Best King County Grants for Nonprofits in Washington

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 '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.

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.

The Mitsui U.S.A. Foundation, established in 1987, focuses on supporting educational and community welfare initiatives across the U.S. It prioritizes qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that enhance the quality of life, particularly through international education and U.S.-Japan exchanges. With over 50 active programs, the Foundation promotes good corporate citizenship and encourages employee volunteerism while avoiding support for individuals, political groups, or non-monetary requests. Collaboration with local Mitsui offices is preferred.

The Awesome Foundation offers Local Chapter Grants of $1000 to individuals and groups for innovative projects that enhance community engagement. Each chapter operates independently, focusing on unique interpretations of 'awesome' across various fields such as arts and technology. Grants are awarded monthly, emphasizing no-strings-attached support. This initiative encourages creativity and experimentation, aiming to inspire and delight communities worldwide. For more details, applicants can explore individual chapter preferences and restrictions through the foundation's website.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in King County, Washington working on community services or human disease-related programs can seek support for local health, well-being, and educational initiatives. Grants from Jean E. Thomson Foundation also serve Tacoma and Minneapolis nonprofits, with applications due by October 1 and awards typically made toward year-end.

The Fairview Foundation Mini Grants support educators in the Fairview School District by funding innovative and collaborative classroom projects. Established in 2009, the foundation aims to enhance learning experiences through grants that align with state and national educational initiatives. With an all-volunteer Board of Directors, the foundation is dedicated to fostering creativity and high learning standards among teachers and students alike.

The Glaser Foundation Grants focus on direct services primarily for children and the elderly. They support innovative medical research, programs for children with disabilities, education initiatives, and services for economically disadvantaged seniors. Additionally, they address challenges faced by families from disadvantaged backgrounds and at-risk youth. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities operating in Western Washington, particularly King County, to apply. The foundation prefers direct line services over large capital campaigns.

The BNSF Railway Foundation provides grants to enhance community quality of life across 28 states, focusing on educational, cultural, and social service initiatives. With over $150 million contributed since 2000, the foundation emphasizes projects with strong local engagement and BNSF employee involvement. Eligible organizations include public charities, local governments, and tribal governments, while ineligible entities encompass religious organizations and those with discriminatory practices. Priority is given to environmental, health, and cultural projects.

King County, Washington 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting the performing arts in Seattle can apply for Nesholm Family Foundation grants up to Up to US $300,000 for project-specific or general operating support. Grants from Nesholm Family Foundation help King County performing arts organizations enhance artistic quality, expand access, and strengthen organizational development, primarily benefiting Seattle residents.

The Classroom Enrichment Grant, offered by the Kent Schools Foundation, aims to enhance educational experiences for students in the Kent School District. This initiative supports projects in art, music, STEM, and emotional well-being, among others, with grants typically capped at $500. Educators, including teachers and counselors, are encouraged to apply, ensuring innovative learning opportunities that resonate with students. The Foundation prioritizes applications that align closely with the grant's mission.

Major Grant Fund

Apply for $50,000 to $200,000 per year, renewable up to two times for a total of three years of funding. Funds may support health-related direct service delivery or advocacy efforts. New for 2026, Major Grant funds can also support evaluation projects.

Funding Principles

Projects funded by the Health Equity Fund should align with the following funding principles:

Improving health outcomes and access

for communities and populations experiencing the deepest and most persistent health and economic disparities in King County.

Actively addressing the issues of systemic, structural, and institutional barriers

including racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, income inequality, and other forms of oppression or discrimination that negatively impact healthcare delivery and health outcomes.

Partnering or collaborating with other organizations

to enhance the impact of addressing health disparities.

Building capacity and empowerment

for communities addressing health disparities.

Funding for service delivery is limited to King County. There are no geographic restrictions on the residence of clients served or advocacy efforts, as long as the program can demonstrate the use of funds addressing disparities in health among residents of the Puget Sound region (King, Snohomish, Pierce, and Kitsap counties).

Organizations may not receive two PHPDA grants in the same year for the same project. Applicants can request grant funds for a different project as long as the time period covered by funding ends by the new contract period.

Organizations may only submit one application.

Focus Areas

Specific populations are facing heightened threats to their safety, security, and access to care, and the organizations that support them are experiencing drastic funding cuts. Our Major Grant program aims to support these organizations who are facing disproportionate burdens to their wellbeing. This year, Major Grants will be limited to organizations with projects in one or more of these three focus areas:

• Gender Affirming Care and/or HIV Prevention and Care for LGBTQIA2S+ Communities
• Barrier-Reducing Healthcare Delivery for Immigrant and Refugee Populations that is Responsive to Community Concerns 
• Access to Birth Control and Abortion Care

The Paul Wiseman Conservation Education Grant, offered by the Keta Legacy Foundation, supports conservation-focused non-profit organizations in the Salish Sea region. With a funding limit of $15,000, this grant encourages impactful educational projects and restoration initiatives that promote environmental awareness. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and community agencies. The foundation aims to enhance conservation efforts and foster community engagement in preserving the region's unique ecosystems.

