Best Grants for International Development 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.

The Community Response Fund Grant by the Northwest Fund for the Environment supports local organizations addressing urgent community needs. It focuses on grassroots engagement and environmental movement building, providing short-term funding for projects that empower under-resourced communities and enhance environmental advocacy. The grant aims to promote smart growth policies and protect Washington's aquatic ecosystems by funding initiatives that advance sustainable practices and resilience against climate change. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with a clear project plan.

The Global Health and Wellbeing Grantmaking program by Coefficient Giving focuses on addressing critical health and welfare issues worldwide. With an emphasis on proactive engagement and evidence-based solutions, the initiative supports projects that improve health outcomes and wellbeing. The program prioritizes funding for organizations tackling neglected global health challenges, advocating for effective philanthropy, and enhancing the lives of both humans and animals in vulnerable communities.

The National Home Library Foundation Grant supports nonprofits in distributing books and reading materials to libraries and community groups with limited resources. This initiative aims to promote literacy and combat illiteracy among all ages through various programs. Grants are available only to tax-exempt organizations that adhere to non-discrimination policies. Preference is given to requests from the Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas, with applications considered on a rolling basis.

OnPoint Community Credit Union, founded in 1932, is committed to supporting schools through funding for educational programs and direct contributions to public schools, PTAs, and alumni associations. With a focus on Economic Opportunity and Community Vitality, they prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in their funding initiatives. Grants typically range from $250 to $2,500, supporting organizations that align with their core values within Oregon and SW Washington.

The Carl and Marilynn Thoma Foundation offers Special Project Funding to support innovative initiatives in the arts, particularly in under-resourced areas. This grant encourages collaborative projects that enhance community engagement and education, focusing on art exhibitions and scholarships in the greater Texas Panhandle. By fostering leadership and creativity, the Foundation aims to empower individuals and organizations to make a lasting impact in the fields of art and art history.

The Pacific Power Foundation offers Community Enhancement and Environmental Respect Grants to support nonprofit organizations in the Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power service areas. Since 2019, the foundation has contributed over $13 million to promote community resilience, affordable housing, and environmental conservation. Eligible candidates include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and educational institutions. Grants aim to address local needs while ensuring responsible environmental stewardship, enhancing community vitality, and fostering sustainable development.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers the Strategic Projects: Program & Staff Grants to support nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building for mission-driven projects and infrastructure investments. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to community flourishing, with funding available for new programs or expansion of existing ones. The Trust prioritizes initiatives that align with its strategic goals, fostering sustainable nonprofit growth and impact in the region.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers Strategic Projects: Equipment & Technology Grants to nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building projects and essential equipment, requiring recipients to cover at least 50% of costs. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and tribal entities. Priority is given to projects enhancing community services, education, and environmental stewardship, supporting initiatives that foster human flourishing and demonstrate diversified funding.

The Forest Foundation offers grants to support nonprofit organizations and citizen initiatives in Southwest Washington, especially Tacoma and Pierce County. They prioritize projects that promote community well-being, environmental stewardship, and cultural accessibility. Emphasizing fiscal accountability and innovation, the Foundation seeks proposals from tax-exempt organizations in Washington and Oregon. Grants are available for various program areas, including children and youth development, community building, and self-sufficiency, while excluding requests for capital construction and certain operational costs.

The Community Heart & Soul Grant, provided by Innovia Foundation, aims to empower rural communities across a 20-county area by fostering resident-driven initiatives. This grant of $30,000 supports community project coordinators and requires a $10,000 local match over two years. The program encourages local engagement, volunteerism, and investment in community initiatives, ultimately leading to sustainable development and revitalization. Innovia Foundation's commitment ensures tailored support and technical assistance for successful community outcomes.

The Focus Grant Cycles provide vital support to organizations in southwest Washington addressing intergenerational poverty. With awards ranging from $25,000 to $50,000, the program prioritizes initiatives that tackle systemic inequities affecting marginalized communities. Focus Grants emphasize collaboration, community engagement, and innovative strategies, ensuring that organizations with lived expertise can create sustainable pathways to prosperity. By investing in educational attainment, basic human needs, and asset-building, the program aims to disrupt poverty cycles and foster long-term stability.

The WFC Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants provide funding up to $10,000 to nonprofits on Whidbey Island for one-time projects aimed at enhancing organizational capacity. Grants support initiatives such as staff training, technology upgrades, and strategic planning. Organizations must demonstrate good standing and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The Foundation prioritizes projects with clear budgets and timelines, ensuring that funded projects contribute to the overall effectiveness of nonprofit services in the community.

The 4Culture Operating Support: Heritage Sustained Support Grant provides essential funding to heritage organizations in King County for two years. This grant aims to enhance public access to heritage programs, support diverse communities, and promote the preservation of local history. Eligible organizations can use funds for operational expenses, staffing, and community outreach initiatives, ensuring that all residents can benefit from cultural resources and programs.

