Best Benton County Grants for Nonprofits in Washington

The City of Richland's Community Development Block Grant program provides essential funding to support affordable housing and community development initiatives for low- and moderate-income residents. With an anticipated annual grant of $295,000 over five years (2025-2029), this program focuses on public services, construction of public facilities, and rehabilitation of structures. The funding strategy is outlined in a Consolidated Plan developed through community consultation, ensuring that local needs are met effectively.

The KeyBank Foundation offers Community Sponsorships to support local organizations in their fundraising efforts. These sponsorships range from $500 to $5,000 and can fund events or provide general operating support. Applications are accepted from January to October, with a decision made within 90 days. Eligible nonprofits must serve areas where KeyBank operates and adhere to strict ineligibility criteria, including no support for individuals or organizations that discriminate based on various identities.

The CFEW Community Outreach Grants support projects addressing the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of communities in Eastern Washington. Grants range from $500 to $10,000 and prioritize organizations that contribute to local welfare. Examples of funded initiatives include assistance for housing and food, support for women in poverty, and programs aimed at reducing social isolation. This streamlined application process makes it easier for eligible organizations to receive vital funding for their outreach efforts.

The CFEW Horrigan Catholic School Grants support projects that enhance the mission of Catholic education, awarding amounts from $200 to $12,000. Eligible applicants include Horrigan Catholic School, focusing on community outreach and religious education. Previous grants have funded technology purchases like Chromebooks and lab tables, as well as religious artwork for school spaces. This initiative strengthens the Catholic community in Eastern Washington, fostering educational growth since 1981.

The CFEW Lourdes Hospital Grants offer financial support for projects that enhance the mission of Catholic schools. With grants ranging from $200 to $12,000, the focus is on community outreach and religious education initiatives. Eligible applicants include Catholic schools aiming to strengthen their educational programs. Notable past recipients include schools that have acquired technology and artistic resources to enrich their environments. This streamlined application process ensures that impactful projects receive timely funding.

Mobile Beacon's Connect for Success program addresses the digital divide by providing schools with essential technology resources. This initiative offers up to 25 laptops and 4G devices with 12 months of complimentary high-speed internet service. By targeting students and communities facing digital inequities, the program ensures that all students can complete homework and access educational content from home. With ongoing support options available post-grant, Mobile Beacon is committed to fostering equitable learning environments and empowering educators to enhance digital inclusion.

The CFEW Religious Education Grants, provided by the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Washington, support projects that enhance religious education for youth and adults. Grants range from $500 to $3,300 and prioritize underfunded groups. Examples of previous recipients include an elementary school providing bibles for students, a group addressing the spiritual needs of Hispanic Catholics, and a retreat for high school students. These grants continue the Foundation's mission of furthering the work of the Church since 1981.

Catholic Extension provides essential funding to support the construction, expansion, or renovation of churches and community facilities. This initiative aims to meet the facility needs of under-resourced Catholic dioceses across the U.S. By focusing on active projects, Catholic Extension ensures that communities can enhance their worship spaces and support local ministries, ultimately fostering a stronger church community. Funding is available for both minor and major requests, with an emphasis on urgent needs and robust funding strategies.

Baker Boyer is committed to building community legacies through sponsorships and donations. By supporting local non-profits and community programs, they aim to enhance health, education, and economic development in the Walla Walla, Milton-Freewater, Tri-Cities, and Yakima areas. Their contributions include financial support, in-kind services, and volunteer efforts, prioritizing organizations that assist low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. With a focus on creating lasting relationships, Baker Boyer plays a vital role in strengthening community ties.

The Building Foundation Grants by Catholic Extension aim to support essential pastoral and administrative functions in under-resourced communities. These grants provide salary subsidies and operational funding to ordained, religious, and lay ministers, ensuring access to Catholic services. Prioritizing areas with significant financial need, this initiative seeks to sustain the church's presence where it is most critical, enabling continued ministry and outreach for those who may otherwise be underserved.

The Building Leaders Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the recruitment, education, and ongoing formation of church leaders. This initiative provides critical funding for the professional development of both ordained and lay leaders in mission dioceses. By fostering partnerships with various organizations, it addresses the need for trained ministers and supports various funding areas, including seminarian sponsorship and diaconate formation, ensuring a robust future for church leadership.

The Engaging Young Catholics Grants aim to support ministries that provide faith formation to children, teens, young adults, and families. By focusing on the pastoral needs of young Catholics, the program enhances community vibrancy and fosters new leadership within the church. Catholic Extension prioritizes operational support and seed funding for initiatives that develop youth and young adult ministries, ensuring that dioceses can effectively reach and engage younger generations in their faith.

