Best Cowlitz County Grants for Nonprofits in Washington

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

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 Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Social Justice and Resiliency Fund offers vital support to nonprofits addressing systemic inequities in Clark, Cowlitz, and Skamania counties. By providing flexible, unrestricted funding, the fund empowers organizations led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color to implement impactful changes. Grants focus on capacity building and systemic change, ensuring communities are equipped to respond to future crises. This initiative fosters equity and social justice, creating a more resilient and diverse nonprofit landscape.

Wells Fargo Community Giving supports nonprofit organizations focusing on financial health, housing affordability, small business growth, and sustainability. The grant cycle runs from February to October, inviting organizations with 501(c)(3) status or equivalent to apply. Funding is prioritized for programs addressing critical community needs, while limited support is available for local initiatives like disaster relief and arts. Organizations must demonstrate fiscal stability and potential impact to be considered for funding.

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.

Inatai Foundation

Inatai Foundation is a 501(c)(4) serving and accountable to leaders and organizations with bold visions who are building power in racially diverse communities across Washington state. Our vision begins with them: their ideas, solutions, and dreams for transformational change.

As a foundation, we channel the funding, influence, and information we have to the leaders and organizations rooted in and led by the communities we answer to, so they have the resources, power, and opportunity they need to bring their visions to life.

Campaigns, Litigation, Issues & Policy (CLIP) Fund

The Campaigns, Litigation, Issues & Policy (CLIP) Fund supports Washington organizations and coalitions engaging in community-led, issue-based campaigns—both active and forthcoming—that can shape policy for a more just and equitable future.

As a 501(c)(4) organization working to advance equity and racial justice across Washington, we know that this work is inherently political, and we know that there are diverse leaders working to shift the political landscape in every community.

That’s why CLIP funding offers flexible support and partnership that community-led campaigns need to build and exercise their political power. 

Campaigns We Fund

Below are examples of campaign activity that CLIP supports:

• Ballot Measures and Initiaves: Campaigns in support of or opposition to state and local ballot measures and initiatives that impact communities’ power.
• Litigation: Legal actions by local campaigns to protect and create rights and advance power-building efforts of Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, and other communities of color.
• Legislative Advocacy: Ensuring that communities’ expertise is factored into decision-making in Olympia on the policies and issues that matter most to them.
• Grassroots Organizing Around a Campaign: Activating community support around elections, legislative activity, and other pivotal moments that inform and impact policy on specific issues.
• Polling and Research: Advancing campaign strategy by better understanding the perspectives of the electorate and how to educate them about policy issues.

Inatai Foundation

Inatai Foundation is a 501(c)(4) serving and accountable to leaders and organizations with bold visions who are building power in racially diverse communities across Washington state. Our vision begins with them: their ideas, solutions, and dreams for transformational change.

As a foundation, we channel the funding, influence, and information we have to the leaders and organizations rooted in and led by the communities we answer to, so they have the resources, power, and opportunity they need to bring their visions to life.

Infrastructure Opportunities Grants

Infrastructure Opportunities grants provide support for specific power-building efforts that have been highlighted as essential by Washington nonprofits and community leaders.

The Infrastructure Opportunities Fund explores power-building efforts around specific issues that community leaders and community-based organizations have told us are integral to building community power and transforming systems and structures. They include:

• 501(c)(4) Community Power-Building: If your organization has decided that you would like to form a 501(c)(4), this grant can help you with that next step. This opportunity is designed for organizations wanting to expand the tools necessary to get more involved in activities like endorsing political candidates, advocating for ballot measures, influencing policies, and lobbying legislators.

• Civil Rights: Unjust and discriminatory policies, violence against marginalized groups, threats to our democracy, and other dangers to the well-being and safety of communities are civil rights violations. This grant is designed to support organizations with a clearly defined strategy and response to civil rights violations in your community.

• Immigrant Justice: Regardless of immigration status, people deserve to be treated equally. Whether that’s through safe working conditions, fair wages, access to healthcare, education and economic opportunities, language access, and protections from cruel and unjust immigration and justice enforcement (ICE) activity, this grant ensures you have the support to safeguard immigrant communities from discrimination or harm.

• Wealth & Asset Creation: A community’s well-being for generations to come often depends on the ability for organizations today to acquire assets like land and buildings and pay off capital debt. This grant supports those who are engaged in tipping power through asset development and projects that promote community ownership and visibility.

• Voter & Civic Engagement: Civic engagement is critical for battles toward equity and racial justice. This grant ensures you have the support to engage your community in the democratic process, from voter registration drives, get-out-the-vote campaigns, election protection programs, and more.

• Youth & Student Organizing: Youth organizing helps communities act on issues now while also preparing for the future. Whether you are advocating for youth priorities, bringing young people together, or offering youth leadership development opportunities, this grant supports your work to mobilize the next generation of leaders. Inatai defines youth as up to 30 years old.

