Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Washington

The GHCF: Impact Grants Program aims to enhance the quality of life in Grays Harbor County by providing quarterly grants to eligible organizations. With a focus on immediate impact, grants are available for projects under $5,000, supporting diverse community needs. Organizations may apply for one small grant per year, ensuring funds are allocated efficiently. Priority is given to initiatives that utilize funds quickly, fostering timely support for community-driven projects and enhancing overall well-being.

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 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 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) offered by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service in Washington provides vital financial and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers. This initiative aims to enhance environmental quality by addressing issues like soil health, water conservation, and wildlife habitat. Eligible applicants include agricultural producers and Indian tribes. EQIP promotes sustainable practices that mitigate contamination and improve resilience against climate change, ensuring a healthier environment for future generations.

The McGraw Foundation offers annual grants to not-for-profit organizations, primarily in the greater Chicago area, focusing on education, conservation, and human services. Grant amounts typically range from $2,000 to $10,000, with larger grants available for particularly impactful projects. While supporting diverse initiatives, the Foundation does not fund individuals or specific events. Organizations must be tax-exempt under IRS regulations to qualify for funding. The Foundation encourages innovative approaches and partnerships in grant applications.

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 WA Conservation Stewardship Program Grant, offered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, supports landowners in enhancing their conservation efforts. This program encourages sustainable practices across 70 million acres of agricultural land. Participants can improve grazing, increase crop resilience, and develop wildlife habitats while receiving technical and financial assistance. CSP contracts last five years, providing annual payments for implementing conservation activities, ensuring environmental sustainability and improved agricultural productivity.

The AWWA Scholarship Program, specifically the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship, honors a graduate student dedicated to advancing research in drinking water quality, environmental science, and public health. Established in 2020 by the American Water Works Association, this $3,000 scholarship aims to support innovative research that addresses pressing challenges in the water industry. By investing in future leaders, AWWA reinforces its commitment to ensuring safe and sustainable water for all.

The Community Sustaining Fund Grant supports innovative projects that strengthen communities and the environment in Thurston County. With over 36 years of experience, the fund has awarded more than $125,000 to over 200 local organizations and individuals. CSF prioritizes grants for grassroots initiatives that promote social justice, community building, and environmental sustainability. This program embodies a commitment to diversity, equity, and community-driven solutions, fostering a vibrant and resilient local ecosystem.

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The KeyBank Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations focused on enhancing communities through education, workforce development, and affordable housing. Founded in 1969, the Foundation prioritizes diversity, financial capability, and sustainability. Their grants aim to empower individuals for success by improving access to resources, fostering economic inclusion, and creating safe environments. By partnering with community organizations, KeyBank Foundation seeks to make a measurable impact and ensure lasting positive change for families and small businesses.

The Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides grants to support communities in the U.S. and Canada where the company operates. Focused on affordable housing, education, environmental stewardship, and more, the fund emphasizes projects that meet local needs and demonstrate community support. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and educational institutions. Applications are accepted year-round with a deadline for 2025 on September 30. National initiatives related to working forests are funded by invitation only.

The Whatcom Community Foundation is offering Health & Wellness Grants to local nonprofits in Whatcom County. These mini grants, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, aim to tackle staff fatigue and burnout. Eligible organizations can propose various initiatives including wellness programs, ergonomic improvements, and staff retreats. The funding is designed to enhance physical and mental health, foster a positive work environment, and ultimately improve job satisfaction among nonprofit teams.

The Banner Bank Community Support Program offers grants to nonprofit organizations in Washington, Oregon, California, and Idaho focusing on housing, youth development, financial education, and economic growth. Priority is given to programs aiding low- and moderate-income populations. Organizations applying must not discriminate and should support essential community services. Applications are accepted year-round, with a review period of 45-60 days. However, certain areas, such as individual scholarships and political organizations, are ineligible for funding.

The Father's Table Foundation Grant aims to glorify God by addressing the immediate and future needs of women and children globally. This selective grant process emphasizes building self-sufficiency and resilience among beneficiaries, focusing on proven partners capable of expanding their impact. The foundation supports a diverse range of projects, including employment assistance, education, humanitarian aid, and health care, ensuring that aid not only meets urgent needs but also fosters long-term sustainability.