The Building Capacity Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the financial and operational capabilities of dioceses. This initiative focuses on funding projects that promote efficiency, financial stability, and effective fiscal management, ultimately fostering a self-sustaining community. Eligible programs include fundraising development initiatives and operational assessments, ensuring resources are utilized efficiently while supporting professional development for church leadership. This grant empowers dioceses to strengthen their foundations for future growth.

The Francis Grants, established by Catholic Extension, offer funding for significant events in poor mission dioceses, such as the ordination of new Bishops, anniversaries, or papal visits. These grants also support educational endeavors for Bishops. Named in honor of Francis Clement Kelly, Francis Cardinal George OMI, and Pope Francis, the program aims to strengthen the Catholic faith across the U.S. Since 1905, Catholic Extension has invested over $500 million to assist communities in need.

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 Catholic School Leadership Development Grant Program aims to cultivate and retain promising leaders within the Catholic school system. In partnership with Loyola Marymount University, this initiative offers a graduate-level online Certificate in Catholic School Administration, covering 80% of tuition costs and providing funding for essential travel. The one-year program focuses on mission effectiveness, operational management, and instructional leadership, requiring participants to serve two years in their diocese post-completion, thereby enhancing local educational leadership.

The Women Helping Women Fund Tri-Cities Grants support initiatives that empower women and children in the Tri-Cities area. Grants, ranging from $2,500 to $25,000, prioritize programs that demonstrate cost-effectiveness, community collaboration, and measurable impact. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the fund's mission to create healthy families and vibrant communities. Focus areas include childcare, mental health, and self-sufficiency, with applications accepted annually.

The Wildhorse Foundation offers a Rapid Response Grant for urgent needs throughout the year, with no set application deadline. Typically, one grant of up to $1,500 is awarded annually, adhering to the same guidelines as full grants. Eligible recipients include the Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and various non-profit organizations within the surrounding regions of Oregon and Washington. This grant is not intended for event sponsorship or operational budget supplements.

The Wildhorse Foundation offers grants to support the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and surrounding areas in Oregon and Washington. With a commitment to community welfare, the foundation donates over $1 million annually to various projects, including arts, education, and environmental protection. Organizations must operate within the designated areas and adhere to specific eligibility criteria. The foundation emphasizes charitable giving and aims to enhance the quality of life for tribal members and their communities.

Catholic Extension's Enhancing Pastoral and Social Ministry Grants aim to empower the church to broaden its outreach and foster societal transformation through targeted pastoral and social initiatives. This program supports specific elements of the church's ministerial efforts, including funding for catechetical resources, marriage and family ministries, and social outreach for vulnerable populations. By investing in these areas, Catholic Extension seeks to enhance the church's role in communities, especially following disasters.

Ecosystem Enhancement Program

This program aims to support Basin communities, including Indigenous Peoples, to steward and lead ecosystem enhancement and restoration projects that maintain and improve ecological health and resilience in a variety of ecosystems across the Basin. Projects funded through the Program will have a meaningful and measurable landscape-scale impact in supporting and strengthening the health and resilience of the Basin’s natural environment in a changing climate, which is a focus area in the Columbia Basin Management Plan 2024-2034.

This year is a Basin-wide call for eligible project ideas that restore and/or enhance a variety of ecotypes, including terrestrial, aquatic and wetlands. The Trust will identify and support ecosystem enhancement and restoration projects that have an ecological need that is consistent with existing regional plans and research as well as aligns with input received from Indigenous Peoples, community groups and government and technical experts.

How much will the Trust fund?

Up to 75% per cent of total project costs can be requested from the Trust. The maximum amount of Trust funding for any one project is $750,000 with a maximum duration of five years for multi-year projects. 

The Kaiser Permanente Washington Region Community Health Grant focuses on improving health care access, mental health, housing, and dismantling structural racism. This grant supports nonprofit organizations and community programs to foster sustainable health initiatives. Through a Community Health Needs Assessment, Kaiser Permanente identifies community needs and builds partnerships for equitable health solutions. The grant aims to create lasting impact in Washington communities by addressing crucial health disparities.

The Lithia 4Kids Program, initiated by Lithia Motors, aims to enhance youth development through strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Since 1946, Lithia has prioritized community enrichment, focusing on supporting 501(c)3 certified nonprofits dedicated to improving the lives of children and families. With over 200 locations nationwide, Lithia empowers its employees to engage meaningfully in local initiatives, fostering confident youth ready to face future challenges. Volunteering is a core value, creating a collaborative environment for positive impact.

The Rocky Mountain Power Foundation supports arts and culture organizations through grants typically ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, with a focus on enhancing community vitality. Eligible organizations include nonprofits dedicated to performing arts, visual arts, and historic preservation. The foundation operates on a quarterly grant cycle, ensuring careful review of applications. Grants are limited to tax-exempt organizations, and the foundation does not fund projects outside its service areas in Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, and California.

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 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.