Best Benton County Grants for Nonprofits in Washington

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Edith Bishel Fund for the Blind and Visually Impaired, managed by the Three Rivers Community Foundation, aims to enhance the lives of individuals with visual impairments in Southeastern Washington. Established in 1994, this fund provides essential resources and support through an application process. Applicants must have their visual impairment verified by a physician and demonstrate financial need. This initiative ensures continued access to critical services for the visually impaired community.

The Gartner Fund – Child Medical Assistance, facilitated by the Three Rivers Community Foundation, aims to provide medical assistance to children under 12 in Benton and Franklin counties. This fund supports children who have not previously received aid, have a reasonable chance of recovery, and face documented financial needs. The application must be submitted by a medical professional, ensuring that grants are directed to medical providers or for necessary adaptive equipment.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

The Three Rivers Community Foundation offers an Annual Grant Cycle aimed at supporting nonprofits in Benton and Franklin counties. Grants range from $500 to over $10,000, with an average award of $4,000. Eligible applicants include 501c3 organizations. The foundation focuses on program/project grants and impact grants, which provide flexible funding to organizations that have demonstrated effective use of prior funding. Certain ineligible expenses include capital campaigns and political activities.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The Cocoa Morris Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Three Rivers Community Foundation, aims to provide a $1,000 annual scholarship to LGBTQ+ students from Benton and Franklin counties. This scholarship supports students pursuing higher education or skill-based programs, including trade schools and technology bootcamps. The fund is dedicated to fostering opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed in their educational endeavors.

The Gabe Morris Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Three Rivers Community Foundation, aims to empower BIPOC students in Benton and Franklin counties. It provides an annual award of $1,000 to support students pursuing education at accredited universities, trade schools, or skill-based programs. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the community, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder the academic aspirations of underrepresented groups.

The Jim Noland Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Three Rivers Community Foundation, aims to honor students who have lost a parent or guardian to cancer. This scholarship not only provides essential financial support but also promotes ongoing community philanthropy in Benton and Franklin counties. Through impactful giving, the foundation seeks to uplift deserving students and strengthen local nonprofit initiatives in the area.

The Pamela and Scott Woodward Conservation Scholarship, established in 2016 by Tapteal Greenway, aims to support students passionate about conservation. This merit-based scholarship honors the Woodward family's contributions to conservation efforts along the lower Yakima River and the Tri-Cities community. One scholarship of $2,000 will be awarded annually to qualified students, emphasizing the importance of education in promoting sustainable practices and community engagement.

The Richard C. Emery Business and Finance Scholarship, established by HFG Trust/Community First Bank, provides support for residents of Benton and Franklin counties pursuing studies in business, finance, economics, or accounting. This scholarship aims to empower students entering their freshman year or returning to college, fostering educational opportunities for future leaders in the finance sector. As part of the Three Rivers Community Foundation's commitment to community development, it exemplifies dedication to local philanthropic initiatives.

The Thomas Evan Jones Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Three Rivers Community Foundation, aims to support students from Pasco or Sunnyside High Schools. Eligible applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need, with the intention of pursuing a bachelor's degree in science or engineering. This scholarship not only facilitates educational opportunities but also fosters community engagement and growth in essential fields.

The Victor and Jean Sands Memorial Scholarship for Oboe and Strings aims to support aspiring musicians who are passionate about teaching and performance. This scholarship is open to high school graduates from Benton or Franklin County intending to major in music education, with a preference for those pursuing performance degrees. It honors the legacy of Victor and Jean Sands by nurturing the next generation of skilled musicians committed to their art and education.

About Samaritan Health Services

We’re a nonprofit network of hospitals, clinics and health services caring for more than 290,000 residents in the mid-Willamette Valley and central Oregon Coast and portions of Marion and Polk counties. We work together to provide highly reliable and innovative medicine with world-class quality in a way that supports the values of the communities we serve. That includes caring for all people, regardless of their ability to pay.

Health Education Scholarships

One of the many keys to maintaining a healthy, prosperous community is ensuring a sustainable supply of excellent health care providers. To achieve this, Samaritan Health Services offers numerous scholarships to local students pursuing careers as doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, as well continuing education or specialty training for current medical providers.

Each year, Samaritan awards more than $25,000 in scholarships for health care education to ensure the communities we serve receive the best care possible well into the future.

Larry A. Mullins, DHA, Scholarship

The Larry A. Mullins, DHA, Endowed Scholarship for Health Care Education scholarship was established in 2003 by the board of directors of Samaritan Health Services, Corvallis, Oregon. It was formed in honor of Dr. Mullins, the President/CEO of Samaritan Health Services (now retired), upon the completion of his doctoral degree in health care administration (DHA) from the Medical University of South Carolina.

About Samaritan Health Services

We’re a nonprofit network of hospitals, clinics and health services caring for more than 290,000 residents in the mid-Willamette Valley and central Oregon Coast and portions of Marion and Polk counties. We work together to provide highly reliable and innovative medicine with world-class quality in a way that supports the values of the communities we serve. That includes caring for all people, regardless of their ability to pay.

Health Education Scholarships

One of the many keys to maintaining a healthy, prosperous community is ensuring a sustainable supply of excellent health care providers. To achieve this, Samaritan Health Services offers numerous scholarships to local students pursuing careers as doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, as well continuing education or specialty training for current medical providers.

Each year, Samaritan awards more than $25,000 in scholarships for health care education to ensure the communities we serve receive the best care possible well into the future.

Virginia Welch Scholarship

Each year the Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center Auxiliary awards the Virginia Welch Scholarship to students planning to pursue a career in a medically-related field. The scholarship is named in honor of Virginia Welch, a head nurse who became Good Samaritan’s administrator in 1951 and served until 1967. To date, more than $320,000 has been awarded to students pursuing a career in health care.

High school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in, or accepted to, a program to pursue a career in a medically-related field in a hospital setting are eligible to apply.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The BECU Foundation's People Helping People Awards honor exceptional nonprofit work in communities served by BECU. Each year, BECU members can nominate organizations for grants up to $50,000. Eligible nonprofits must be active 501(c)(3) organizations with a direct impact in Idaho, Oregon, South Carolina, or Washington. This initiative highlights the importance of community service and encourages members to recognize local heroes making a difference.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

About Samaritan Health Services

We’re a nonprofit network of hospitals, clinics and health services caring for more than 290,000 residents in the mid-Willamette Valley and central Oregon Coast and portions of Marion and Polk counties. We work together to provide highly reliable and innovative medicine with world-class quality in a way that supports the values of the communities we serve. That includes caring for all people, regardless of their ability to pay.

Health Education Scholarships

One of the many keys to maintaining a healthy, prosperous community is ensuring a sustainable supply of excellent health care providers. To achieve this, Samaritan Health Services offers numerous scholarships to local students pursuing careers as doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, as well continuing education or specialty training for current medical providers.

Each year, Samaritan awards more than $25,000 in scholarships for health care education to ensure the communities we serve receive the best care possible well into the future.

Jeanne Hazleton Scholarship

The Jeanne Hazleton Scholarship for Midwifery and Doula Education was established in 2008 by Patrick Hazleton, husband of the late Jeanne Hazleton, and funded by numerous contributions made by family and friends. The purpose of the Jeanne Hazleton Scholarship Fund is to honor Jeanne’s lifetime service and contribution to the community as a practicing doula and midwife and to encourage women to enter or continue their education in the birthing profession. The scholarship program is designed to help residents of Benton, Lincoln and Linn counties begin or continue their education for doula and/or midwife training, certification or licensing.