BAE Systems offers community investment grants aimed at enhancing the well-being of military families and supporting future workforce development in STEM fields. As a U.S. subsidiary of a global defense and aerospace leader, they require applicants to be recognized 501(c) organizations. The initiative underscores a commitment to charitable partnerships that uplift local communities and contribute positively to society.

Nonprofit organizations serving children and young adults in King County, Washington can apply for up to US $5,000 to support youth and family-strengthening programs. The June & Julian Foss Foundation funds initiatives that build self-esteem, promote respect for diversity, and help young people, including those with mental illness or physical disabilities, move toward healthy, self-sufficient lives.

The Keta Legacy Foundation offers Level 1 Community Conservation Education Grants to support conservation-focused non-profits in the Salish Sea region. Grants are capped at $5,000 for short-term educational projects that promote environmental awareness. Eligible projects include educational programs, workshops, and instructional materials. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster community involvement and collaboration among various organizations while adhering to its commitment to environmental preservation.

The Promoting First Relationships-Agency Training Project aims to engage community-based agencies in training models that enhance parent-child relationships. Funded by the Seattle King County Department of Public Health, this initiative supports applications for varying amounts between $2,000 and $20,000. The project is part of the Best Starts for Kids initiative, which focuses on fostering healthy development for children and families in King County, ensuring they thrive in a supportive environment.

The Garneau-Nicon Family Foundation Grant supports charitable initiatives in the Puget Sound Region, offering small grants between $1,000 and $25,000, and large grants from $26,000 to $50,000. Open to organizations and individuals, it aims to empower applicants to enhance their communities. The foundation seeks projects that can make a positive impact in areas such as education, arts, and health, encouraging innovative proposals that address unmet needs.

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 JFGS Small Agency Sustainability Grants offer up to $5,000 for operational support to Jewish organizations in Western Washington with budgets of $150,000 or less. Administered by the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Seattle, these grants aim to bolster local Jewish community initiatives and enhance organizational capacity, fostering a vibrant Jewish community for the future. Eligible applicants must demonstrate service to a significant Jewish population in the region.

The Emergency Capital Needs Fund, managed by the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, provides crucial support to Jewish community organizations facing emergency repairs or replacements. With loans up to $75,000 available, it assists institutions and synagogues in addressing urgent capital needs, including physical plant equipment and security upgrades. This fund plays a vital role in ensuring the sustainability and safety of community facilities in Western Washington.

The JFGS Women's Endowment Fund Grants, administered by the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Seattle, offer up to $10,000 for programs that enhance the lives of women and girls in the Western Washington Jewish community. Grants are awarded biennially and prioritize initiatives that foster social change and empower participants. Eligible organizations must demonstrate ongoing community service for at least two years. These grants aim to build a vibrant Jewish community through impactful projects.

The Operating Support: Launch Grant for New Organizations aims to provide essential financial assistance to emerging cultural and science organizations in King County. This grant supports a variety of operational expenses for nonprofits, including staff salaries and program development. Over three years, organizations can request funding ranging from $45,000 to $180,000, based on their needs. This initiative not only fosters new programming but also prioritizes equity and public benefit, ensuring a diverse cultural landscape in the community.

The Gallery 4Culture Grant supports innovative visual artists and collaborative teams based in King County, WA, offering a $2,000 honorarium and curatorial guidance for selected exhibitions. With a focus on underrepresented art forms, the grant encourages proposals for month-long shows in a prominent Seattle venue. Artists are responsible for installation and sales, with an emphasis on site-responsive artwork. Emerging artists are particularly encouraged to apply for this valuable opportunity.

ECF of Boeing Washington: Puget Sound

The Employees Community Fund of Boeing Puget Sound (ECF) is a pooled fund consisting of recurring payroll contributions from generous Boeing employees. It funds local nonprofits that help thousands of families and individuals in the Puget Sound region where Boeing employees live and work.

ECF funding criteria

ECF has two distinct grant categories – Supporting Grants and Capital Campaign Grants.

1. Supporting Grants: Consideration is given to nonprofits/agencies that are performing well and are seeking to upgrade, replace or modify elements of their infrastructure

2. Capital Campaign Grants: Capital Campaign grants are targeted to nonprofit organizations who strive to significantly expand the numbers of people they serve.

Grant Amount: Supporting grants cannot exceed $50,000. The requested amount cannot be more than 10% of an agency’s gross annual revenue.

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.

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.