Best Grants for Solar Panels for Nonprofits in Washington

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs in Washington may be eligible for support, including projects that incorporate solar or clean energy solutions. Creag Foundation supports creative approaches across multiple fields; interested nonprofits can submit a letter of inquiry, though full applications are by invitation only and require at least one year of 501(c)(3) status.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth health, education, development, or welfare can apply for up to US $15,000 to run enrichment, advocacy, and basic-needs programs in Washington and beyond. With a mission to enrich children’s lives, Dan Paul Foundation provides funding for initiatives such as child welfare, homelessness, poverty relief, and environmental education, which may complement solar or sustainability projects.

U.S. R1 research universities in the SSRC College and University Fund for the Social Sciences can apply for US $300,000 to launch a Public Exchange that turns research into real-world impact. Grants from Social Science Research Council help institutions, including those in Washington, build capacity for cross-sector partnerships on issues like climate solutions, disaster recovery, and community well-being.

Washington nonprofits and NGOs using technology for climate resilience, education, crisis response, or economic empowerment can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation’s Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Programs must primarily serve economically underserved communities and may include clean energy or green jobs initiatives that could complement solar panel projects.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in Washington and across the U.S. can apply for more than US $100,000 to support arts and science programming, capital projects, or limited general support. Grants from William Randolph Hearst Foundation help organizations like museums, theaters, symphonies, and arts schools, especially those engaging youth or developing artistic talent, that meet its size and impact requirements.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Washington working in health and welfare, education, or community services can apply for support from the Labcorp Charitable Foundation. This U.S.-based funder backs programs such as food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM education, and preventive health initiatives, which may benefit nonprofits also pursuing solar or energy-efficiency projects.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on early childhood education or community economic development can receive support in Washington communities where PNC has a significant presence. PNC Foundation provides grants for early learning programs, educator development, family engagement, affordable housing, small business support, community services, arts, and neighborhood revitalization benefiting low- and moderate-income residents.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

Washington 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in charitable, scientific, medical, or educational fields can access funding through Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for programs that significantly benefit their target populations. Eligible organizations must use awarded funds within the U.S., be tax-exempt under federal law, and, when applicable, meet California tax-exemption requirements.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Washington working on community development, housing, jobs, or basic needs can seek sponsorship support for programs and events. Bank of America Foundation provides U.S. nonprofits with funding for preserving neighborhoods, workforce education, hunger and shelter, arts and culture, environmental efforts, and diversity and inclusion initiatives that may include solar or energy-related projects.

Washington 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profits can seek funding to tell impact stories through the Storytelling Grant, supporting work in preservation, education, or wellness. Organizations working on areas like renewable energy, environmental conservation, or wellness may be eligible for more than US $50,000 from the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities in Washington and other Southern-region states can seek Robinson Foundation support for programs in education, poverty relief, health, disaster relief, families, veterans, animal welfare, conservation, and faith-based work. Funding is for single-year projects with tangible, meaningful impact, not capital facilities, and applicants must have operated for more than three years.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing community services in Washington counties where Insperity employees live and work can seek philanthropic grants or event sponsorships to advance their service and fundraising goals. Insperity provides Washington community organizations with financial support when they are employee-supported, client organizations, or serve local Insperity communities; charities outside the U.S. and individuals are ineligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental conservation, community services, or peacebuilding in Washington may be eligible for support from the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. This flexible funding can help nonprofits advance projects that respect people, the environment, and all forms of life, and may benefit solar or sustainability-focused initiatives.

Washington nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community can access funding through Georgia-Pacific Foundation for education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment projects. Organizations pursuing solar or other energy-related initiatives that enhance community well-being in these areas may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Washington within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. TJX Foundation supports these community services, and nonprofits with solar projects that also deliver such benefits may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Washington seeking support for environmental or human services work can apply for unrestricted funding from Lawrence Foundation, typically ranging from US $5,000 - US $10,000. The foundation funds both program and operating costs, so solar or sustainability-related initiatives housed within eligible organizations may be considered.

Nonprofit organizations in Washington seeking US $1,000 - US $20,000 for community-based programs, facilities, or services may be eligible for this grant, which can include projects that incorporate solar or energy improvements. Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation supports museums, education, health facilities, environmental and wildlife efforts, and programs for youth, seniors, and people with disabilities across the U.S.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Dr Scholl Foundation provides Washington nonprofits with one-year project funding in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental programs. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations with at least three years of financial activity can request US $5,000 - US $25,000, and nonprofits adding or expanding solar or energy-related projects within these areas may be eligible.

Washington 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving economic stability, health, literacy, workforce readiness, or disaster relief can access funding through O'Reilly Automotive Foundation for project, general operating, or capital support. U.S.-based community-benefit organizations in O’Reilly Auto Parts service areas, including those whose work may incorporate solar or energy upgrades, may be eligible if they meet the foundation’s mission and nondiscrimination requirements.

Union Pacific Foundation provides Washington nonprofits and 501(c)(3) emergency response organizations with US $5,000 - US $30,000 for safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects. Organizations working on clean energy, environmental stewardship, or related sustainability efforts in Union Pacific–served communities may be eligible if they align with the program’s priority cause areas and DEI goals.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with programs for youth education, family services, food security, or environmental stewardship in Washington may be eligible for US $30,000 - US $350,000 grants. Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards support U.S., Canadian, U.K., and Singapore charities advancing community, hunger relief, housing, and planet-focused initiatives for children and families.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.