Best Lewis County Grants for Nonprofits in Washington

The Leonard and Lois Schnitzer Charitable Supporting Foundation, part of OJCF, focuses on enhancing local Jewish projects in Oregon and Southwest Washington. Since its inception, it has awarded nearly $677,000 to over 30 organizations, emphasizing Jewish welfare, community building, and education. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the foundation aims to foster collaboration and innovation while addressing critical community needs, benefiting a broad segment of the population.

Focused on healthy living, Community Foundation of South Puget Sound invites Lewis County, Washington 501(c)(3) nonprofits, booster clubs, public schools, school districts, and tribal organizations to apply for US $1,000 - US $5,000. Funding supports physical activity, nutrition, personal growth, and expanding access to sports and wellness programs in Thurston, Lewis, and Mason counties.

The Stimson-Miller Foundation Grant supports civic, cultural, educational, and health-related initiatives in communities where Stimson Lumber Company operates. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities and located within 60 miles of a mill or corporate office. The Foundation prioritizes shareholder-driven projects and specific program support over general operational funding. Note that organizations previously funded are not eligible this year.

Robison Foundation for Jewish Elders

Robison Foundation for Jewish Elders (RFJE) supports community organizations and initiatives by funding programs that enhance the lives of elders in the Jewish community of greater Portland and Southwest Washington by supporting their social, spiritual and physical well-being.

To achieve its mission, RFJE offers funding through four grant track opportunities:

• Nitzan Grants
• Kulanu Grants
• ChikChok Grants
• Kadimah Grants

Oregon Jewish Community Foundation ( OJCF) administers and supports RFJE's grantmaking programs. In 2025, OJCF announced and managed the application process for RFJE's ChikChok, Kadimah, Nitzan, and Kulanu grant programs that support Jewish elders in Greater Portland and Southwest Washington. OJCF specifically stated that it is proud to support the administration of these grants.

Nitzan Grants

Nitzan (blossom) grants are designed to support early-stage ideas and modest program expansions. These grants are intended to pilot new concepts with room to grow, expand existing programs in a limited but meaningful way; and bridge the gap between small, rapid-response funding and larger investments.

The Purpose of the Nitzan Grants

Grant awards for this Nitzan cycle will be $5,000-$20,000 per year. There will be two grant cycles per year. We strongly encourage organizations to self-evaluate how they can effectively use grant funds-given existing organizational constraints-ask for funding accordingly.

Collaboration with other aligned non-profit organizations in a joint grant application is encouraged. Funds will be awarded to the lead applicant who will also be responsible for measured outcomes reporting. 

Grant Size and Timeframe Parameters

RFJE will consider funding proposals for up to three years and encourages applicants seeking multi-year support to request reduced funding amounts in the second and third years (“step-down funding”). For approved multi-year grants, RFJE will commit to funding for the full proposed term, contingent on annual reporting requirements and on agreed-upon criteria and conditions established by RFJE and the applicant to assess the program’s progress.  

Robison Foundation for Jewish Elders

Robison Foundation for Jewish Elders (RFJE) supports community organizations and initiatives by funding programs that enhance the lives of elders in the Jewish community of greater Portland and Southwest Washington by supporting their social, spiritual and physical well-being.

To achieve its mission, RFJE offers funding through four grant track opportunities:

• Nitzan Grants
• Kulanu Grants
• ChikChok Grants
• Kadimah Grants

Oregon Jewish Community Foundation ( OJCF) administers and supports RFJE's grantmaking programs. In 2025, OJCF announced and managed the application process for RFJE's ChikChok, Kadimah, Nitzan, and Kulanu grant programs that support Jewish elders in Greater Portland and Southwest Washington. OJCF specifically stated that it is proud to support the administration of these grants.

Kulanu Grants

Kulanu (all of us) grants are designed to support cross-organizational collaboration and create lasting, system-level impact. Kulanu grants support significant program growth, innovation and capacity-building. These grants are intended to fund collaborative, multi-organization initiatives, address systemic challenges and service gaps; and focus on sustainable, communitywide solutions.

The Purpose of the Kulanu Grants

Grant awards for this Kulanu cycle will be $50,000+ per year, with multiyear commitments possible. There will be two grant cycles per year. We strongly encourage organizations to self evaluate how they can effectively use grant funds-given existing organizational constraints-ask for funding accordingly.

Grant Size and Timeframe Parameters

RFJE will consider funding proposals for up to three years and encourages applicants seeking multi-year support to request reduced funding amounts in the second and third years (“step-down funding”). For approved multi-year grants, RFJE will commit to funding for the full proposed term, contingent on annual reporting requirements and on agreed-upon criteria and conditions established by RFJE and the applicant to assess the program’s progress.  

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and tax-exempt religious organizations serving Jewish elders with senior services in Lewis County, Washington can apply for Oregon Jewish Community Foundation’s Kadimah Grants, awarding US $20,000 - US $50,000. Funding supports new or expanded programs, strategic planning, infrastructure, and capacity-building that prioritize Jewish seniors in Greater Portland and Southwest Washington, including Lewis County.

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.

Qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits and tax-exempt religious organizations in Lewis County, Washington can apply for Oregon Jewish Community Foundation’s ChikChok Grants, awarding up to US $3,000 for time-sensitive programs benefiting Jewish elders. Funding supports short-term programs, events, pilot activities, or emerging needs, with a quick-turnaround, low-burden application process and quarterly decisions.

The Inukai Family Foundation, established in honor of Richard Michael “Dick” Inukai, supports nonprofit organizations that enhance community welfare in Oregon, Idaho, and Southwest Washington. With a focus on positive youth development, educational grants, and healthcare support, the foundation promotes Japanese culture and provides scholarships for children of Dick's Auto Group employees. Through initiatives that address needs in education, senior care, and community outreach, the foundation continues to honor Dick Inukai's legacy of hard work and community service.

