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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Nonprofit, community-based, faith-based, tribal, for-profit, and public agencies providing youth mental health, healing, or wellness services in Washington’s King County can seek up to US $300,000 over three years. With a mission to strengthen diverse youth well-being, King County Department of Community and Human Services prioritizes BIPOC and LGBTQI+ communities and welcomes proposals including substance use disorder support.

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 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.

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 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 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.

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Wilson-Hooper Veterinary Medicine Assistance Program 

The Wilson-Hooper Veterinary Medicine Assistance Program, created in the memory of Jane Wilson Hooper and Colonel Philip L. Hooper, provides financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing a degree in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or Veterinary Technology (Associate of Applied Science) full-time at an accredited institution. 

The maximum amount of an academic year award is $5,000. This opportunity is a renewable, merit-based award.

Judy Huang Scholarship

The scholarship was established by Judy Huang to support a college education for students who are Asian, in financial need, and demonstrate perseverance and hard work.

Award Amount:

• $5,000 payable over fours years at $1,250 per year.

The Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is one of the most well-respected, knowledgeable leaders on charitable giving in the nation. We make giving convenient and efficient for donors through donor-advised funds and other types of charitable giving accounts that maximize and organize giving.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Greater Kansas City by increasing charitable giving, educating and connecting donors to community needs they care about, and leading on critical community issues.

Kansas City Pride Community Alliance Scholarship Fund

The KCPCA Scholarship provides needed financial assistance to support LGBTQ+ students who are resident of Jackson, Clay, Platte or Buchannan counties in Missouri and Johnson, Wyandotte or Douglas counties in Kansas of all background and educational interests. We prioritize LGBTA+ students who need it most and who have some or all of the following experiences:

• People of color, Black, Indigenous
• Trans, Non-binary, Gender Expansive, Two spirit people
• People with disabilities – including people living with chronic illnesses, HIV, neurodivergence, mental health challenges
• People who have or are experiencing housing instability
• People living in rural areas
• People who have financial need without access to financial support
• People who have experienced family rejection.

Award

• $1,000

Native Forward awards are allocated based on the financial aid information provided by the institution’s Financial Aid Office. Awards can vary, ranging from $100 to $30,000 per academic year.

Native Forward Scholars Fund members of federally and state-recognized Tribes as well as first and second-generation descendants. However, Native Forward Scholars Fund scholarship opportunities have different Tribal eligibility requirements and can be determined by submitting a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

Grace Wall Barreda Memorial Scholarship

This opportunity is provided to honor the life and legacy of Grace Wall Barreda.

The purpose of the Grace Wall Barreda Scholarship program is to provide financial assistance to eligible American Indian and Alaska Native graduate students pursuing degrees full-time at an accredited institution in Public Health or Environmental Science/Studies.

This opportunity is a need-based award.

About

Central Carolina Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps generous people give back to the Midlands of South Carolina in ways that matter. Since 1984, we’ve been a trusted partner, helping individuals, families, and businesses make smart, meaningful contributions that support local nonprofits, scholarships, and community projects.

LinkScholars Program Scholarship ($2,000) 

This renewable scholarship supports graduating high school seniors from Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Richland, or Sumter counties in South Carolina.