Best Homelessness Grants in Washington

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Mission

The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) is an independent, international, nonprofit organization founded in 1923. The Council fosters innovative research, nurtures new generations of social scientists, deepens how inquiry is practiced within and across disciplines, and mobilizes necessary knowledge on important public issues.

Driving University Impact: Expanding the Public Exchange Network

With generous support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the Social Science Research Council is pleased to invite U.S. R1 research universities in SSRC’s College and University Fund for the Social Sciences to apply for funding to join the Public Exchange Network. Public Exchange is a new network that turns university research expertise into real-world action and impact. Foundedat the University of Southern California in 2020 and expanded to Washington University in St. Louis in 2025, Public Exchange connects researchers with government, nonprofit, and industry partners to tackle pressing challenges—from disaster recovery and climate solutions to food insecurity and homelessness prevention. Since its founding, Public Exchange has developed high-impact collaborations between 48 partners and 142 researchers including:

• CLEAN LA and CLEAN STL: One of the largest free soil testing programs for lead in Los Angeles County following the January 2025 wildfires, and a related program in St. Louis to test soil and air for contaminants following the May 2025 EF-3 tornado;
• The California Solar Canal Initiative: An ambitious public-private research collaboration to advance solar panel infrastructure along California’s 4,000 miles of open aqueduct, conserving water and generating renewable energy;
• Food Base LA: LA County’s first food systems data dashboard, helping LA County and non-profit partners target distribution of millions of pounds of food and related resources to families experiencing food insecurity;
• ShadeLA: A people-powered campaign to cool Los Angeles ahead of the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics by advancing natural and built shade cover in the region.

Partners have included the City and County of Los Angeles, the State of California, the City of St. Louis, Yelp, Solar AquaGrid, the United Nations Foundation, Keck Medicine of USC, the Southern California Association of Governments, Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency, the Sustainable Entertainment Alliance, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Department of Angels and many more. In addition to real-world impact positively affecting millions of lives, Public Exchange collaborations have resulted in over $18m in research funding, some helping to incubate new centers or areas of research, more than 40 academic journal publications, hundreds of media hits, and dozens of student career opportunities. 

The Public Exchange Model

Public Exchange is a partner-driven program, working collaboratively with external partners to: (1) define a research scope, timeline, and deliverables; (2) identify the right team of multidisciplinary academic experts to analyze the problem; (3) provide project management from concept and strategy development to project outputs and tools delivery; and (4) manage the public and stakeholder engagement related to the project, as well as communications and design needs. Public Exchange staff are not researchers, but come from government, industry, and non-profit backgrounds, uniquely equipping project teams to understand partners’ needs and lead projects to action. Staff oversee activities including partnership and proposal development, funder cultivation, research translation, dissemination, and communications, impact and scaling strategy, administrative support, cross-sector convening, and more, to maximize the real-world impact of university expertise. Public Exchange builds results-driven teams that deliver measurable impact and lasting solutions for partners.

How the Public Exchange Network Works

No single university – even a large R1 – has enough faculty expertise available to meet the needs of every partner. The Public Exchange Network was designed to help universities work together seamlessly to build robust partnerships and generate more collective impact. Universities joining the network are independent but affiliated members, with full control over their own program and project portfolios. As a national network with local, on-the-ground capacity, Public Exchange Network members can also share approaches that work, scale solutions to common problems, and build cross-regional partnerships together. 

As an institutional partner in the Public Exchange Network, universities will build capacity to develop, test and implement solutions to the most urgent problems in their regions and beyond. Universities joining the Public Exchange Network get:

• The tools, templates and training they need to start right away;
• A shared brand they can plug into on day one;
• A network of faculty, past and potential partners and philanthropic relationships, benefitting everyone in the network. 

SSRC Public Exchange Network Expansion Grants

Public Exchange Network Expansion grants will cover 75-80% of the minimum estimated annual costs for two years to launch a new Public Exchange. To launch a Public Exchange, universities must have the following in place: (1) a staff executive director with experience launching and leading social impact partnerships, (2) a project seed fund, and (3) a modest operations budget. We also recommend some in-kind project management support from an existing university staff member. The grant includes a two-year Public Exchange Executive Director (ED) compensation subsidy of $300,000 to launch the Public Exchange on campus, and a 2-year license to use the Public Exchange brand. New Public Exchange Network members will also receive ongoing support and guidance from current Public Exchange leadership and staff at USC and WashU, including recruitment support and intensive training for hiring and onboarding an executive director, a sub-site on the Public Exchange website, incubation and project management support from current Public Exchange staff, and a suite of tools for developing and implementing Public Exchange projects.

