Best King County Grants for Nonprofits in Washington

The PHSKC BSK Youth Healing Project aims to empower young people in King County aged 14-24 to enhance their mental health and coping strategies, particularly in response to COVID-19's impacts. Funded projects will engage youth as leaders, with flexible funding for staffing, stipends, and materials. Priority is given to BIPOC and LGBTQ youth, ensuring support for historically marginalized communities. This initiative aligns with Best Starts for Kids' mission to promote the well-being of children and families.

The Dermody Properties Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community well-being through support for the arts, education, and families, particularly children and the elderly. Established in 1988, the foundation has provided over $3.65 million in donations to various nonprofits, including grants and scholarships. Eligible organizations must have IRS 501(c)(3) status and be located within 30 miles of Dermody's projects. Grants typically range from $500 to $3,000, reflecting a commitment to corporate philanthropy.

The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation provides essential funding to nonprofit organizations that improve the lives of economically and socially disadvantaged individuals. Since 1988, the foundation has supported various initiatives, including education, health services, and community programs. It emphasizes direct services with low administrative costs, ensuring that funds have a meaningful impact. Organizations applying must demonstrate a commitment to serving at-risk youth and families, particularly in Montana and select areas where The Washington Companies operate.

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 Family Unification Program Foster Youth to Independence RFP aims to provide housing assistance to young adults aged 18-24 who have exited or will soon exit foster care. With $400,000 available over two years, this initiative seeks to connect approximately 150 eligible youth to housing vouchers, facilitating their transition into stable living conditions. The program emphasizes quick referrals, housing search support, and collaboration with community partners to ensure successful outcomes for these vulnerable young adults.

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.

The Ai2 Young Investigators Program offers postdoctoral researchers the chance to engage in impactful AI research while balancing collaborative projects at Ai2. Founded by Paul Allen, Ai2 is a Seattle-based non-profit committed to advancing AI for real-world applications. With flexible start dates, dedicated mentorship, and access to extensive resources, this program is designed for candidates nearing completion of their PhD or who already possess one, welcoming international applicants and providing support with visas.

The Dawn Foods Foundation Corporate Grants program is dedicated to enhancing community well-being through strategic investments in key areas like hunger prevention, education, community vibrancy, and volunteerism. With a strong commitment to improving lives, the foundation supports initiatives that promote health, literacy, and creative arts, while also encouraging team members to engage in volunteer efforts. Though applications for 2025 are closed, opportunities will reopen in 2026.

The GSF Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that enhance the lives of children and families in need. Applications must be submitted by a current GSF Associate who nominates the organization and its project. Since 2002, the foundation has funded over 600 organizations nationwide. It emphasizes personal involvement and contributions from associates, focusing on essential needs such as education tools, food, and shoes for children. Grants are reviewed at local and national meetings.

The Leland J. and Dorothy H. Olson Charitable Foundation aims to transform lives in Omaha, NE, and Stanwood, WA, through impactful grants. Focused on education, family support, health initiatives, and environmental preservation, the foundation seeks to address local needs by funding projects that foster community well-being. With an annual funding cycle, they are committed to awarding grants in various amounts to support essential programs that enhance the quality of life for residents in these areas.

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.

The Liberty Mutual Foundation offers discretionary grants to 501(c)(3) organizations, focusing on those that empower low-income youth and young adults. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that align with its strategic framework and serves communities in Greater Boston and select areas in Washington State. Funding is not available for individuals, religious organizations, or those who have received support in the last 12 months, ensuring resources are directed towards impactful community-driven projects.

The PACCAR Foundation Grant supports organizations in communities with a significant PACCAR presence, such as factories and offices. Established in 1951, it primarily funds capital projects for social services, education, and cultural affairs. Recipients often include United Way and local universities. The foundation does not support fundraising events or individual scholarships, ensuring that funds are directed towards impactful community initiatives. Proposals must align with the foundation's mission to enhance community welfare.

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 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 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 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 PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The Club was founded in 1914 by strong, enterprising women who wanted a place where smart, motivated and dedicated women could come together in mutual support, united by a love of learning and a desire to make Seattle a better place for everyone. For over a century we have embraced our heritage while growing and evolving as the lives of women have changed.

The Women's University Club of Seattle Foundation (WUCF) contributes to the greater Seattle community in many ways.

Grants to K–12 Music Programs

The CE&O Council of the Women’s University Club Foundation offers funding for Seattle area public schools to support their music programs. 

Music Counts! Grants Program

Twelve years ago, the founding mission of the Community Education & Outreach Council was to benefit the needs of the community. The first project the CE&O Council took up was to build a fund to assist struggling school music programs. The joyful sound of young people making good music is incomparable. Making music is exhilarating and is an integral part of every culture. Today’s school music programs, however, are being threatened by budget cuts, making it extremely difficult to provide good music experiences for the students. More recently, the effects of covid have taken a significant toll on the music programs in schools.

This Music Counts! program has grown from 5 grants awarded in 2011 to over 30 grants awarded annually. Grants for up to $500 (occasionally more for special projects) assist in supplying basic classroom needs such as sheet music, instrument repairs and accessories, educational materials, coaching, and purchase of instruments (xylophones, ukuleles, cajons, drums & percussion instruments, among others).

Each year in May, the CE&O Council hosts a Music Counts! Fundraiser to raise additional funds for this worthy cause. The CE&O Council thanks you for your support and urges you to think of music teachers you may know who could use financial help and encourage them to apply for a grant.

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 Stantec Community Engagement Grant is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in communities where Stantec operates. Focused on arts, education, environment, and health and wellness, the grant supports initiatives that foster sustainable development and responsible practices. Organizations seeking funding must align with Stantec's values, emphasizing ethical practices and community impact. Preference is given to projects located near Stantec offices, ensuring a more significant local impact through their contributions.

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.

The Safe Routes to Schools Mini Grants, offered by the Seattle Department of Transportation, aim to enhance safety for children walking or biking to school. These grants support K-12 schools and non-profits in Seattle by funding initiatives that promote active transportation through engineering, education, and community engagement. Interested applicants can submit proposals on a rolling basis, and grants can be customized to meet specific program needs.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on improving economic mobility and social progress through partnerships with nonprofits. It prioritizes basic needs, income creation, stable housing, and community empowerment. By supporting vulnerable populations, the foundation aims to enable individuals to achieve their goals and contribute positively to their communities. The foundation emphasizes sustainable progress, ensuring that all community members have access to essential resources and opportunities for growth.

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 Neighbor to Neighbor (N2N) Grant, managed by the Seattle Foundation, empowers grassroots organizations in South Seattle, White Center, and Kent to enhance community engagement and influence. Established in 1991, this program prioritizes efforts addressing poverty and racial disparities. With grants up to $7,500, N2N focuses on initiatives led by diverse communities. Applicants must demonstrate fiscal responsibility and a commitment to equity, seeking to strengthen community networks and enhance local support systems.

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.