Best King County Grants for Nonprofits in Washington

The Ross Wagner Foundation Scholarship offers significant financial support for students pursuing degrees in various engineering fields, including civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. With awards up to $25,000 annually, students can receive up to $100,000 over four years. Applicants must maintain a B average, work in engineering labs, and be enrolled in top-ranked engineering schools in the U.S. and Canada. This scholarship honors Ross Wagner's legacy, promoting excellence in engineering education.

The Jean Griswold Foundation

The Jean Griswold Foundation (JGF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Caregivers through educational opportunities and scholarships. 

Our Mission

The mission of the Jean Griswold Foundation is to support Caregivers by providing educational scholarships* to enable them to further their training, enhance their careers, and better assist the clients they serve.

By offering educational scholarships*, our Foundation will not only make a positive impact on the Caregivers themselves, but also the clients they assist and the home healthcare agencies where they are employed, as well as help advance the overarching home-care industry.

Scholarships will be paid directly to the federally accredited educational institutions of the winning Scholars’ choosing.

Empowering Caregivers Through Education

The Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship Program awards scholarships to deserving Caregivers who wish to further their education in a care-related field. Applicants do not have to be associated with Griswold in any way, and the funds will be paid directly to the institution where the caregiver will be receiving education.  

Our Winter 2026 Scholarship Application period is now open! Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm ET August 31, 2026. Join our email list to get the first notice of all Scholarship happenings.  

Where would we be without Caregivers? 

Their selflessness is astounding, yet they are often overlooked and underappreciated. 

The Jean Griswold Foundation is dedicated to supporting Caregivers, the backbone of the care industry. We provide educational scholarships so Care Professionals can further their training, enhance their skills, elevate their careers, and better assist the people they serve.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

King County, Washington 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, which provide US $5,000 - US $30,000 for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects. Eligible programs must primarily serve communities on the Union Pacific service list and demonstrate strong community impact and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Seattle City Light's Wildlife Research Grant provides funding for projects aimed at understanding and protecting wildlife resources in the North Cascades ecosystem. Since 1995, the program has supported diverse research initiatives, producing significant academic contributions and informing wildlife management practices. Researchers are encouraged to focus on key priorities such as habitat connectivity and the effects of climate change on vulnerable species. The program seeks projects that complement existing research and adhere to professional standards.

The Puget Sound Stewardship and Mitigation Fund Grant aims to enhance water quality in Puget Sound through community-based projects. Funded by the Rose Foundation, the grant supports 501(c)3 organizations and governmental entities focusing on pollution mitigation, conservation, and education. Grants typically span one year with a maximum of $40,000. The foundation prefers locally-led initiatives and encourages applications from environmental justice organizations to foster equity in project implementation.

The Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials: Clinical Investigator Pathway Program (Winn CIPP) offers a 6-week summer externship aimed at medical students from underrepresented backgrounds. Funded by the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, this program focuses on enhancing clinical research participation and community engagement. Participants will receive mentorship, learn essential skills in clinical trials, and engage in community service projects while receiving a stipend to cover related expenses. This initiative aims to foster diversity in clinical research.

The Neighborhood Builders Program, supported by Bank of America, empowers 501(c)(3) nonprofits through a two-year leadership development initiative. Participants receive funding, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their impact in communities. Since its inception, the program has invested over $346 million, training more than 4,000 leaders. The initiative focuses on advancing social mobility and economic opportunities, ensuring affordable housing, and fostering resilient communities. This program is vital for nonprofits aiming to strengthen their leadership and community engagement.

Nonprofits and community groups in King County, Washington seeking sponsorships or donations for community-focused events or initiatives can apply to this corporate giving program, which supports health, wellness, and quality-of-life efforts. With a mission to help those in need, ATI Physical Therapy provides philanthropic support that extends its care beyond clinic walls.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in King County, Washington can receive funding for human services, healthcare, civic and community projects, education, and arts and culture. The Norcliffe Foundation provides support for capacity building, capital and infrastructure, challenge or matching, general operating, and program support for organizations serving the Puget Sound region.

The Morgan Fund, a donor-advised fund at Seattle Foundation, is inviting proposals for its 2025-2026 grant cycle focused on performing arts, particularly dance and theatre. Eligible organizations can apply for project-based grants up to $25,000, with additional general operating support available for invited nonprofits. The fund prioritizes tax-exempt organizations located in the Puget Sound or Washington, DC areas, fostering local arts and culture.

The IMA Foundation Grant focuses on empowering communities by supporting nonprofit organizations dedicated to workforce development, financial security for families, and enhancing emergency preparedness. With a mission to provide philanthropic assistance, the foundation seeks partners that align with its vision and operational reach. Organizations must be 501c3 nonprofits and serve areas where IMA has offices, ensuring that their initiatives directly impact youth under 26 years of age.

Overlake Corporate Sponsorship aims to support local organizations that enhance community well-being. With a focus on non-profits in the Eastside area, we prioritize partnerships addressing healthcare access, mental health, and homelessness. Our criteria emphasize valid 501(c)(3) status and alignment with our community health goals. While we value every sponsorship request, we must judiciously allocate resources to ensure maximum community impact.

The King County Department of Community and Human Services is seeking Behavioral Health Agencies to develop new Residential Treatment facilities. This initiative aims to restore the capacity of Mental Health Residential facilities to 355 beds and enhance the sustainability of various treatment options. Eligible costs include land acquisition, renovations, and construction. This RFP does not cover operational funding, which must be secured by the selected operators before opening.