Lewis County nonprofit and public agencies providing supportive services to homeless or at-risk youth and young adults can access funding through the Washington State Department of Commerce. Grants up to US $160,000 support youth-led staff positions, street outreach, case management, and other direct services for ages 12–24 under HUD’s Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program.

Lewis County, Washington nonprofits seeking event-based or general operating support for education, workforce preparation, or community development can access funding through KeyBank’s Community Sponsorship program. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations must serve areas where KeyBank operates, with sponsorships typically supporting fundraising events or broader community-focused initiatives that help individuals prepare for thriving futures.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups serving Lewis County, Washington can receive US $1,500 - US $5,000 in mostly unrestricted operating support for social, health, and environmental well-being. Focused on broad community impact, Community Foundation of South Puget Sound invites applicants working in areas like arts, basic needs, health, environment, and economic opportunity.

With a mission to strengthen local communities, Sundt Foundation provides Lewis County, Washington 501(c)(3) nonprofits with US $2,500 - US $25,000 for specific programs. Eligible organizations focus on youth development, hunger and nutrition, basic needs, social services, or military and veterans, and meet requirements for budget size, low admin costs, and local presence.

Nonprofits, tribes, schools, universities, and government agencies working on community health and social determinants in Lewis County, Washington may be eligible for funding to support programs like health care access, mental health, housing, food security, and anti-racism efforts. With a mission to improve community health, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan provides invited applicants with support guided by its Community Health Needs Assessment.

Lewis County, Washington nonprofits, community groups, and eligible individuals can seek support for education, public spaces, and civic improvement projects that benefit Chehalis. Lewis County organizations can access funding through Chehalis Foundation for initiatives like school enhancements, parks, pools, beautification, and other community development efforts that align with its mission and values.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Lewis County, Washington can seek Forest Foundation capital funding for smaller capital items and equipment that support ongoing operations or improve organizational effectiveness. Eligible projects must fall within program areas such as youth development, basic needs, arts and culture, environmental stewardship, or community building in Southwest Washington.

The Creative Start Project Grant provides funding for innovative projects that engage preschool to 3rd grade students in arts-integrated learning. This one-year grant prioritizes creative and emotional growth while fostering collaboration among educators, families, and artists. With funding ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, it aims to enhance culturally relevant learning experiences in Washington's distressed areas, focusing on sequential arts integration that benefits young learners.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public entities in Lewis County, Washington can apply for Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund’s community grants; awards More than US $1,000 for local programs. Funding supports areas like affordable housing, education and youth development, environmental stewardship, human services, civic and cultural growth, workforce development, and diversity, equity and inclusion in Weyerhaeuser communities.

Nonprofit organizations in Oregon and Southwest Washington can apply for the Schlesinger Family Foundation’s grants to support medical research and care, higher education, environmental conservation, and community welfare. Lewis County, Washington nonprofits may be eligible if they are located within the foundation’s covered Southwest Washington counties and align with these program areas.

The Project Connect: Civic Life & Belonging Grants aim to foster community engagement and connection in Lewis, Mason, and Thurston counties. This pilot program supports initiatives that encourage diverse interactions and strengthen civic life, ultimately creating a healthier community. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and tribal agencies, with projects focusing on public spaces, collaborative art, and community storytelling. The grants prioritize inclusivity and aim to bridge gaps between different community members.

The Next Step Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound, supports students aiming to pursue vocational training in various fields, such as nursing, culinary arts, and IT. Eligible applicants must be graduating seniors from select counties with a GPA between 1.75 and 2.75. The scholarship can be renewed for a second year upon reapplication, emphasizing the foundation's commitment to fostering educational opportunities for local students.

The Russell Legacy: Women in STEM Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound, aims to support exceptional students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This scholarship is available to graduating seniors from public high schools in Lewis, Mason, or Thurston counties, with a focus on promoting gender diversity in STEM. Applicants may receive funding for up to four years, contingent on reapplication each year.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored community organizations serving BIPOC communities in Lewis County, Washington and Oregon can receive US $2,500 - US $5,000 for social and economic development work. Black United Fund of Oregon’s Community Impact Grants support small organizations with end-of-year net income at or below $600,000.

Lewis County, Washington nonprofits and community organizations offering programs that promote dialogue between communities, address antisemitism, or support Jewish continuity and connectivity can access funding through Oregon Jewish Community Foundation. Eligible applicants must be based in and primarily serve Oregon or Southwest Washington, with grants ranging from US $5,000 - US $20,000 for collaborative, engagement-focused programming.

Graduating high school seniors and recent graduates pursuing accredited architecture degrees in Lewis County, Washington can receive scholarship support for their education. Grants from Community Foundation for Southwest Washington help Lewis County students with college preparation and success through the AIASWW Education Scholarship Fund, offering US $2,000 awards to those demonstrating strong potential and commitment to an architectural career.

Students in Lewis County, Washington pursuing post-secondary education can access funding for degrees, certificates, vocational training, or apprenticeships; awards are US $2,500. Grants from Community Foundation for Southwest Washington help marginalized students facing challenges like poverty, foster care, disability, addiction recovery, or housing instability who demonstrate financial need and plan to study at accredited U.S. institutions.

Nonprofits, schools, local governments, and tribal governments in Lewis County, Washington can seek BNSF Foundation support for community programs in areas like civic services, youth, culture, education, environment, and human services. BNSF Foundation provides US $1,000 - US $10,000 to organizations located in or serving communities near its rail lines.