The 4Culture Collections Care Grants support King County non-profit heritage organizations in preserving historic artifacts and cultural materials. Grant funds, ranging from $1,000 to $8,000, can be used for assessments, training, conservation, and public benefit projects. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate feasibility, quality, and impact on the community. New applications will reopen in 2025, as the current grant cycle is on hold due to ongoing federal relief fund disbursements.

The Forest Foundation offers the Capital Projects Grant to enhance the quality of life in Southwest Washington, particularly in Tacoma and Pierce County. This grant is available to tax-exempt organizations focused on community development, environmental stewardship, and cultural initiatives. Organizations must demonstrate fiscal accountability and innovative solutions. While the foundation prioritizes local projects, it also supports initiatives that empower families towards self-sufficiency. Notably, it does not fund new facility construction or lobbying efforts.

The WSDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program aims to enhance the competitiveness of Washington's specialty crops through annual competitive grants funded by the USDA. This program supports various projects including environmental stewardship, pest management, plant health, food safety research, and innovative technologies. By fostering education and marketing initiatives, it seeks to improve the industry's sustainability and productivity, benefiting farmers and consumers alike.

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.

The 4Culture Heritage Professional Development Stipend Grants support King County residents and heritage organizations in enhancing their skills through conferences, workshops, and training sessions. Grants ranging from $100 to $2,000 are available to help individuals and organizations engage in professional development opportunities that align with career goals in the heritage field. This initiative aims to foster informed heritage professionals who can contribute to the community's cultural preservation and education.

The Innovia Foundation's Community Grant Program offers funding to organizations in a 20-county region, with awards ranging from $2,500 to $15,000. This program prioritizes impactful community initiatives in education, arts, economic opportunity, health, and quality of life. Eligible applicants include public charities and federally recognized tribes. The foundation emphasizes collaboration and inclusivity, aiming to address basic human needs and reduce inequity, while fostering vibrant and sustainable communities.

The Floodplains by Design Grants program aims to enhance community resilience to flooding and restore vital habitats in Washington's river corridors. This initiative, led by the Washington Department of Ecology and various partners, supports projects that mitigate flood risks while preserving agriculture and promoting outdoor recreation. Eligible applicants include local governments and nonprofits, focusing on integrated floodplain management to address climate impacts and ensure sustainable development.

The Black United Fund of Oregon (BUF-OR) provides Community Impact Grants to support the social and economic development of underserved communities in Oregon. Annually, BUF-OR awards grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to nonprofit organizations that align with its mission and focus on BIPOC communities. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and operate within Oregon or SW Washington. This initiative aims to empower grassroots organizations and enhance community well-being.

Sherwood Trust offers Core Grants to enhance community well-being in the Walla Walla Valley. The Trust prioritizes funding for initiatives that strengthen organizations and support collaboration. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations focused on local needs. With a commitment to equity and sustainability, Sherwood Trust seeks to empower communities through impactful investments, ensuring that all individuals feel a sense of belonging and can contribute to the region's vibrancy.

The Barborinas Family Fund Grant Program supports research aimed at advancing tree production and transplanting techniques, particularly focusing on enhancing root systems for urban environments. Founded by Jim and Annie Barborinas, the fund prioritizes innovative methods that improve the establishment success of trees, ensuring they are planting-ready without requiring further manipulation. Grants will also explore the development of diverse tree species, addressing challenges in propagation and acceptance within the industry.

The Pacific Power Foundation provides Education/STEM Grants aimed at enhancing community vitality through charitable investments. With over $1 million awarded in 2021, eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, and youth organizations. The foundation emphasizes initiatives in electrical safety, energy efficiency, and workforce development. Grants are available in four cycles to ensure thorough evaluation of requests. Exclusions apply to organizations that discriminate or operate outside the service areas of Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power.

Ninety-nine Girlfriends offers annual Impact Awards ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 to nonprofits in the Portland Metro/SW Washington area. The grants focus on four key areas: educational equity for youth, environmental sustainability, housing stability, and women's economic empowerment. Emphasizing equity and trust-based philanthropy, they seek organizations that demonstrate a commitment to community impact and inclusivity. Applications are open to 501(c)(3) entities and fiscally sponsored groups, requiring a minimum annual revenue of $100,000.

The Paul Lauzier Charitable Grant Program supports community development and youth programs in rural central and eastern Washington, particularly Grant County. Grants are available for nonprofit organizations, schools, and governmental agencies for program support, equipment, and capital projects. Preference is given to projects that enhance public health, education, and agriculture. However, operating costs and certain non-exempt activities are not funded, ensuring that contributions directly benefit the community.