Best Grants for Capital Funding in Washington

Organizations and school districts in Grays Harbor County, Washington can apply for Grays Harbor Community Foundation’s Quarterly Impact Grants, awarding up to US $5,000 for small, near-term projects. Funding supports a wide range of community needs, so Washington groups planning modest capital or program improvements may be eligible if they align with the foundation’s giving priorities.

Charitable organizations such as 501(c)(3)s, school districts, and cities in Grays Harbor County can seek US $5,000 - US $30,000 for program gaps, new initiatives, expansions, equipment, or infrastructure. With a mission to improve quality of life, Grays Harbor Community Foundation supports education, health, arts, and basic needs projects through two annual cycles.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations creating community impact in Washington can be nominated for BECU Foundation’s People Helping People Awards, which provide up to US $50,000 for program support. Eligible work includes education, health and wellness, basic needs, economic opportunity, environmental stewardship, arts and culture, and community strengthening in BECU’s Washington service areas.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities in Washington can receive funding to implement conservation practices on working lands. Focused on environmental conservation, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service invites eligible applicants to address resource concerns like water and air quality, soil health, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience through customized EQIP conservation plans.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1)/(2) organizations can seek McGraw Foundation support for general operations, specific projects, and occasionally capital programs. With a mission to back education, conservation, human services, health, and cultural initiatives, this invitation-only opportunity may benefit nonprofits planning capital improvements alongside program work, though grants are generally limited to the greater Chicago area.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and Tribal entities in the Portland Metro/SW Washington region can seek $50,000 - $100,000 Impact Awards for general operating or project support advancing equity. With a mission to build a more equitable community, Ninety Nine Girlfriends provides Washington groups with funding for educational equity, environmental justice, housing stability, and women’s economic empowerment programs.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest landowners, and Tribes in Washington can receive funding to enhance conservation practices and maintain existing stewardship on working lands. Grants from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Washington help improve soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience through customized Conservation Stewardship Program plans and five-year contracts.

Graduate students pursuing research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can access funding through the American Water Works Association Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship. This US $3,000 award supports actionable, timely research addressing current challenges in the water industry, which may benefit Washington institutions planning capital or infrastructure-related projects.

Nonprofits and grassroots groups in Washington’s Thurston County can seek micro grants for start-up costs, equipment, outreach, training, and special projects that advance social justice, community building, and environmental sustainability. Community Sustaining Fund prioritizes locally led efforts that foster long-term, community-based resources and offers awards up to US $1,500.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Washington seeking support for economic advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture projects can apply to this program, which may include capital needs. With a mission to create equitable, lasting change, US Bancorp Foundation prioritizes organizations in U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color and addressing multiple Work, Home, and Play pillars.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Washington can seek funding for community development, education, workforce preparation, and related programs that build thriving futures. With a mission to improve lives through neighbors, education, and workforce initiatives, KeyBank Foundation provides US $10,000 - US $25,000 grants, prioritizing measurable, sustainable impact and strong diversity, inclusion, and financial capability components.

Nonprofits, schools, government entities, and Canadian charities serving Weyerhaeuser communities in Washington can seek funding for community development projects across housing, youth education, human services, workforce development, and environmental stewardship. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides grants over US $1,000 that may support capital or program needs within its seven focus areas.

Whatcom County 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Washington can apply for Whatcom Community Foundation’s Health & Wellness Grants, awarding US $1,000 - US $10,000 for staff well-being initiatives. Funding can support wellness programs, retreats, ergonomic improvements, mental health supports, appreciation activities, and team-building to reduce burnout and improve workplace health; government agencies, religious institutions, fiscal sponsorships, and schools are ineligible.

Nonprofit organizations in Washington working on housing, youth development, financial education, or economic and workforce development can apply for community support funding; priority goes to programs serving low- and moderate-income residents. Banner Bank supports efforts such as homelessness services, affordable housing, small business and farm development, and job creation and retention.