The Liberty Mutual Foundation, through the Safeco Insurance Fund, offers discretionary grants to support nonprofits in Washington State. Established in 2006, the fund focuses on empowering vulnerable communities by funding initiatives in education, youth workforce development, housing stability, and climate resiliency. Grants are available for both single and multi-year programs, with a continuous review process. Organizations must be located in Washington and adhere to eligibility criteria, including not having applied within the last 12 months.

South Seattle College Foundation: Student Emergency Grants

The South Seattle College Foundation, coupled with the Gates Endowed Emergency Grant, provides emergency fund grants to support student success, retention, and completion, enabling students to overcome temporary financial barriers.

Applicants meet with Emergency Fund Committee members. 

Emergency Funds can be used for the following:

• Housing
• Transportation
• Family/household emergencies
• Childcare
• Medical
• Food
• Books and supplies
• Please note: Tuition, books, and fees may also qualify if they would cause a student to withdraw.

Purpose

Our program’s purpose is to support South Seattle College students through unexpected financial circumstances so that our students will be able to focus on graduating. Our process involves equity to each student’s application. The intention of emergency funds are to help relieve some financial hardship that would prevent a student’s academic success.

The First Financial Northwest Foundation Grants, established by First Financial Northwest Inc. in 2007, support various projects in the Greater Renton Community. Partnering with the Renton Regional Community Foundation, these grants focus on education, healthcare, community development, and other charitable purposes. However, funding is limited for conferences, endowments, religious organizations, and political activities, ensuring resources are directed towards impactful community initiatives.

South Seattle College Foundation Scholarship

 Scholarship awards are based on financial need, personal history, academic merit, achievement, and/or specific areas of study. The annual application process for student scholarships takes place during spring quarter. A maximum of three quarters of tuition and fees (based on a 15-credit load) may be awarded and can be used as early as summer quarter of the same year.

Scholarship awards for South Seattle College students are made by the South Seattle College Foundation, based on donor specifications and preferences. Unrestricted SSCF scholarship funds are also available. In the Spring 2025 scholarship round, awards were made to 111 students for 311 quarters of scholarship for a total of $498,100 in awards. In the Spring 2024 scholarship round, awards were made to 102 students for 289 quarters of scholarship for a total of $434,000 in awards. In the Spring 2023 scholarship round, awards were made to 96 students for 242 quarters of scholarship totaling $350,000.

The South Seattle College Foundation awards scholarships from money derived from three sources: Endowment Funds, Adopt-A-Student Funds, and the General Scholarship Fund. The South Seattle College Foundation is a separate and distinct entity from the South Seattle College.

Graduating high school seniors planning for higher education can receive scholarship support for any field of study, with eligibility tied to residency in specific Idaho counties. Grants from Innovia Foundation help students with strong academics, financial need, and community service, including those who may later attend college or university in King County, Washington.

The King County PSTAA General Child Care Facilities Fund (GCCFF) aims to enhance educational outcomes in early learning and child care by providing up to $2 million in funding. This initiative focuses on expanding and preserving early learning facility capacity, addressing critical childcare access issues, and supporting community partnerships for new facility construction. With an estimated eight awards available, the program seeks to empower local providers and foster resilience and upward mobility in the community.

The Arc Artist Fellowship provides $12,000 in unrestricted funding to support artists in King County, Washington, allowing them to address crucial expenses and develop their creative practices. This fellowship particularly focuses on Indigenous, Aboriginal, and Native artists of diverse international ancestral lands. Recipients will also engage in community presentations and planning for future funding cycles, ensuring that the fellowship evolves alongside the artists it supports.

The West Seattle Garden Tour Grant supports organizations that promote horticulture, education, and artistic endeavors in West Seattle and neighboring communities. Grants typically range from $2,000 to $6,000, with larger and smaller amounts occasionally awarded. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations or have fiscal partners with that status. Presentations are required for consideration, highlighting project goals and their alignment with the Garden Tour's mission, and must follow specific guidelines.

Human Services Workforce Stabilization for DCHS providers

This investment aims to improve staff recruitment and retention within organizations with active DCHS or VSHSL contracts providing human services in King County. Funds may be used to support staff across an organization through related expenses including, but not limited to:

• increased wages
• improved benefits
• reduced cost of living subsidies, such as housing, education, childcare or
• health insurance offsets
• hiring bonuses
• retention bonuses
• professional development and other training to improve service quality and staff wellness.

The Kings County Conservation Futures Grant provides essential funding for the Land Conservation Initiative, aimed at preserving vital natural and urban green spaces. This grant supports projects like parks, community gardens, and habitat restoration, particularly in underserved areas. Eligible recipients include local governments and qualified nonprofits. The initiative seeks to enhance community access to open spaces, ensuring that all residents can benefit from nature and recreational opportunities.

The Operating Support: Launch Grant for Emerging Organizations by 4Culture provides essential funding for new cultural and science organizations in King County. Selected organizations will receive three years of general operating support, allowing them to cover various expenses including start-up costs and staff salaries. The program aims to empower emerging entities to build capacity and enhance community engagement through arts and culture.

The MMS Giving Foundation Grant aims to enhance the lives of individuals and communities in the Pacific Northwest through support for education, arts, and community programs. Focused on the Puget Sound region, the Foundation prioritizes funding specific tasks or projects that address pressing needs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities in good standing that are located in King County or neighboring areas. The Foundation does not fund religious or political activities.

The 'Moving Stories' project invites six artists to create short-form graphic novels that illustrate narratives from communities along King County Metro's RapidRide lines. Each artist will receive $54,000 to develop two graphic novels, focusing on community engagement, storytelling, and visual narrative creation. This initiative supports the expansion of public transit by showcasing diverse local stories, encouraging artists with ties to the area to apply, regardless of prior public art experience.