Our Story
The Emberline Spark
Emberline Collective Fund was established by Leilani Lewis Jupiter, a cultural steward who began her career working alongside the women who fed Seattle's cultural ecosystem. As a single mother and the first in her family to graduate from college, she committed early to building a life in the arts and serving the community, navigating the intense financial constraints of the cultural nonprofit sector.
In mid-career, she joined a vibrant cohort of women creating remarkable spaces for wellness, joy, and deep cultural engagement. As volunteers and civic catalysts, these artists, writers, organizers, and leaders have given the region decades of their creative power. They serve on boards, author grants, host convenings, and provide steady leadership whenever our communities call on them. They carry an enduring instinct to build and create, born of genuine devotion to collective life. Their wisdom is in constant demand, even as many carry the economic strain of decades spent serving the public good. Through this shared journey, she witnessed how much vital energy goes into maintaining personal stability while continuing to design ambitious new ways for people to engage with art, culture, and civic life.
She set out to examine the root systems of this dynamic. Over several years, she studied philanthropic practice, the economics of cultural labor, and the structural factors that determine who achieves long-term security. Her findings confirmed a widespread regional truth: across every neighborhood and creative discipline, mid- and late-career women and women of color sustain cultural life through their continuous generosity and mastery.
She chose to address the human reality behind the data. While traditional philanthropy carries out the critical work of funding projects, programmatic outcomes, and small organizations, she recognized the essential role of direct capital that honors an experienced leader’s sovereignty and provides the peace of mind that comes with multi-year financial stability.
That vision became Emberline Collective Fund.
Mission
Emberline Collective Fund strengthens the cultural bedrock of our communities. While there are many ways to do this, we provide direct, unrestricted funding to mid-career women who steward cultural and civic life in the Northwest.
Vision
We envision a world where experienced cultural stewards and leaders who shape and spark their communities' cultural vitality can do so while preserving their health, peace of mind, and personal well-being.
Support the Emberline Collective Fund
Every gift to Emberline moves directly toward multi-year, unrestricted awards for cultural stewards and the infrastructure that sustains them. Support at any level helps build the fund's founding years, and you can stay connected through quarterly updates and an annual report.
FAQ
Can I direct my gift to a specific person? No. Gifts support the fund as a whole. Awards are made through Emberline's selection process, and contributions cannot be designated for an individual.
Who receives and processes my gift? Emberline Collective Fund is fiscally sponsored by Phīla Venture Fund, a Washington nonprofit and 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. All gifts are made payable to Phīla Venture Fund for the benefit of Emberline, and Phīla Venture Fund sends each donor an acknowledgment letter for their records. Please consult your tax advisor about the deductibility of your contribution.
How do I give by check? Make your check payable to Phīla Venture Fund and write "Emberline Collective Fund" in the memo line. Mail to [Phīla Venture Fund mailing address]
How will I know how my gift is used? Donors receive quarterly updates and an annual report on awards made, the fund's progress, and the work awardees choose to share.
How are awardees selected? Awardees are identified by the Emberline Advisory Board and Founding Steward, who prepare a blind proposal for each nominee. That proposal is reviewed and approved by the Advisory Board together with three national and international advisors. Nominees are then informed of the award privately. Emberline does not accept applications.
Can I nominate someone I know? We're always glad to hear about people doing meaningful work in their communities. Nominations come from within Emberline's selection process, which keeps every award independent of donor and other relationships, and protects each nominee's privacy. You're welcome to share what inspires you at info@emberlinecollective.org.
Can I nominate someone I know? We're always glad to hear about people doing meaningful work in their communities. Nominations come from within Emberline's selection process, which keeps every award independent of donor and other relationships, and protects each nominee's privacy. You're welcome to share what inspires you at info@emberlinecollective.org.
Who receives and processes my gift? Emberline Collective Fund is fiscally sponsored by Phīla Venture Fund, a Washington nonprofit and 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. All gifts are made payable to Phīla Venture Fund for the benefit of Emberline, and Phīla Venture Fund sends each donor an acknowledgment letter for their records. Please consult your tax advisor about the deductibility of your contribution.
Can I give monthly or make a multi-year pledge? Yes. Monthly giving is available through the donate button. For a multi-year pledge, write to info@emberlinecollective.org and we'll arrange a schedule with you.
Can I give through a donor-advised fund? Yes. Recommend your grant to Phīla Venture Fund with "Emberline Collective Fund" noted as the purpose.
I'm interested in a larger gift. Who should I talk to? Leilani Lewis Jupiter, Founding Steward, at [email].