In addition, every university in the Public Exchange Network benefits from central communications support (currently housed at USC), and access to a collaborative network of project partners, researchers, and funder relationships. Separately, SSRC will select a local research fellow to study and document how the Public Exchange model develops within and between host institutions during the grant term, and how the Public Exchange Network universities work together to effect larger-scale change. 

Expectations

Institutions selected to join the Public Exchange Network are expected to:

• Hire an Executive Director who can launch and lead efforts to incubate social impact projects with public and private sector partners;
• Have in place before public launch: (1) an executive director, (2) a seed fund, (3) a modest operations budget, and (4 – recommended) some in-kind project management support. 
• Develop and sustain at least three high-impact research partnerships during the two-year grant tenure;
• Invest modest resources during the grant term that demonstrate commitment to continuing the Public Exchange model after the end of philanthropic support. This is estimated at approximately $85-$90k annually (with some variation considering local labor markets) to support an operations and project seed fund and any additional capital needed for the Executive Director hire beyond the subsidy. 
• Coordinate with the SSRC research fellow who will examine the impact of Public Exchange at their university and across the network. 
• Work with faculty across their university. Public Exchange can live anywhere within a university at the school or central level. The majority of Public Exchange projects to date at USC and WashU have included researchers from two or more schools, and grantees must be able to work with faculty university-wide. 

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Laird Norton Family Foundation, based in Seattle, prioritizes grants that reflect family values in arts education, climate change, human services, and watershed stewardship. Their approach emphasizes equitable educational opportunities, carbon sequestration, support for youth at risk of homelessness, and long-term ecological health. They focus on organizations that address social justice and community needs, particularly in King County, WA, and the West Coast. Note: No unsolicited applications are accepted.

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 Ruth Foundation offers ongoing support for non-profit organizations focused on animal welfare and marine life preservation in Pierce County, Washington. With no submission deadline for Letters of Intent (LOI), applicants are encouraged to allow 12-16 weeks for a response. The foundation seeks to empower community initiatives that align with the Milgard family values, while ensuring compliance with tax-exempt requirements and promoting inclusivity in grant eligibility.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Windows of Hope Foundation supports various non-profit organizations in Pierce County, Washington, with grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000. The foundation prioritizes funding for social services, senior and youth programs, homelessness, health, and education. There is no deadline for submitting a Letter of Intent (LOI), but applicants should expect a response within 12-16 weeks. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt under the Internal Revenue Code.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

Nonprofit organizations in Washington working on homelessness services, affordable housing, or related community development can apply for Banner Bank’s Banner Gives Community Support Program. Banner Bank provides support for programs addressing homelessness, homeownership counseling, and projects creating or preserving access to affordable housing, with priority for low- and moderate-income populations.

The Grays Harbor Community Foundation's Community Building Grants Program aims to enhance the quality of life throughout Grays Harbor County by supporting various nonprofit organizations. Emphasizing community needs, the program prioritizes initiatives in education, health, and arts, focusing on collaborative efforts that address local challenges. Nonprofits are encouraged to apply for funding to drive meaningful change and foster engagement, with two grant cycles each year, ensuring a responsive approach to community development.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The Pacific Power Foundation offers grants to support health, safety, and wellness organizations within its service areas across Oregon, Washington, California, Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho. Eligible candidates include nonprofit groups with 501(c)(3) status and government entities. The foundation focuses on initiatives addressing food insecurity, mental health, and public safety, aiming to enhance community well-being. Grants are awarded in four cycles, ensuring thorough review for maximum impact. Applications must demonstrate relevance to the served communities.

Small to medium 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Washington addressing homelessness, housing, or related social services can apply for Charis Fund’s grants, awarding US $2,500 - US $7,500 to initiate or expand programs. Funding may also support food insecurity, at-risk youth, mental health, domestic violence, substance abuse, and health care projects serving local communities.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

The Hitchman Charitable Trust, established by Helen Hitchman's estate in 2014, aims to continue the philanthropic legacy of Robert and Helen Hitchman. It focuses on aiding children in need, cancer research, and supporting marginalized groups. While the Trust has a global reach, particular emphasis is placed on programs assisting children in Africa. Locally, it prioritizes grants for 501(c)(3) organizations in Washington state, especially in the greater Seattle area.

