Philanthropy Pioneer: Caroline Kline Galland
March 25, 2024 | Giving at Kline Galland
A Seattle Daily Times headline in 1907 read: MILLION AND A HALF FOR CHARITY. In current dollars, that would equal over $33 million. And the donor was a woman: Caroline Kline Galland.
March is Women’s History Month. As we honor the contributions of women throughout the ages, we dive into Galland’s remarkable legacy, which stands as a testament to the impact of female leadership and philanthropy.
Born in Bavaria in 1841, Caroline Kline Galland immigrated to the United States with her family. Settling in Seattle, Caroline quickly established herself as a savvy entrepreneur, investing in real estate and various business ventures. She married twice, first to clothing merchant Louis Kline then to retired San Francisco businessman C. K. Galland. According to The Seattle Times, her first husband left her a large fortune which “she managed with such splendid ability that her fortune at the time of her death easily placed her at the head of wealthy women of the city.”
But it was Galland’s philanthropic endeavors that truly set her apart. Known throughout her life as being “most liberal with her charity” with a variety of “good and kindly works,” her decision to leave almost all her fortune in her will to charity was front-page news. In fact, the amount to go to charity was a surprise to everyone except her closest loved ones. Several organizations, including three orphan societies and two hospitals (one of which was Mount Sinai in New York), received bequests; her second husband got $300 per month for the remainder of his life (worth just under $10,000 today). But most was dedicated to the purchase of land for and the building of The Caroline Kline Galland Home for the Aged and Feeble Poor. The purpose was to “…bring to the lives of the aged men and women … the greatest degree of contentment and happiness in their declining years.”
Located in Seward Park, the first home opened in 1914 and could serve seven people. Then, in 1930, a new facility was created; this one could accommodate 25; within 10 years, a second wing and enclosed sun porches were added. By 1956, 35 residents were on site, and the mission broadened from custodial care to other services like social work, psychological support, group work, and 24-hour professional nursing care and doctor oversight. Over the next 20 years, expansion continued so another 146 people could be helped in the new building and additions. With each decade, the Kline Galland community responded to growing needs by adding outreach, programming, space, and services. The organization continues to harness its namesake’s passion and energy in serving Seattle.
Caroline Kline Galland’s bequest was not only unprecedented in its magnitude but also in its focus on providing specialized care for the elderly. At a time when resources for aging populations were scarce and culturally sensitive care even scarcer, Galland’s vision was revolutionary. She truly was a pioneer in philanthropy. We are honored to carry her vision and live it every day.
You, too, can make an impact! Join the Caroline Legacy Society and make your own headlines. Regardless of the size of bequest, all contributions make a significant difference in bringing the priceless gifts of care, respect, and spiritual nurturing to our elderly. If you would like to learn more about giving opportunities, please contact:
Nate Nusbaum
Chief Philanthropy Officer
NateN@KlineGalland.org
(206) 456-9702
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Sources: The Seattle Times archives; HistoryLink.org; Kline Galland; UW Libraries