Best Vancouver Grants for Nonprofits in Washington

OnPoint Community Credit Union offers community grants aimed at supporting organizations aligned with their focus areas of Economic Opportunity and Community Vitality. Established in 1932, OnPoint is Oregon's largest credit union and is committed to community engagement through grants for programmatic and general operating support. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities located within the OnPoint region of Oregon and SW Washington. One grant request per organization is allowed annually.

Community Foundation for Southwest Washington

The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington is a public charitable organization dedicated to strengthening communities across Southwest Washington by connecting people, resources, and philanthropic goals. The Foundation works to inspire giving, steward charitable funds, and invest in programs and initiatives that address local needs and opportunities. Through donor-advised funds, scholarships, grants, and community partnerships, the Foundation supports education, economic opportunity, health, and quality of life throughout the region. Guided by values of integrity, collaboration, equity, and long-term impact, the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington serves as a trusted partner for donors and nonprofits committed to building resilient and thriving communities.

Light the Way Teachers’ Scholarship

The Light the Way Teacher’s Scholarship was established by retired educators Jeff and Lola to support students pursuing careers in education. The scholarship is available to residents of Clark County who are current college students entering their third or fourth year of undergraduate coursework toward a bachelor’s degree in education. Preference is given to applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to community service, have earned a minimum 3.0 GPA in college coursework, and show financial need. The scholarship reflects the founders’ belief in education as a pathway to success and fulfillment and aims to support future teachers preparing to enter a rewarding profession.

Community Foundation for Southwest Washington

The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington is a public charitable organization dedicated to strengthening communities across Southwest Washington by connecting people, resources, and philanthropic goals. The Foundation works to inspire giving, steward charitable funds, and invest in programs and initiatives that address local needs and opportunities. Through donor-advised funds, scholarships, grants, and community partnerships, the Foundation supports education, economic opportunity, health, and quality of life throughout the region. Guided by values of integrity, collaboration, equity, and long-term impact, the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington serves as a trusted partner for donors and nonprofits committed to building resilient and thriving communities.

Kirby Reel Scholarship

This scholarship supports southwest Washington residents who are first-generation college students entering their second year of an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at a local community college. Designed to reduce financial barriers during the most demanding phase of nursing education, the scholarship helps students remain focused on completing their degree and entering the nursing workforce.

Community Foundation for Southwest Washington

The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington is a public charitable organization dedicated to strengthening communities across Southwest Washington by connecting people, resources, and philanthropic goals. The Foundation works to inspire giving, steward charitable funds, and invest in programs and initiatives that address local needs and opportunities. Through donor-advised funds, scholarships, grants, and community partnerships, the Foundation supports education, economic opportunity, health, and quality of life throughout the region. Guided by values of integrity, collaboration, equity, and long-term impact, the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington serves as a trusted partner for donors and nonprofits committed to building resilient and thriving communities.

Kathi Joy Wiley Scholarship

This scholarship fund has a strong interest in supporting the most marginalized populations of students that are pursing any post-secondary education pathway, including all the following: degrees, certificates, proficiencies, or hands-on career skill building. Career pursuits can be anything from Pre-Medicine or Welder, to Certified Truck Driver, or Tattoo Artist, AND the list of career pursuits is endless. The scholarship intent is to provide the potential to lift a student out of the circumstances they are in…if they so desire.

Community Foundation for Southwest Washington

The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington is a public charitable organization dedicated to strengthening communities across Southwest Washington by connecting people, resources, and philanthropic goals. The Foundation works to inspire giving, steward charitable funds, and invest in programs and initiatives that address local needs and opportunities. Through donor-advised funds, scholarships, grants, and community partnerships, the Foundation supports education, economic opportunity, health, and quality of life throughout the region. Guided by values of integrity, collaboration, equity, and long-term impact, the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington serves as a trusted partner for donors and nonprofits committed to building resilient and thriving communities.

