Best Grants for the Arts 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 Beneficial State Foundation offers sponsorships to 501(c)(3) organizations in California, Oregon, and Washington, focusing on social justice and environmental work. With a unique business model, Beneficial State Bank reinvests profits back into communities, emphasizing support for existing clients. Organizations must submit requests at least 60 days in advance and cannot use funds for political activities. The foundation prioritizes partnerships, making funding competitive due to high demand.

The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation provides essential funding to nonprofit organizations that improve the lives of economically and socially disadvantaged individuals. Since 1988, the foundation has supported various initiatives, including education, health services, and community programs. It emphasizes direct services with low administrative costs, ensuring that funds have a meaningful impact. Organizations applying must demonstrate a commitment to serving at-risk youth and families, particularly in Montana and select areas where The Washington Companies operate.

The Muckleshoot Charity Fund supports community organizations in Washington, offering grants between $1,500 and $5,000. Priorities include education, health services, culture, and advocacy for communities of color and Native American programs. Applications are accepted year-round, reviewed quarterly, and funds are sourced from Muckleshoot Casino profits. Eligible applicants must be non-profits or government agencies addressing identified community needs, ensuring impactful contributions without exceeding one grant per year.

The Norcliffe Foundation Grant supports various community-enhancing projects in the Puget Sound Region, focusing on human services, healthcare, education, arts, and culture. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, while grants typically range around $15,000 or less. The foundation prioritizes collaboration with other funders and seeks to support initiatives that demonstrate community impact. Notably, the foundation does not fund deficit financing or debt reduction efforts.

The Lindberg Foundation Trust Grant, established in 1954, supports various charitable causes in Washington. Founded by W. H. and Isabel P. Lindberg, it has a history of philanthropy that includes contributions to the Tacoma Art Museum and the Humane Society. The trust focuses on areas such as arts, education, health, and human services, offering grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in the state. This commitment reflects the Lindbergs' legacy of community support and cultural enrichment.

The Kalispel Charitable Fund Grant, established by the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, aims to enhance community welfare in Spokane and Pend Oreille counties through annual contributions of approximately $1 million. Focus areas include education, health care, arts and culture, social services, and environmental conservation. Non-profit organizations registered in Washington can apply once a year, with specific guidelines for event-related funding requests, ensuring timely support for community initiatives.

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 Norman Archibald Charitable Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in Northwest Washington, focusing on enhancing the quality of life through community services. Established in 1976, the Foundation prioritizes funding for education, the arts, and hunger relief agencies. Grants are awarded primarily to organizations with tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) and limited assets, ensuring that funds reach those most in need. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with specific deadlines before quarterly board meetings.

The Stocker Foundation Grants support innovative educational programs aimed at bridging the literacy gap in underserved communities. With a focus on STEAM initiatives, the Foundation seeks to partner with 501(c)(3) organizations in specific counties across Ohio, California, and Arizona. The goal is to enhance reading and writing skills through cross-disciplinary learning, while also providing essential support services that promote student engagement and academic success. Grants are not awarded for capital campaigns or individual projects.

The Tulalip Cares: Charitable Fund Grant aims to promote a sustainable community by providing financial support to eligible charitable organizations in Washington State. Since 1993, this initiative has significantly impacted local communities, focusing on arts, education, social services, and youth programs. With over 50 million dollars allocated to more than 245 organizations, the Tulalip Tribes encourage collaborative efforts to enhance the quality of life in the region, prioritizing funding for those located in Snohomish County.

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 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 Bamford Foundation, established in 1990, aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals and strengthen communities in Tacoma and the South Puget Sound region. With a focus on operational and program-related grants, the foundation prioritizes collaborations that foster equity, diversity, and access. In 2026, it will concentrate on smaller grants to maximize impact, particularly in basic needs, early learning, expanded opportunities, and access to higher education and job training.

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 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 Snoqualmie Tribal Organization Grant for Family Services offers up to $50,000 to 501c3 nonprofit organizations in Washington State. This grant supports vital services for families, including homelessness assistance, youth programs, rehabilitation, and domestic violence support. Since 2010, the Snoqualmie Tribe has donated over $8 million to various initiatives, illustrating their commitment to community welfare. Eligible organizations are encouraged to apply and specify their services in the application.

The Snoqualmie Tribal Organization Grant supports nonprofit organizations in the Snoqualmie Valley, offering up to $50,000 to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations located in Washington State. Since 2010, the Snoqualmie Tribe has donated over $8 million to various community initiatives, including arts, sports, and food banks, fostering community development and support. This grant aims to enhance the welfare of diverse communities by funding vital services and programs.

The Baker Foundation Grant supports 501c3 non-profit organizations primarily in Pierce County, Washington. Established in 1987 by the Baker family, it aims to enhance community welfare through funding for youth programs, arts, and education. Grants range from $2,500 to $10,000 for programs and $25,000 for capital projects. The Foundation honors its founder's legacy by fostering a vibrant cultural and educational landscape, ensuring the community continues to benefit for generations.

The BECU Foundation's People Helping People Awards honor exceptional nonprofit work in communities served by BECU. Each year, BECU members can nominate organizations for grants up to $50,000. Eligible nonprofits must be active 501(c)(3) organizations with a direct impact in Idaho, Oregon, South Carolina, or Washington. This initiative highlights the importance of community service and encourages members to recognize local heroes making a difference.

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 Universal Leaf Foundation Grants support 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations primarily in areas where Universal Leaf Tobacco Company operates. Focus areas include education for at-risk individuals, higher education, civic/community arts, and environmental initiatives. The Foundation emphasizes good corporate citizenship and community engagement through financial support and employee volunteerism. Organizations must operate within designated geographic areas and cannot be involved in political advocacy or restrict services based on demographics. Grants aim to enhance community well-being and educational opportunities.

The TourWest Grants, funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, aim to support presenters and organizations in the Western region by providing flexible funding for touring artists. This competitive grant encourages community engagement and outreach, fostering collaboration between artists and local communities. It prioritizes accessibility to the performing arts, especially in underserved areas. Applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or local government units and demonstrate a commitment to community needs through their projects.

The ArtsFund Community Accelerator Grant, funded by the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, provides unrestricted grants ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 to cultural nonprofit organizations in Washington state. In its third year, the program aims to support arts and culture by offering essential capital to organizations meeting eligibility requirements, including a minimum three-year existence and a primary mission centered on arts activities. This investment is crucial for enhancing the capacity of cultural organizations to serve their communities.

The Foster Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Pacific Northwest that align with priority funding issues such as social services, education, medical research, and community engagement. The foundation seeks to cultivate long-term partnerships and is committed to improving community life through various initiatives. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) status and address one of the foundation's priority issues while ensuring that funds are used within the designated geographic reach.

The Pacific Power Foundation is dedicated to enhancing community vitality through charitable investments, with a focus on arts and culture. Grants are available to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, supporting projects in performing arts, visual arts, and cultural heritage. In 2021, over $1 million was awarded to local nonprofits, underscoring the foundation's commitment to community growth in service areas across Oregon, Washington, California, Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho.