A Half-Century of Service

Join us as we reflect on the regional legacy of Jack Murdock, celebrate our nonprofit partners, and look toward a bright future of innovation and impact. 

8,800+
grants given

$1.5
billion awarded

3,000+
nonprofits supported

Honoring a Legacy, Shaping the Future

In 1975, four years after Jack Murdock's passing, the three Trustees he appointed established a charitable trust following the directions left in his will. Fifty years later, we remain grateful for the deep and vast ripple effects that can come from one person's generosity and commitment to enable the efforts of those around them who are working for the common good.  

This year, we celebrate not just Jack Murdock's legacy, but the impact of all those in the nonprofit sector who have showed up for their communities. Five decades engaged in the nonprofit community of the Pacific Northwest has given our team a vantage point that we hope can be an encouragement to you throughout this year. As we share stories, highlight partnerships, host gatherings, and seek to engage in meaningful ways, we invite you to join us in celebrating the five decades of inspiring work we've witnessed so far, and in looking ahead to another five decades (and more) of working together to make our region a place where all can flourish. 

Romanita Hairston
Chief Executive Officer

What Does the Trust Do?

Stories From 50 Years of Partnerships

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Entrepeneur, Philanthropist, Visionary

Jack Murdock (1917-1971) was born in Portland, OR, and remained rooted in this region his entire life. From repairing radios and starting a business as a teenager to co-inventing the modern oscilloscope and co-founding Tektronix as an adult, Jack was a lifelong learner, innovator, and entrepeneur. Upon his untimely death in 1971, he established a charitable trust that would eventually become the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. The ripple effects of his life are still being felt to this day.

Jack Murdock Gallery

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Portrait of Jack Murdock

Jack in the Coast Guard

Jack and a colleague working on a radio

Murdock Electrical (from Pearson Air Museum)

Jack on the wing of a plane 

Young Jack on a horse

Jack enjoying the great outdoors

Jack inside a plane - his favorite hobby

A portrait of Jack and his parents

Jack and a preacher (from Pearson Air Museum)

Jack featured in Tektronix publication when he was general manager

The Jack Murdock Story

Thank you, and stayed tuned!

We will continue to add content to this page as we spend 2025 celebrating the good work of our partners in the nonprofit sector, and looking ahead to the next fifty years together!