Best Lewis County Grants for Nonprofits in Washington

The Ben B. Cheney Foundation Grant supports community improvement projects in areas where Mr. Cheney's lumber company operated. Focused on one-time project grants, the foundation emphasizes sustainability and local support. Eligible applicants include public charities and government units primarily in Washington, Oregon, and California. The foundation prioritizes projects that invest in long-lasting community needs and demonstrate innovative solutions. Since 1975, it has supported over 1,200 organizations, making a significant impact in local communities.

Oregon Jewish Community Foundation 

Founded in 1989, the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation offers personalized service, cutting-edge investment expertise, flexibility, and focused investment.

We work throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington, offering charitable giving opportunities to help individuals and families achieve their heartfelt philanthropic objectives.  The Foundation helps individuals and families achieve their heartfelt philanthropic goals through the most tax-advantaged approaches to charitable giving. As the community's partner in the region, OJCF provides sophisticated giving opportunities and exciting programs expressing the Jewish values of tzedakah (justice) and tikkun olam (healing the world).

Mission

OJCF’s mission is to build and promote a culture of giving in Oregon and Southwest Washington that supports a thriving Jewish community now and for generations to come.

Weitz Family Lunch and Learn Fund

The Weitz Family Lunch and Learn fund is accepting grant applications to support kosher lunch and learn Torah study for groups of passionate and curious community members that are yearning for learning.

This grant application is open on an ongoing basis.

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.

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.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups in Lewis County, Washington working in arts and culture, health and wellness, education, environment, or children and families can seek unrestricted support to advance transformative, equity-focused community programs. Impact 100 Seattle plans one US $100,000 grant plus smaller finalist awards, practicing trust-based philanthropy in the Puget Sound region.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Washington State Department of Commerce

The Washington State Department of Commerce is the front door of government across our state. Our work touches every corner of Washington and impacts every community. We are advancing the most urgent needs facing our state: the transition to a clean energy economy, climate resilience, housing supply to meet our growing population, and the equitable engagement of communities, Tribes, local governments, and organizations.

Vision: A Washington where every community grows through access to opportunities and innovation. Mission: Commerce fosters resilient communities by building partnerships, delivering resources, and advancing equity through responsive, transparent and collaborative public service.

CERB Rural Ports Program – Tier 1: Frontier Counties

The 2025 Washington Legislature directed the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) to provide grants to rural ports for infrastructure repair, improvement, and development projects for the purpose of rural economic development.

A jurisdiction may submit only one application to the Rural Ports Program. Infrastructure repair, improvement, and development projects for the purpose of rural economic development:

• Enable and encourage private sector business creation or expansion
• Enhance the vitality and livability of the community
• Enhance local tourism

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.