Best Grants for K-12 Schools in Washington

Ellison Education Grants

The Ellison Education Grants were created to empower and support Washington State’s most effective, innovative and inspirational K- 12 public school teachers. This is done by providing support to educators who design academic enrichment curriculum for students and or professional learning experiences for their current practice. The Ellison Foundation acknowledges a classroom teacher's expertise in understanding their own professional learning needs and the needs of their students. Since 2017 the Ellison Foundation has awarded 163 grants and over $800,000 to public-school educators in Washington State.

The Ellison Foundation wishes to award multiple grants in the Spring of 2027 for the 2027 – 2028 school year. Grant amounts range between $1,000 and $10,000.

Washington K-12 education nonprofits and youth-serving organizations can seek funding for academic achievement, civic involvement, financial literacy, and students’ physical and emotional development. Banner Bank provides support for programs in Washington, with priority for low- and moderate-income populations, and also considers related efforts in housing stability, economic development, and financial education for youth and adults.

BIPOC-led nonprofit organizations serving youth ages 6–18 in Washington can seek funding for athletics, culture, and education programs, including general operating support. Charlotte Martin Foundation prioritizes rural communities and initiatives that expand STEAM learning, cultural expression, college awareness, and access to diverse sports opportunities for K–12-age students in its five-state Western region.

K-12 public schools and partners in Washington can seek funding for outdoor educational experiences, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $175,000. Grants from Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office help support experiential outdoor learning, STEAM activities, habitat restoration, field studies, and leadership and mentorship opportunities that enhance student engagement and academic success.

Nonprofits, schools, and public agencies in Washington ready to run an AmeriCorps program can seek operational funding to support service projects in areas like K-12 education, economic opportunity, disaster services, and healthy futures. Serve Washington’s New & Recompete AmeriCorps Operational Grant supports new programs or those renewing after a completed three-year cycle.

Existing AmeriCorps-funded education and youth programs in Washington can seek continuation funding to support ongoing K-12 and related community services. Serve Washington supports currently funded operational grants in years two or three of a three-year cycle; this opportunity is only for continuation grants, not new or recompeting applicants.

K-12 schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Washington can apply for $2,500 - $10,000 in youth and education funding from the Albertsons Companies Foundation. Focus areas include K-12 academic success, health and human services, hunger, veterans, and inclusion, with priority for programs serving communities near Safeway and Albertsons stores.

K-12 schools and local entities in Washington seeking to improve walking and biking safety near campuses can apply for infrastructure and safety projects within two miles of primary, middle, and high schools. Washington State Department of Transportation provides up to US $56,950,000 statewide to enhance student mobility, reduce traffic, and cut pollution around schools.

K-12 schools, libraries, colleges, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Washington can receive up to US $10,000 for family literacy programs that include adult education, children’s education, and parent-child learning time. The Dollar General Literacy Foundation supports organizations within 15 miles of a Dollar General store that are listed in the National Literacy Directory.

K-12 education nonprofits in Washington and other eligible BECU service areas can apply for BECU Foundation’s People Helping People Awards, with grants up to Up to US $50,000 for community-focused programs. Funding supports work such as advancing education, basic needs, health, economic opportunity, and strengthening local communities, including school-based and youth-serving initiatives.

K-12 education nonprofits and school-related organizations in Washington can seek grants over US $2,500 for educational programs and student support. First Interstate Bank provides funding through the First Interstate BancSystem Foundation for 501(c)(3) entities, qualifying public organizations, or government units recommended by local branches, with awards based on community benefit and organizational strength.

K–12 schools and local agencies in Washington seeking to improve student and community safety through walking and biking infrastructure can apply for the Pedestrian & Bicyclist Program, which offers up to US $49,380,000. Washington State Department of Transportation supports projects like sidewalks, buffered bike lanes, crossings, and speed management that enhance active transportation trips.

With a mission to improve education and workforce outcomes, KeyBank Foundation provides Washington K-12 schools and education-focused nonprofits with grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000. Funding can support academic success, college and career preparation, financial literacy, and related programs that help students achieve strong educational and future employment outcomes.

K-12 education nonprofits in Washington serving underserved, school-aged youth can seek multi-year or general operating support for long-term, transformative programs. Focused on mentoring, academic intervention, and college and career preparation, Silver Family Foundation offers US $15,000 - US $50,000 to organizations based in Washington, Oregon, or Idaho after completing an LOI process.

The White-Reinhardt Grant offers funding for projects that enhance agricultural literacy among K-12 students. With grants of up to $1,000 available, state and county Farm Bureaus can initiate new educational programs or expand existing ones. This initiative, supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation and its Women’s Leadership Committee, honors the contributions of Berta White and Linda Reinhardt, aiming to bolster agricultural knowledge across the nation.

K-12 teachers and educators in Washington can receive up to US $2,500 to run insect-focused science projects and programs for students. The Entomological Society of America’s Chrysalis Fund supports classroom and school-related activities, covering direct project costs such as supplies, services, travel for guests, and educator or expert compensation.

Full-time preK–12 classroom teachers in Washington and across the U.S. can apply for Fund For Teachers fellowships to design personalized professional learning experiences that enhance K–12 instruction. Eligible applicants have at least three years of teaching experience and plan to return to the classroom, making this a strong opportunity for school-based educator development.

