Who we are.
The Roots Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on strengthening communities by expanding access to essential resources and supporting long-term stability.
We were founded after years of working closely with residents living in affordable housing communities. We heard, time and again, that what makes the difference between struggling and thriving often isn’t a major intervention—it’s the presence or absence of the underlying support that helps people stay steady over time.
We believe meaningful change starts with communities themselves. Our work is grounded in listening, partnership, and a commitment to delivering support where it can have the greatest impact.
The Roots Foundation is committed to expanding access to opportunity and reducing barriers for individuals and families facing the greatest challenges, and fostering inclusive, respectful, and equitable communities.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We strive to ensure that our programs and support are accessible, responsive, and respectful of the diverse experiences and needs of the communities we serve.
This commitment applies to all aspects of our work, including the allocation of resources, partnerships, and engagement with individuals and communities.
Meghan Hanson
Meghan Hanson is a mission-driven leader with more than 20 years of experience working across the public, philanthropic, and nonprofit sectors to expand opportunity and strengthen communities. Her career has included service in the juvenile justice system, organizational management roles at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and extensive work with community-based organizations focused on improving outcomes for children, families, and underserved populations.
Over the past five years, Meghan has worked closely with residents, property managers, and service partners in affordable housing communities across the country. Through that work, she has seen firsthand how hard people work to stay stable—and how often fragmented systems and unmet needs can undermine those efforts.
Meghan founded The Roots Foundation to help bridge the gap between housing and thriving by connecting communities with the resources, partnerships, and support needed to achieve long-term well-being.
Rachel Klein
Rachel Klein brings more than 20 years of experience helping mission-driven organizations move from vision to execution. As Chief of Staff of The Roots Foundation, Rachel supports organizational development, strategic planning, partnership development, and operational execution as the Foundation builds a scalable model for strengthening resident stability and community well-being.
Rachel's career spans philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, education, and workforce development. She previously served as Vice President of Programs at Catalyst:Ed, Program Officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a district leader in Highline Public Schools, and leader of several nonprofit boards. Throughout her career, she has helped launch new initiatives, build cross-sector partnerships, secure philanthropic investment, and strengthen organizations serving communities nationwide.
Rachel holds a BA from the University of Michigan and an MPP from Harvard Kennedy School.
Kimberly Fuson
Kimberly Fuson brings more than 35 years of leadership experience across healthcare, housing, aging services, and human services. Throughout her career, she has led organizations through growth, transformation, and complex change while remaining focused on improving outcomes for the people and communities they serve. Her work is informed by decades of experience working alongside individuals, families, service providers, and governing boards to strengthen systems of care and create more responsive, person-centered organizations.
Kimberly is the founder of Fuson Strategic Works, and previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Cedar Sinai Park, one of the Pacific Northwest's largest nonprofit senior living and service organizations. She is passionate about helping communities build the connections, resources, and support systems that allow individuals and families to thrive.
Kevin Ryan
Kevin Ryan brings more than 20 years of experience in philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and social impact. Throughout his career, he has worked with foundations, corporations, nonprofits, and community leaders to help align resources, partnerships, and strategy in service of stronger communities and lasting change. His experience spans grantmaking, organizational transformation, and nonprofit capacity building, with a focus on helping mission-driven organizations increase their impact and effectiveness.
Kevin currently serves as Executive Director of the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation. Previously, he served as Chief Culture and Transformation Officer and General Manager of NGOsource at TechSoup, where he helped support more than 1,000 foundations and corporations in their global philanthropic efforts. He is passionate about strengthening the connections between philanthropy, community leadership, and meaningful outcomes for the people and families those systems are designed to serve.
Our Partners
A growing community of local organizations putting resources directly into the hands of residents.
Let's talk.
Whether you're a community partner, a donor, or a neighbor with an idea — we want to hear from you.
The Roots Foundation506 2nd Ave, 20th Fl
Seattle, Washington
admin@roots-impact.org
roots-impact.org