 1992, and honored with a community service award from the Municipal League of King County in 1996, the History Makers in Community Service Award from the Museum of History and Industry in 1997 and the YMCA of Greater Seattle’s AK Guy Award in 2002.

Over the years our work has been championed by some of Seattle’s foremost philanthropists. In 1999, we received a $250,000 capacity building grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to strengthen the internal capabilities of the organization. In 2003, we were awarded the Seattle Foundation’s 21st Century Leadership Grant.

Seattle Works is governed by a 16-member Board of Directors and is managed by a dedicated staff team—all of whom are under the age of 40. Our legacy is rooted in the idea that people in their twenties and thirties care enough to ‘give back’ where they live and work. Our future lies in our belief that once they’ve started, they will continue to demonstrate their mettle as volunteers, activists and patrons bringing positive impact to their communities. After 16 years of operation, Seattle Works has become the premiere organization for people in their twenties and thirties in the Puget Sound.

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