Best Grants for Minorities in Washington

Nonprofit organizations, fiscally sponsored groups, and tribal governments in Washington working on carceral systems organizing can access funding through Social Justice Fund Northwest to support community organizing, abolition, and justice reform efforts; awards US $25,000. Groups led by Black, Indigenous, and people of color and those with smaller budgets are especially encouraged to apply.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations in Washington building explicit political power with Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color can apply for Washington Progress Fund’s core grants, awarding US $25,000 - US $100,000 for long-term organizing infrastructure. Funding supports leadership development, communications, policy, movement capacity, and organizing and elections work that strengthens a multiracial, cross-class progressive movement.

American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing engineering or other high-demand aerospace-related degrees in Washington can access funding through Native Forward Scholars Fund. This need-based scholarship offers up to US $10,000 for tuition and childcare support. Indigenous students in Washington’s public higher education systems planning aerospace careers may be eligible.

The WE Communications Scholarship, established by Waggener Edstrom Worldwide in partnership with UNCF, aims to support female undergraduate students in STEM fields at UNCF Member Institutions. With a focus on academic excellence, applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate financial need. This initiative reflects UNCF's commitment to fostering minority education and empowering future leaders, contributing to the overall rise in graduation rates among African American students.

NCAA Division II member schools and multisport conference offices in Washington can apply for the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship Grant; awards US $30,000 for a full-time, entry-level athletics administration internship. An additional US $3,000 supports the intern’s professional development over the academic year.

NCAA Division II colleges and multisport conferences enhancing ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration can apply for the Strategic Alliance Matching Grant, including those in Washington. Funding supports new full-time administrative roles over five years, covering areas like strategic planning, fundraising, compliance, diversity initiatives, and student-athlete welfare.

NCAA Division II member colleges creating new assistant coaching positions to increase ethnic minority and gender representation can apply for the Coaching Enhancement Grant, including schools in Washington. With a mission to support diversity in athletics, the National Collegiate Athletic Association provides US $48,000 over three years toward salary, wages, and benefits for the hired coach.

Nonprofits, government agencies, and public schools in Washington can seek funding for education, health and human services, culture, arts, communities of color, Native American programs, environment, and civic advocacy. With a mission to support community needs, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe provides Washington minority-serving organizations with US $1,500 - US $5,000, reviewed quarterly with no application deadlines.

NCAA Division III conferences and institutions seeking to improve ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles in Washington can apply for this Strategic Alliance Matching Grant. Grants from the National Collegiate Athletic Association support five-year, full-time administrative positions with responsibilities like strategic planning, budgeting, fundraising, compliance, diversity initiatives, and student-athlete welfare.

Focused on minority representation in athletics, the National Collegiate Athletic Association invites Washington NCAA Division III member schools to apply for support to create new assistant coaching positions. Funding helps cover salary, wages, and benefits for two years, advancing ethnic minority and gender diversity within Division III coaching staffs.

Minority health and physical education professionals in Washington and nationwide who are long-time SHAPE America members may be eligible for the E.B. Henderson Award recognizing scholarship, mentorship, and service. Grants from Society of Health and Physical Educators honor leaders increasing involvement of ethnic minorities and underserved populations in HPERD fields and within SHAPE America.

Focused on undergraduate education, Presbyterian Mission Agency invites Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) members to apply for scholarships supporting first associate or bachelor’s degrees. Eligible students, including those from minority communities in Washington, may receive up to US $6,000 to attend accredited U.S. colleges or universities full-time in 2025–2026.

Washington organizations and community groups supporting early childhood development and family services for marginalized communities can access funding through King County Department of Community and Human Services. The Prenatal to Five Innovation Fund backs community-driven, anti-racist innovations centering Black, Indigenous, immigrant, refugee, LGBTQ+, low-income, and other underserved families in King County, including pilots and small-scale implementation projects.

Students of color pursuing higher education, including those from Washington, can receive up to US $3,000 for college costs such as tuition, fees, and room and board. With a mission to support educational access, Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts provides one-year scholarships, and applicants are considered for multiple funds through a single application.

Undergraduate engineering students in the U.S. from marginalized ethnicities and genders can receive renewable support for tuition and other educational costs, especially those passionate about climate justice. Architecture Foundation of Oregon partners with PAE to offer up to US $20,000 and mentorship, which may benefit minority students from Washington pursuing engineering degrees.

Graduating high school seniors and GED students in Washington’s Thurston and Pierce counties seeking higher education can receive scholarships supporting minority and first-generation college access. With a mission to strengthen local students’ futures, Community Foundation of South Puget Sound provides the Learning Seed Foundation Scholarship, offering US $3,000, renewable for up to three additional undergraduate years for eligible applicants with financial need.

