TVW Endowment
The Chief Justice Gerry Alexander Endowment for TVW
Since the beginning, former Chief Justice Gerry Alexander has been a champion of TVW’s mission to provide access to the work of all three branches of government and we are honored to secure our future through the establishment of “The Chief Justice Gerry Alexander Endowment for TVW.”
The Chief Justice Gerry Alexander Endowment for TVW is established solely for the purpose of preserving the stated mission of TVW. Use of funds generated by the endowment are not restricted and may be used for a variety of purposes including, but not limited to: general operating expenses, educational programs promoting civic understanding and engagement, technology upgrades, building and equipment maintenance, other purposes as deemed appropriate and approved by the TVW Board of Directors.
“When you think of all the things that make up Gerry Alexander, there is a pattern – he loves people and he has a sense of responsibility to serve and improve their lot.”
Supreme Court Justice Barbara Madsen
About the Endowment
The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound manages The Chief Justice Gerry Alexander Endowment for TVW. The foundation is located at 212 Union Ave SE Suite 102 Olympia, Wa. 98501. Phone, 360-705-3340.
Washington Public Affairs Network, TVW, incorporated as a private, 501c3 non-profit in 1993 and began airing programming in April 1995. TVW maintains a service agreement with the State of Washington managed through the Office of the Secretary of State. An independent, volunteer Board of Directors provides strategic guidance and offers direction to the organization, ensuring sound business practices and quality programming.
Policy Statement
FUNDS DISBURSEMENT: The Chief Justice Gerry Alexander Endowment for TVW is established solely for the purpose of preserving the stated mission of TVW in providing unfiltered, unedited, and unbiased access to Washington state government to current and future generations of Washingtonians.
Distribution of a portion of the earnings will be made available to TVW annually based on market performance, Fund agreement balance, and the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound’s spending policies — typically, about 4 percent of the fair market value of the Fund averaged over the previous 16 quarters.
Ways You Can Give
Become a Gavel Club Member by making contributions to the TVW Endowment. You can earmark your individual gift, bequest or planned gift to go toward the endowment.
About Former Chief Justice Gerry Alexander
As a Supreme Court Justice in 1995, Alexander was instrumental in allowing the fledgling television station, Washington Public Affairs Network, access to the courtroom during arguments. This was the first time cameras were allowed to cover proceedings in a courtroom in the United States and, as Alexander liked to say, “Washington was the first state to allow cameras in any courtroom in the universe.” In fact, the first televised programming on TVW in 1995 was coverage of arguments in a case being heard in the state supreme court.
After spending several years practicing law in his hometown of Olympia, Justice Alexander was appointed a Superior Court Judge in 1972 by Gov. Dan Evans. After 11 years of serving on the Superior Court bench, Alexander began presiding in the State Court of Appeals as one of only 16 Appellate Court Judges at the time. He began serving on the Supreme Court in 1994 and was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court for two terms, 2000 – 2010. He retired from the bench in 2011.
Known for his easygoing manner and hometown charm, Alexander has always said he likes people and likes talking with them. He truly believes in the openness and accountability of government and for many years famously kept his door open and unlocked while in public office.