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 Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) supports small-scale research grants for institutions with limited NIH funding, emphasizing biomedical research experiences for undergraduates. Eligible institutions must award baccalaureate science degrees and have received no more than $6 million in NIH support over the past seven years. This initiative aims to enhance the research environment at these institutions, fostering student involvement in research activities.

The Society for Northwestern Vertebrate Biology (SNVB) offers scholarships of up to $1500 for two students conducting vertebrate research in Northwestern North America. Eligible applicants include undergraduate, masters, and PhD students who are enrolled in accredited institutions and members of SNVB. The scholarships cover research-related expenses such as travel and supplies. Preference is given to proposals from local institutions, and only one award is granted per applicant each year.

The Emerging Global Leader Award (K43) offers essential research support and protected time for early career scientists in low- and middle-income countries. This program, aligned with NIH's clinical trials policy, aims to cultivate independent research careers by providing mentorship and funding over three to five years. Eligible candidates must hold a junior faculty position at an accredited LMIC institution, fostering the growth of research capacity in their regions.

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At CommonSpirit Health, we passionately care for the most vulnerable, relentlessly innovate how and where healing can happen and believe in uniting to benefit the common good. Our expansive network spans diverse communities, uniquely positioning us to meet their changing needs, improve population health and help chart the path to health equity.

Our mission, vision and values inform every aspect of our work each day and remind us that we serve our patients, their families, our communities – and each other. Our community health, research and home health programs help us address the primary barriers to healthier communities.

Sponsorship requests

We’re proud to support nonprofits that expand access to care, advance health equity and healthier communities. Learn more about our priorities.

Supporting our communities

CommonSpirit Health and our local facilities support nonprofit organizations that share our mission, vision and values. We give priority to programs that improve access to care and promote health equity and healthier communities.

CommonSpirit is proud to support nonprofit organizations that help improve the health and well-being of our communities. Guided by our mission, vision and values, we prioritize projects that focus on advancing health equity, improving access to care and improving community wellness.

The Fogarty Emerging Global Leader Award supports early career research scientists from low- or middle-income countries (LMIC) by providing research funding and mentored career development for three to five years. This program encourages LMIC scientists in health-related fields to develop projects aligned with their country's health priorities, fostering independent research careers within their institutions. Applications are welcomed from junior faculty members, enhancing global health research and capacity in LMICs.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

The Korum for Kids Foundation Grant supports initiatives that enhance the lives of children, families, and communities in the South Puget Sound area. Established in 1994, the foundation funds organizations addressing disabilities, early education, and mental health. It prioritizes projects that foster youth development, promote arts and STEM learning, and improve social services. The foundation seeks to collaborate with tax-exempt organizations, ensuring that funds are utilized effectively to create positive community impacts.

Biogen Corporate Sponsorships provide funding to support congresses, events, and initiatives in exchange for tangible benefits such as marketing opportunities and recognition. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and requests must be submitted 50 days in advance. Biogen considers various disease areas for sponsorship, including Alzheimer’s and Multiple Sclerosis. Approval depends on funding availability, alignment with interests, and event details, ensuring transparency for all potential sponsors.

The WA Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (WRE) supports landowners in protecting and restoring wetlands degraded by agricultural activities. This program enhances wildlife habitats, improves water quality, and offers various easement options, including permanent and 30-year easements, with funding for restoration costs. With a focus on climate resilience and biodiversity, WRE encourages participation from eligible private landowners and Indian tribes, promoting sustainable land management practices.

The WA AmeriCorps Continuation Grants support organizations entering the second or third year of a three-year operational grant cycle. This funding opportunity is geared towards organizations already funded by Serve Washington, allowing them to recompete for continued support. It is not intended for new applicants or those seeking funding for programs not previously supported. Focus areas include disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and support for veterans.

The WA New & Recompete AmeriCorps Operational Grant supports organizations ready to launch or renew AmeriCorps programs, enhancing national service and community engagement in Washington. This funding is ideal for new applicants or those completing a three-year grant cycle. It focuses on impactful service areas such as disaster relief, education, and economic opportunity, aiming to strengthen community resilience and address local needs effectively.