Jay and Diane Zidell Scholarship

The Jay and Diane Zidell Scholarship was established to support working individuals seeking to improve their personal and financial circumstances through education. The scholarship is available to residents of Clark County, Washington who are employed at least 10 hours per week while attending an accredited college, university, technical, or career school, with no minimum enrollment requirement. Awards are typically $2,000 and may be renewable for students who continue to meet eligibility criteria and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Graduating high school seniors and graduate students are not eligible for this scholarship.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The Rebecca and Sada Tarshis Memorial Scholarship, established in 2002 by the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation, provides crucial financial assistance to Jewish students pursuing higher education. This scholarship aims to support eligible recipients in achieving their academic goals while promoting a culture of philanthropy within the Jewish community in Oregon and Southwest Washington. With a focus on educational empowerment, the scholarship fosters long-term impact and community development.

Community Foundation for Southwest Washington

The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington is a public charitable organization dedicated to strengthening communities across Southwest Washington by connecting people, resources, and philanthropic goals. The Foundation works to inspire giving, steward charitable funds, and invest in programs and initiatives that address local needs and opportunities. Through donor-advised funds, scholarships, grants, and community partnerships, the Foundation supports education, economic opportunity, health, and quality of life throughout the region. Guided by values of integrity, collaboration, equity, and long-term impact, the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington serves as a trusted partner for donors and nonprofits committed to building resilient and thriving communities.

Jack and Carol Kelly Scholarship

The Jack and Carol Kelly Scholarship, established in 2012, supports local students who plan to return and contribute to their communities after completing their education. The scholarship is intended for students pursuing a degree, certificate, training, or apprenticeship in vocational, technical, trade, or business careers.

Community Foundation for Southwest Washington

The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington is a public charitable organization dedicated to strengthening communities across Southwest Washington by connecting people, resources, and philanthropic goals. The Foundation works to inspire giving, steward charitable funds, and invest in programs and initiatives that address local needs and opportunities. Through donor-advised funds, scholarships, grants, and community partnerships, the Foundation supports education, economic opportunity, health, and quality of life throughout the region. Guided by values of integrity, collaboration, equity, and long-term impact, the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington serves as a trusted partner for donors and nonprofits committed to building resilient and thriving communities.

“I Have A Dream” Scholarship in Honor of Mary and Dick Granger

This scholarship was created to honor Mary Granger, Founder of "I Have a Dream" Southwest Washington and the success of the program. Mary and her husband, Dick Granger, along with several other individual donors sponsored four Dreamer Classes in the Vancouver Public Schools. The Dreamer Classes were adopted at the following elementary schools: Washington (1995), Hough (1997), Harney (1999), and Martin Luther King (2001). Of over 300 "Dreamer" students, 90% graduated high school on-time after participating in the long term academic enrichment and mentoring program. This scholarship is renewable. Renewal applicants will have special consideration or priority, if they show good standing at their institution and continuing financial need. Award amounts may vary each year. 

High school seniors and graduates pursuing college or career education in Vancouver, Washington can receive US $1,500 - US $2,000 for tuition or related costs through the David J. DiCesare Memorial Scholarship. Community Foundation for Southwest Washington gives preference to students active in school activities, committed to community volunteerism, and attending local institutions like Clark College or WSU Vancouver.

Graduating seniors from Evergreen School District high schools in Vancouver, Washington can receive scholarship support for college or career education through the Dave Chamberlain Scholarship. Community Foundation for Southwest Washington provides Vancouver students with US $5,000 annually, with preference for those with significant financial need, strong community involvement, and plans to study communication, technology, marketing, or education.

Community-based youth connected to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington in Vancouver, Washington can receive renewable scholarship support for full-time study at accredited U.S. colleges, universities, or career schools. Community Foundation for Southwest Washington prioritizes applicants showing strong work ethic, self-improvement, and, for renewals, those working at least 10 hours per week.

The KLA-Tencor Foundation's Education Opportunity Fund aims to enhance educational access, promote emotional well-being, and improve educational systems, particularly for under-resourced K-12 students. Grants between $50,000 and $250,000 are available for innovative projects that eliminate barriers to education and foster sustainable partnerships. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations with a significant impact in communities served by KLA, focusing on systemic change rather than direct student assistance.

Christian young adults pursuing higher education or vocational training in Vancouver, Washington and nearby eligible counties can receive scholarship support, typically US $1,000 - US $1,500. Focused on college preparation and persistence, Community Foundation for Southwest Washington’s Church at the Grove Scholarship aids students active in qualifying churches who demonstrate Christian character and meet GPA and residency criteria.