Washington K-12 science teachers who use or manage chemicals can seek funding to improve chemical safety in their classrooms and labs. Middle or high school educators in U.S. schools may request up to US $3,000 for safety training, PPE, professional development, safety infrastructure, or related substitutes and consulting through the American Chemical Society.

The Harry Sudakoff Foundation Grant supports qualified charities in Sarasota, Florida, focusing on arts, community, education for youth, environment, human services, and science. Established by builder Harry Sudakoff, the foundation prioritizes organizations with a history of support. Grants are restricted to 501(c)(3) entities, excluding individuals and certain funding types like endowments and operating expenses. A commitment to impactful contributions is central to the foundation's mission.

The Woodworth Family Foundation Grant supports nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Tacoma and Pierce County, focusing on education, youth services, health care, and human services. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $25,000, with no back-to-back funding in consecutive years. Applicants must submit an online Letter of Inquiry, with reviews completed within 60 days. The foundation aims to enhance community well-being through various targeted initiatives.

The NIH Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) fosters innovative educational initiatives aimed at pre-college students, promoting their interest in STEM fields, especially in biomedical and behavioral sciences. This program supports both classroom projects and informal science education activities, such as after-school programs and library events. Emphasizing the development of quantitative and computational skills, SEPA seeks to inspire the next generation of scientists and thinkers through engaging educational experiences.

The Christina Sue Lilja Resource Grants support agricultural literacy by providing funds for educators to purchase resources from the Ag Foundation store. In 2025, 100 educators will receive $100 in store credits, selected randomly if applications exceed this number. This initiative, backed by the CSL Foundation, honors Christy Lilja's legacy of advocating for agricultural education. The grants aim to enhance classroom resources and improve students' understanding of agriculture, ensuring access to accurate information.

Nonprofit organizations providing K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations can apply for approximately US $77,000 in program funding, including those serving Washington. The Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Fund supports year-round, direct-service educational programs with demonstrated impact, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and strong financial accountability in select regions across several U.S. states.

The SHAPE America: Mentor of the Year Award recognizes an exemplary role model committed to fostering student engagement in professional activities. Candidates must have a minimum of three years of membership in SHAPE America and serve as full-time faculty at a higher education institution. This award emphasizes mentorship through professional behavior, involvement in student projects, and providing academic guidance, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future careers.

Our Story

The IBMA Foundation was created by the International Bluegrass Music Association in 2007 with a bequest from the Richard Barnhart estate. Mr. Barnhart was a musician from northern Virginia who loved bluegrass and wanted to support educational programs for children. Since the beginning, our goal has been to support bluegrass-music-related educational, literary, artistic and historic preservation activities.

In our early years we produced Discover Bluegrass, an educational video that has been used in thousands of classrooms and libraries around the world. We have hosted dozens of teacher workshops and artist trainings. We created a bluegrass lesson plan competition and provided a network for leaders of after-school bluegrass programs.

Our project grants, which now total $25,000 a year, support bluegrass-related initiatives throughout the world. We also fund Bluegrass in the Schools Mini-grants ($7,000/year) which help schools to hire bluegrass bands for school programs. The Rosenberg Bluegrass Scholar Award recognizes excellence in academic research. Six college scholarships are granted for students working in various areas of the bluegrass music industry. The Arnold Shultz Fund supports increased participation of people of color in bluegrass music with grants that total $30,000/ year. Fletcher Bright Memorial Grants for Young Musicians (age 18 and younger) help young people go to bluegrass music camps and workshops, take lessons, and purchase educational materials. 

Bill Breen Bluegrass Youth Education Fund

The Bill Breen Bluegrass Youth Education Fund was initially financed by friend and colleague, Susie Stephenson. The fund is an option for donors who want to help young people experience and learn to play bluegrass music. Instead of funding a specific scholarship or grant, the Breen Fund will be used by the IBMA Foundation where needed most, in a variety of ways that benefit individuals age 21 and younger. Based in Chicago, Illinois, Bill was an Associate Professor and Professor of Finance at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University from 1971-2002, going on to serve as Chairman of the Finance Department and Head of Doctoral Studies for the Kellogg School. In addition to playing the banjo, Bill was an avid sailor and fly fisherman, and he never met a dog he didn’t like. His friends and family say it’s fitting that a man so passionate about the banjo, bluegrass music, and education is memorialize with a bluegrass youth education fund.

The OneAmerica Financial Community grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations focused on education, workforce development, safety, wellness, and community vibrancy. With a commitment to making a difference, OneAmerica aims to transform lives through strategic philanthropy. Their initiatives include disaster relief, arts support, and civic engagement, fostering resilient communities. By investing in meaningful change, they build a foundation for shared success across the country, ensuring that community needs are met and future generations thrive.

The National Girls and Women in Sports (NAGWS) Legacy Award, established by SHAPE America, honors exemplary contributions to increasing opportunities for women in sports. This annual award recognizes current SHAPE America members who submit impactful proposals related to women's sports, with a monetary prize of $1000. The award will be presented at the National Convention & Exposition, with a special deadline of November 1st. Nominations can include various initiatives aimed at empowering women in sports.