The Transformational Capacity Building Funds by Inatai Foundation provide essential support for community-led organizations in Washington state. Aimed at enhancing their capacity for systemic change, these funds help organizations develop skills, stabilize operations, and manage transitions. Eligible groups include those led by marginalized communities. This initiative prioritizes applicants from specific counties and various identities, ensuring resources empower those directly impacted by inequities. Grants focus on learning, operational stability, and change capital, fostering growth and resilience in community power-building efforts.

The Focus Grant Cycles provide vital support to organizations in southwest Washington addressing intergenerational poverty. With awards ranging from $25,000 to $50,000, the program prioritizes initiatives that tackle systemic inequities affecting marginalized communities. Focus Grants emphasize collaboration, community engagement, and innovative strategies, ensuring that organizations with lived expertise can create sustainable pathways to prosperity. By investing in educational attainment, basic human needs, and asset-building, the program aims to disrupt poverty cycles and foster long-term stability.

The Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

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 Forest Foundation offers the Capital Projects Grant to enhance the quality of life in Southwest Washington, particularly in Tacoma and Pierce County. This grant is available to tax-exempt organizations focused on community development, environmental stewardship, and cultural initiatives. Organizations must demonstrate fiscal accountability and innovative solutions. While the foundation prioritizes local projects, it also supports initiatives that empower families towards self-sufficiency. Notably, it does not fund new facility construction or lobbying efforts.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

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.

Community Foundation for Southwest Washington

The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington is a public charitable organization dedicated to strengthening communities across Southwest Washington by connecting people, resources, and philanthropic goals. The Foundation works to inspire giving, steward charitable funds, and invest in programs and initiatives that address local needs and opportunities. Through donor-advised funds, scholarships, grants, and community partnerships, the Foundation supports education, economic opportunity, health, and quality of life throughout the region. Guided by values of integrity, collaboration, equity, and long-term impact, the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington serves as a trusted partner for donors and nonprofits committed to building resilient and thriving communities.

AIASWW Education Scholarship Fund

The Plan to Be an Architect? Scholarship is a joint program of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) National and the AIA Southwest Washington Chapter, designed to support students who plan to pursue architecture as a career. The scholarship assists students who have been accepted to a university with an accredited architectural degree program and demonstrates strong potential through academic and non-academic achievements, along with a personal narrative explaining their interest in architecture. Scholarship recipients are publicly recognized through local media and school announcements.

Community Foundation for Southwest Washington

The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington is a public charitable organization dedicated to strengthening communities across Southwest Washington by connecting people, resources, and philanthropic goals. The Foundation works to inspire giving, steward charitable funds, and invest in programs and initiatives that address local needs and opportunities. Through donor-advised funds, scholarships, grants, and community partnerships, the Foundation supports education, economic opportunity, health, and quality of life throughout the region. Guided by values of integrity, collaboration, equity, and long-term impact, the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington serves as a trusted partner for donors and nonprofits committed to building resilient and thriving communities.

Andrew J. Shields Memorial Scholarship

The Andrew Jon Shields Memorial Scholarship was established by Jon and Carol Shields in memory of their son, Andrew Jon Shields, an Airborne Combat Medic who dedicated his life to the health, safety, and welfare of his fellow service members. Raised in the Vancouver, Washington area, Andrew was a graduate of Battle Ground High School, where he was active in football and served as Fire District 11 Fire Cadet Chief. He joined the U.S. Army in 2007 and completed training as a combat medic and paratrooper before being deployed to Afghanistan with the 173rd Special Troop Battalion (Airborne). Andrew was killed in action on May 31, 2008, while serving in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. The scholarship honors Andrew’s legacy of service, honor, and compassion and is intended to recognize individuals who reflect these values in their own lives. This scholarship is not renewable.

Community Foundation for Southwest Washington

The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington is a public charitable organization dedicated to strengthening communities across Southwest Washington by connecting people, resources, and philanthropic goals. The Foundation works to inspire giving, steward charitable funds, and invest in programs and initiatives that address local needs and opportunities. Through donor-advised funds, scholarships, grants, and community partnerships, the Foundation supports education, economic opportunity, health, and quality of life throughout the region. Guided by values of integrity, collaboration, equity, and long-term impact, the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington serves as a trusted partner for donors and nonprofits committed to building resilient and thriving communities.

Church at the Grove Scholarship

This scholarship supports higher education and vocational training opportunities for Christian young adults, primarily—though not exclusively—for members of Church at the Grove in Vancouver, Washington (formerly Walnut Grove Community Church). Each year, two scholarships are awarded, typically ranging from $1,000 to $1,500. Awards may be renewable for up to four years, provided recipients maintain a minimum 2.25 GPA and submit an application annually.

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.