Minority high school seniors and recent graduates seeking postsecondary education funding can apply for competitive scholarships supporting students from Louisa and Fluvanna County Public Schools in Virginia. Grants from The Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond help minority students, including those of African American heritage, pursue technical programs or four-year colleges, with preference for several Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Nonprofit organizations with a 5+ year track record serving Black, Latina, and Native American women and girls can seek funding to recruit and retain them in college-level computing. Focused on computing education equity, Reboot Representation Tech Coalition prioritizes multi-geometry, research-backed programs, which may benefit minority-serving organizations in Washington working in higher education and tech pathways.

Students of color in Washington studying marketing, advertising, design, or computer science can seek scholarship support for their education. Focused on diversity in advertising and related digital fields, Innovia Foundation invites Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color in its 20‑county service region who show academic achievement and engagement to apply.

The AISES Indian Motorcycle Academic Scholarship offers $5,000 annually to support Native students pursuing degrees in STEM fields. Sponsored by the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, this scholarship aims to empower Indigenous students and enhance diversity in STEM. Eligible applicants must be current AISES members, full-time students, and enrolled citizens or descendants of recognized Native tribes. This scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also fosters community and innovation within the STEM landscape.

The Empire Health Foundation is committed to strengthening communities through connection and learning by providing sponsorship funding for events that promote health equity and social justice. While they are no longer accepting sponsorship applications for 2025, they encourage grassroots organizations serving marginalized communities in eastern Washington to reach out for future opportunities. Their focus includes supporting 2SLGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and low-income populations, fostering collaboration, and enhancing community well-being.

The Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Bridge to Doctorate Scholars Program, funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to recruit and retain minority graduate students in STEM fields. This program offers significant benefits, including a $32,000 annual stipend and $12,000 educational allowance for two years, fostering a supportive community through monthly dinners for Indigenous graduate students. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens, identify as American Indian or Alaska Native, and have participated in an LSAMP program.

Rene Hernandez Scholarship Fund

Hispanic graduating seniors in Travis and Williamson county.

Awards

• (1) $2,000.00

Osborn scholarship

The Osborn scholarship is for BIPOC students with demonstrated financial need, who are enrolled in or planning to pursue an accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree program in landscape architecture or civil engineering. Priority will be given to students with a demonstrated a commitment to developing public infrastructure and/or public places in the State of Washington. The intention of the scholarship is to create opportunities for those who have faced historic barriers to access to these professions in the United States. The scholarship founders believe that the design challenges of the 21st century require diverse voices to solve. They look forward to the stronger design solutions to which future scholarship recipients will contribute. Scholarship applicants must demonstrate the grit, resiliency and aptitude that is necessary for success in these professions. This may be demonstrated by any combination of at least two of the following characteristics: overcame a significant personal challenge to maintain at least a B average at school, honor roll grade point average, demonstrated ability to juggle multiple responsibilities, demonstrated service contributions to their community.

Awards

• $5,000 - $10,000

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible

Latino Scholarship Fund

To support graduating Latino high school seniors from Hampden and Hampshire Counties.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

CRST Wicozani Wiwokiaye Oyate Scholarship for Nursing

To provide financial support to Native American students pursuing a registered nursing degree.

For a Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST) member aiming to earn a nursing degree, if there are no eligible CRST candidates, the scholarship will be accessible to another tribal member. Proof of tribal enrollment is required for both applicants. This scholarship is available to students in their second through fifth years who have sustained a GPA of 2.0 or above. When applying for this scholarship, articulate how your nursing education will contribute to enhancing the health outcomes of Native American communities.

(Pronunciation is: Wee-Cho-Zan-Ee, Wee-Woke-Ee-Eye-Aye, Oh-Yah-Tay. Which is Lakota for "Health Helpers Society")

Every Battle Creek area resident shall have the resources to access post-secondary education and training.

Your dreams matter — and we want to help you achieve them. Whether you’re a graduating high school senior, an adult returning to school, or a graduate student pursuing advanced education, we’re here to support you by opening doors to opportunity.

Beyond tuition, many funds support total cost of attendance — books, fees, equipment, and in some cases childcare or transportation.

Checks are made payable to the educational institution indicated on the follow-up and mailed directly to the educational institution. Checks are typically mailed in early August.

Leroy McKinney Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was created in memory of Leroy McKinney Jr., who was a graduate of Battle Creek Central High School, Class of 1988. Upon graduation, he studied Pre-Engineering in college. He also had an entrepreneurial spirit. Though he struggled with mental illness, one of his proudest accomplishments in life, was returning to college as an adult and completing his Bachelor's degree in Business Management. He would be honored to know this scholarship was created in his legacy to support other African American men to pursue their education in these fields.