Best King County Grants for Nonprofits in Washington

The BMS Community Giving program supports IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations addressing unmet medical needs, promoting STEM education, and providing essential services. Eligible organizations must serve communities in the U.S. where BMS employees reside. Applications are accepted year-round, with a recommendation to submit at least eight weeks in advance. The program prioritizes health-related public missions and requests that fit within BMS's therapeutic interests, while excluding political, discriminatory, and sectarian organizations.

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.

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 '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.

The Parks Capital and Open Space Grant in Washington supports projects enhancing recreation opportunities for a growing population. Funding up to $1 million is available for initiatives like park development, trail facilities, and open space acquisition. Eligible applicants include cities, towns, and park districts, with project types encompassing construction, feasibility studies, and planning. Successful examples include improvements at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park and a new community center in Tukwila, promoting accessibility and environmental quality.

Kaiser Permanente's Washington Region offers sponsorships to nonprofit organizations, schools, and government agencies that align with its mission to improve community health. With a focus on sustainability, equity, and relationship-building, the program evaluates proposals based on their potential to create lasting value and positive exposure. Ineligible requests include support for religious activities, political campaigns, or individual medical funding, ensuring that resources are directed towards community-driven initiatives that enhance public health.

Grants from Kent Community Foundation help King County, Washington youth and amateur sports organizations purchase equipment and improve facilities. Local 501(c)(3) or similar community-based sports associations in the Puget Sound region may be eligible if they promote good health, physical education, and academic achievement through team or individual athletic programs.

The Healthy Communities and Parks Fund - Tier 2 (WA) promotes access to parks and recreational facilities in underserved communities, aiming to reduce health disparities. Grants ranging from $15,000 to $250,000 support projects like enhancing urban farms, renovating park areas with cultural art, and providing inclusive recreational programs for Latino communities in South King County, thus fostering community engagement and health equity.

Life Enrichment Foundation provides direct funding assistance related to recreational activities for individuals and organizations with developmental and physical challenges in an effort to build self esteem and confidence and enable them to succeed in today’s modern world.

Commitment to Community

Life Enrichment Foundation is a local philanthropy that supports people with disabilities in King County. Through the Foundation, individuals of all ages with physical and mental disabilities receive grants and scholarships to participate in Community-Based Recreational Activities ranging from Plays and Dances to Special Olympics. These individuals then transfer the skills and benefits from these activities into their everyday lives, building character and focus to help them succeed in today's modern world.

Mission Statement

To provide funding and scholarships to groups and individuals in King County, WA to allow them to participate in community-based, recreational activities to build confidence and self-esteem allowing them to succeed in today's modern world.

Scholarships

LEF provides funding and scholarships to community programs and individuals that need our assistance the most. The funding is directed and prioritized for those individuals in our community that have or support physical and mental disabilities and face economic hardships. 

Scholarships are funded based on Income. The maximum scholarship amount allowed in one calendar year (Jan. to Jan.) is not to exceed $500.00 for the calendar year.

Ryan White Dental RFA

The Ryan White Part A Program at Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC) funds the Lifelong Dental Program (LDP). LDP is a comprehensive oral health access program whose aim is to support low-income HIV-positive individuals living in King, Snohomish, and Island counties with access to oral health care services. The program covers the costs of dental procedures that are deemed medically necessary and time sensitive by participating dental providers and clinics.

Specific coverage limits for this particular Work are:

Commercial General Liability, to include Products and Completed Operations, in the amount of $1,000,000 combined single limit; $2,000,000 aggregate

Workers' Compensation and Stop-Gap Employer's Liability for a limit of $1,000,000

Professional Liability coverage of at least $1,000,000

Automobile Liability: If driving as part of the Scope of Work $1,000,000 combined single limit per accident for bodily injury and property damage. In the event that services delivered pursuant to this Contract involve the transportation of clients by Contractor personnel in Contractor-owned vehicles or non-owned vehicles, the limit  shall be no less than $3,000,000 combined single limit per accident for bodily injury and property damage.

Include Public Health – Seattle & King County 401 5th Ave, Ste. 1120, Seattle WA 98104, in the Certificate Holder box.

