The Marcus Whitman Foundation was founded circa 1950. The original purpose of the foundation was to perpetuate the memories of Marcus Whitman and Narcissa Prentiss Whitman. The foundation’s articles of incorporation stated, “[the foundation’s] primary objective [is] to commemorate the fame and historic services of Dr. Marcus Whitman and Narcissa Whitman as great Washingtonians and Americans.” On Friday, May 22, 1953, the Marcus Whitman Foundation played an integral role in erecting a Marcus Whitman statue in the rotunda of the Capitol in Washington, D.C.. Members of the foundation were represented in the ceremony, and then-president Goldie Rehberg gave remarks. The Marcus Whitman Foundation was also essential in the development of the Whitman Mission, and served as a major asset to the National Park Service from 1950-1964. The first incarnation of the foundation dissolved in 1975.

The Walla Walla Foundation emerged in 1982 as a replacement for the Marcus Whitman Foundation. However, on September 26, 1985, the Walla Walla Union Bulletin reported that the Walla Walla Foundation would be renamed the Marcus Whitman Foundation, and would thereafter be under the jurisdiction of the Whitman College administration.

After a twelve year hiatus, the foundation was officially revived on January 22, 1987. At this time the Marcus Whitman Foundation’s goals shifted from an educational to a charitable mission. From the 1990s to the early 2000s, the foundation was using its resources to fund grants benefitting Whitman College and the surrounding Walla Walla community. The foundation disbanded for the final time on December 11, 2001.