The First Federal Community Foundation, established in 2015, focuses on enhancing community life through impactful grants. With over $7.3 million awarded, the foundation prioritizes community support, affordable housing, economic development, and community development in Clallam, Jefferson, Kitsap, Whatcom Counties, and Bellevue, WA. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government units. The foundation aims to benefit marginalized communities and supports projects that foster collaboration and sustainable development.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing community, basic needs, or homelessness-related services in Washington can be nominated for flexible program support. Grants from BECU Foundation help Washington organizations advancing education, health, economic opportunity, environment, arts, or basic human needs, including homelessness services, through the People Helping People Awards, with awards up to US $50,000.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

The Glaser Foundation Grants focus on direct services primarily for children and the elderly. They support innovative medical research, programs for children with disabilities, education initiatives, and services for economically disadvantaged seniors. Additionally, they address challenges faced by families from disadvantaged backgrounds and at-risk youth. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities operating in Western Washington, particularly King County, to apply. The foundation prefers direct line services over large capital campaigns.

UNFCU Foundation

In 1947, UN members founded the United Nations Federal Credit Union with the goal of serving the financial needs of those who serve the world. Having learned more about the poverty and inequality that the UN witnessed every day, UNFCU was inspired to do more.

With the support of their membership and over 65 years of financial knowledge, UNFCU founded the UNFCU Foundation in 2015.

Grant Opportunities

We support projects that align with our mission to sustain the path out of poverty for women and youth. These projects must also help to advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. To be eligible for funding, over 50% of the proposed project’s beneficiaries must be women or girls.

Areas of Focus

Our goal is to empower women and youth with fundamental human rights. To accomplish this, we accept grant applications for projects focused on education, livelihood training, and health care. Each year, we also select an additional strategic focus to deepen our philanthropic impact. This year, particular consideration will be given to projects who provide digital upskilling to economically vulnerable women and youth. Note: projects funding humanitarian relief efforts are by invitation only.

Education

Our education projects work to ensure everyone has the opportunity to grow, learn, and prosper. We look to empower girls and women through education so they can unleash their full potential within their community. We also educate boys on the critical role girls and women play in families and societies, to break down antiquated norms around gender.

We fund education projects that focus on the following:

• Reading, writing, and math programs
• Financial education, from budgeting to business planning
• GED training
• Child educational TV programming
• Digital advancements for remote learning

Livelihood Training

Our livelihood training projects create economic opportunities and job prospects for women so they can earn their own incomes.

Livelihood training equips women with the skills and experience they need to rise out of poverty permanently, and bring their families and communities along with them.

We fund livelihood training that focuses on the following:

• Computer skills training
• Customer service training
• Entrepreneurial strategies
• Seed money for new businesses
• Training in specific sectors, like farming

Health Care

We fund projects that ensure proper access to health care for women and girls, including reproductive care.

When women are at their healthiest, physically and emotionally, they can also succeed economically. No one should fear losing their job in order to take care of their physical or mental health.

We fund health care projects that focus on the following:

• Protecting reproductive rights
• Providing healthcare to homeless populations
• Providing access to free or low-cost care
• Providing mental health assistance
• Supporting emotional health and building self-esteem

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

About Public Health – Seattle & King County

Public Health — Seattle & King County ("PHSKC," "Public Health,"or "the department") is the public health department for King County, Washington which includes 39 cities, including the City of Seattle, and unincorporated areas. Public Health is one of the largest metropolitan health departments in the United States with about 1,600 employees. The department serves approximately 2.3 million people of King County who reside in urban, rural, shoreline, foothill, and mountain communities with distinct environments and unique public health needs.

Health Care for the Homeless Senior Mobile Medical Outreach Teams (SMMO)

Senior Mobile Medical Outreach Team Description

The goal of the senior mobile medical outreach (SMMO) team is to provide services that assess and address the medical, behavioral health and social service needs of low-income older adults (aged 55+) in King County. SMMO services should include a mix of outreach, medical services, behavioral health services and social services. Services delivered in this model will be nurse-led and informed by stakeholder engagement regarding local needs.

In consideration of the geographic diversity of King County, PHSKC envisions that applicants will need to develop separate and distinct approaches to serve urban/suburban and rural residents of King County. Applicants may apply to serve one or both areas of geographic focus, and funds may be awarded to up to two agencies.