Nonprofit organizations serving women and children with programs like homelessness services, job readiness, education, food security, health care, or disaster relief in Washington can apply for The Father's Table Foundation’s grants, with awards up to US $750,000. Funding supports projects that build self-sufficiency and resilience, and may help expand or develop capital-related initiatives with a path to sustainability.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing human services, education, health, or community engagement programs in Washington can seek support for ongoing or new initiatives. Grants from Foster Foundation help Washington organizations address basic needs, medical research and care, and arts, cultural, or recreational activities that strengthen communities across the Pacific Northwest.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Washington conducting biomedical or health-related research can apply for the National Institutes of Health Academic Research Enhancement Award, with awards up to US $375,000. Funding supports small-scale research projects that engage undergraduate students and strengthen the institution’s research environment across areas like biology, public health, neuroscience, and medical education.

Undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students conducting vertebrate research in Washington or the broader Northwestern North America region can apply for Society for Northwestern Vertebrate Biology scholarships of up to US $1,500 to cover research expenses. Funding may support travel, equipment, supplies, and some tuition or living costs for SNVB members enrolled in accredited institutions.

Early-career biomedical research faculty at academic or research institutions in eligible low- and middle-income countries can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award to support mentored clinical research and career development. Focused on global health and disease research, the National Institutes of Health provides approximately US $140,000 to help build independent research careers, including for Washington-based collaborators.

Early-career research scientists at low- or middle-income country (LMIC) academic or research institutions seeking protected time for health-related research can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, offering approximately US $140,000. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health supports three- to five-year mentored career development projects relevant to applicants’ national health priorities.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

The Korum for Kids Foundation Grant supports initiatives that enhance the lives of children, families, and communities in the South Puget Sound area. Established in 1994, the foundation funds organizations addressing disabilities, early education, and mental health. It prioritizes projects that foster youth development, promote arts and STEM learning, and improve social services. The foundation seeks to collaborate with tax-exempt organizations, ensuring that funds are utilized effectively to create positive community impacts.

Biogen Corporate Sponsorships provide funding to support congresses, events, and initiatives in exchange for tangible benefits such as marketing opportunities and recognition. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and requests must be submitted 50 days in advance. Biogen considers various disease areas for sponsorship, including Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis. Approval depends on funding availability, alignment with interests, and event details, ensuring transparency for all potential sponsors.

The WA Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (WRE) supports landowners in protecting and restoring wetlands degraded by agricultural activities. This program enhances wildlife habitats, improves water quality, and offers various easement options, including permanent and 30-year easements, with funding for restoration costs. With a focus on climate resilience and biodiversity, WRE encourages participation from eligible private landowners and Indian tribes, promoting sustainable land management practices.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

About Serve Washington

Serve Washington advances national service, volunteerism, and civic engagement to improve lives, expand opportunity to meet the local critical needs of residents of Washington, and strengthen community capacity while creating healthy and resilient communities.

AmeriCorps Planning Grant

AmeriCorps Planning Grants provide initial funding to support current staff or to hire additional staff who can plan a proposed AmeriCorps program and develop systems for successful implementation of an AmeriCorps operational grant application. This is a great place to start if you are new to AmeriCorps! 

AmeriCorps Focus Areas

The National and Community Service Act of 1990, as amended by the Serve America Act, emphasizes measuring the impact of service and focusing on a core set of issue areas. To carry out Congress’s intent, maximize the impact of investment in national service, and achieve the goals laid out in the Strategic Plan (2022-2026), AmeriCorps has the following Focus Areas:

• Disaster Services: Helping individuals and communities prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the effects of disasters and increase community resiliency.
• Economic Opportunity: Improving the economic well-being and security of underserved individuals.
• Education: Improving educational outcomes for underserved people, especially children. AmeriCorps is particularly interested in program designs that support youth engagement and service learning as strategies to achieve high educational outcomes.
• Environmental Stewardship: Supporting communities to become more resilient through measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve land and water, increase renewable energy use and improve at-risk ecosystems, especially in underserved households and communities.
• Healthy Futures: Support for health needs within communities, including mitigating the impacts of COVID-19 and other public health crises, access to care, aging in place, and addressing childhood obesity, especially in underserved communities.
• Veterans and Military Families: Improving the quality of life of veterans, military families, caregivers, and survivors. 

Funding

Awards for planning grants may not exceed $75,000

The WA AmeriCorps Continuation Grants support organizations entering the second or third year of a three-year operational grant cycle. This funding opportunity is geared towards organizations already funded by Serve Washington, allowing them to recompete for continued support. It is not intended for new applicants or those seeking funding for programs not previously supported. Focus areas include disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and support for veterans.