Provide an additional Insured endorsement to be included with the certificate of insurance, “CG 2010 11/85" or its equivalent is required which may include a blanket endorsement.

Total Amount of Federal Award: $ 1,987,222

Through this Request for Applications (RFA), PHSKC’s Ryan White Part A (RWPA) Program is seeking applications from dental providers/dental clinics interested in providing oral health services to low-income people living with HIV in the Seattle Transitional Grant Area (TGA) of King, Snohomish, and Island counties. PHSKC seeks to fund and contract with a varied group of providers capable of serving diverse communities and geographic areas within the TGA.

The dollar amount is based on the number of patients the provider’s practice can serve, provider specializations, location, and other factors. Providers will have this set amount of funds to use towards the oral health needs of LDP patients during the contract year.

The Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Removal Board Grant, established in 2014, aims to enhance salmon and steelhead migration by funding projects that remove fish passage barriers. With $25 million available through the PROTECT program, local governments can apply for projects exceeding $1 million. This initiative, administered by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Recreation and Conservation Office, supports sustainable transportation solutions while aligning with state conservation principles.

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 Open Space - River Corridors Grant in Washington supports projects that restore river ecosystems, enhance public access, and raise awareness of river corridors. With funding up to $1 million, it encourages multi-benefit projects that combine recreation and habitat restoration within King County's river systems, including the Duwamish and Green Rivers. Eligible applicants include local governments, nonprofits, and tribal organizations, fostering community engagement in environmental sustainability and conservation efforts.

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 Aquatic Facilities Grant (WA) aims to enhance public access to aquatic facilities in King County as demand grows. This program supports renovations, expansions, or new constructions of public pools. Eligible applicants include cities, school districts, and public entities. Projects may involve accessibility improvements, feasibility studies, and diverse programming for all ages. With awards of up to $5 million, the grant fosters community engagement and supports vital aquatic resources for residents.

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 4Culture Touring Arts Roster Presenter Incentive Program Grant supports organizations in King County that hire performing artists from the Touring Arts Roster. Grants of up to $2,500 are available to assist with artist fees for free or low-cost public events. This program aims to enhance local cultural experiences while prioritizing equity and community benefit, ensuring that funds are reinvested into historically underserved areas.

The 4Culture Landmark Nomination Support Grant provides funding for individuals and organizations in King County, Washington, to prepare landmark nominations for historic sites. The program aims to promote the preservation of underrepresented aspects of local history. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000 and are available to applicants with property owner consent. Priority is given to projects that engage diverse communities. Applications are due in 2025, with a focus on completed nominations that deliver public benefits.

Impact 100 Seattle empowers women to make a difference through collective grantmaking. We focus on transformative change by supporting community-based organizations in the Puget Sound area. Our trust-based philanthropy approach allows us to address root causes of social issues while building strong relationships. With a commitment to funding diverse initiatives in Arts, Health, Education, Environment, and Families, we aim to create lasting impact through our grants, including a major grant of $100,000.

The Human Services Funding Collaborative, supported by the City of Kent, aims to address critical community needs by providing grant funding to organizations delivering direct services. Funding is available for programs that support children, youth, older adults, and housing assistance. Eligible agencies must demonstrate strong proposals and comply with licensing requirements. Grants are announced biannually, with funds dispersed quarterly over two years to enhance community well-being and reduce inequities.

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 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.

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.

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 Vascular Research Initiatives Conference Trainee Award, supported by the SVS Foundation, enables trainees to showcase their research at the annual VRIC. This award encourages engagement among emerging vascular surgeons and established researchers, fostering collaboration and innovation in the field of peripheral vascular disease. The 2025 conference will occur from April 22-25 in Baltimore, coinciding with the American Heart Association's Vascular Discovery Conference, promoting a rich exchange of ideas.

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.

The Best Buy Teen Tech Center is offering a Mini Tech Skills Workshop Grant to support local and national non-profits in providing STEAM skills workshops for youth aged 13-19. These workshops, which include topics such as coding, filmmaking, and robotics, aim to enhance technical skills and career exploration. Funding can reach up to $24,999, with a focus on hands-on, facilitator-led experiences, and additional programming opportunities may be considered.