Current college students who are lineal descendants of a Mt. Hood Masonic Lodge #32 life member may receive a US $2,000 Charles Anderson Scholarship for higher education costs. Administered by the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington, it supports college persistence and success for eligible Vancouver, Washington–area students.

Graduating high school seniors and current college students pursuing mechanical engineering in Clark County can receive US $2,000 - US $3,000 to study at Clark College or Washington State University. With a mission to strengthen communities, Community Foundation for Southwest Washington provides renewable awards that may benefit Vancouver-area students preparing for higher education and career success.

The BNSF Railway Foundation provides grants to enhance community quality of life across 28 states, focusing on educational, cultural, and social service initiatives. With over $150 million contributed since 2000, the foundation emphasizes projects with strong local engagement and BNSF employee involvement. Eligible organizations include public charities, local governments, and tribal governments, while ineligible entities encompass religious organizations and those with discriminatory practices. Priority is given to environmental, health, and cultural projects.

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.

Jewish Federation of Greater Portland: Gather Grant

Get up to $180 to host an event at the place and with the people you choose

Holiday meals can be larger and therefore more costly. We've got you!

If you are hosting 6-9 folks the subsidy is $120, but if you are hosting 10+ people outside your household, Gather Grants will reimburse you up to $180. 

How to use the Grant

You can spend the Gather Grant in whatever way you need to bring your event to life! Some examples include:

• Food: ingredients, pick-up, or dine out!
• Supplies: decorations, art supplies, books, paper goods,
• Tickets (movies, activities, events)

The National Estuary Program Watersheds Grant Program, administered by Restore America’s Estuaries and supported by the EPA, funds competitive projects addressing critical threats to estuaries. Key priorities include habitat restoration, enhancing coastal resilience against extreme weather, managing nutrient impacts, and mitigating stormwater runoff. Established in 1987, the program aims to improve ecological integrity and water quality in 28 estuaries nationwide, providing essential funding and guidance to local initiatives.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

The KeyBank Foundation offers Community Sponsorships to support local organizations in their fundraising efforts. These sponsorships range from $500 to $5,000 and can fund events or provide general operating support. Applications are accepted from January to October, with a decision made within 90 days. Eligible nonprofits must serve areas where KeyBank operates and adhere to strict ineligibility criteria, including no support for individuals or organizations that discriminate based on various identities.

Vancouver, Washington nonprofits and public entities addressing intergenerational poverty and basic human needs can access funding through Community Foundation for Southwest Washington, with awards of US $25,000 - US $50,000. Eligible projects must serve southwest Washington, focusing on underserved communities through efforts like food security, housing, education, asset building, and related anti-poverty services.

The Autzen Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations improving Oregon through social services, arts, education, and environmental initiatives. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) registered or government entities and provide services to Oregon or southwest Washington residents. Organizations must have been tax-exempt for at least two years and can submit only one grant request annually. The Foundation does not fund individuals, fundraising events, or multi-year grants, ensuring a focused impact on community needs.

The OFB Rapid Response Grant provides up to $5,000 for organizations to address food insecurity and inequities faced by marginalized communities. Eligible applicants include organizations working to become Partner Agencies with the Oregon Food Bank, as well as existing Partner Agencies. The grant prioritizes projects expanding access to food services, particularly for BIPOC, immigrants, LGBTQIA2S+, and single caregivers. This funding aims to enhance operations, improve accessibility, and support urgent needs in food distribution.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public entities serving Vancouver, Washington communities in Clark County can seek grants over More than US $1,000 for local projects. Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund supports initiatives in areas like affordable housing, education and youth development, environmental stewardship, human services, civic and cultural growth, workforce development, and diversity, equity and inclusion.

The Oregon Food Bank's Capacity Building Grants aim to empower organizations addressing food insecurity, particularly among underserved populations such as BIPOC, immigrants, and LGBTQIA2S+ communities. These grants support projects that enhance advocacy efforts, expand access to food programs, and improve infrastructure. By prioritizing equity and community engagement, the initiative seeks to dismantle systemic barriers to food security and promote lasting change across Oregon.