Best Grants for Community Centers in Washington

The WAEF Scholarships - Susi Harris Memorial supports over 300 students in the Washington tree fruit industry, providing over $1 million in educational awards. This scholarship honors Susi Harris, who dedicated over 30 years to the industry. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and college students with ties to the industry, and preference is given to those pursuing careers in science, math, engineering, or agriculture. Scholarships may be renewed for up to four years.

The Marvin R. and Pearl E. Patterson Family Fund Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students aspiring to study graphic or fine arts, as well as those interested in environmental sciences. Open to high school graduates from the Tri-Cities area, this scholarship considers leadership, community involvement, and academic achievements, although financial need is not a requirement. Applicants must provide transcripts and relevant documents to qualify for this opportunity.

Wayne D Kuni And Joan E Kuni Foundation

Wayne and Joan Kuni were known for their quiet yet profound commitment to community service. Their philanthropy touched countless individuals throughout the Pacific Northwest and included financial support and hands-on volunteer efforts to support medical, educational and human services organizations. Both had their own unique approach to service and a commitment to long-term impact that resonates today through the work of the Kuni Foundation.

We advance the promise of human potential by investing in cancer research and accelerating the inclusion of individuals experiencing intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Discovery Grants for Cancer Research: Advancing Innovation

We embrace cancer research that takes a bold, collaborative and equity-focused approach, and we consider risk a necessity. We also recognize the importance of research that continues to refine and improve existing approaches. Discovery Grants fund both early and established cancer research in the quest for improved detection, treatment and outcomes.

Discovery Grants funding can be utilized for:

• Research that builds a greater understanding of cancer development and growth
• Research on the cusp of the “next stage” including early research or late-stage research ready for clinical trial
• Research activities seeking to reduce disparities by targeting improved access, treatment and outcomes for marginalized communities
• Research that identifies and dismantles barriers to underserved communities to increase the diversity of clinical participants, population cohorts, and clinical samples
• Research focused on rare forms of cancer or cancer research that is traditionally under-resourced and has seen little development in a decade or more

Projects that demonstrate collaboration and data sharing across a range of institutions and/or disciplines are highly encouraged. However, the principal investigator(s) must be located in Washington or Oregon.

The Tribal Climate Capacity Grants support federally recognized Tribes in Washington State to undertake various climate-related initiatives. These include developing clean energy projects, engaging in Climate Commitment Act spending decisions, and applying for grant funding. This program, funded by Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, aims to enhance climate resilience and adaptation while creating jobs and improving public health through strategic investment in climate action.

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.

CommonSpirit Health offers the Community Health Improvement Grant to enhance health equity and service systems for underserved populations. Through collaborative efforts with 501(c)(3) organizations, this initiative provides financial support for essential health projects. Grant amounts range from $19,500 for small grants to $150,000 for standard grants, varying by hospital. Participating hospitals include those under Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health, aimed at addressing significant community health needs.

Community Foundation of Snohomish County

The Community Foundation works in many roles including that of a funder, partner, and catalyst for change in Snohomish County. Our board and staff have been on a dedicated journey to dismantle racism and oppressive policies in our organization, in our teams and in ourselves.

Mission: Strengthen community and thoughtfully change lives.

Youth Initiative Grant

The Community Foundation of Snohomish County is pleased to announce the opening of the Youth Initiative Grant program. Grant amount will be between $5000-$10,000 depending on the number of qualified grants received.. These grants are intended to support youth programming in Snohomish County, and the grants are not renewable for a second year.

As funding is limited, priority will be given to specific types of programs. 

Funding Priorities

Priority will be given to:

• Organizations with budgets of $1 million or less.
• Grants written by youth. Currently running programs that provide support without requiring increased outcomes or expanded services. The goal is to sustain and strengthen existing efforts without the pressure to scale.
• Programs that are tailored to the unique experiences and serve youth who are intersectionally marginalized, such as LGBTQ+ BIPOC youth, immigrant and refugee youth with disabilities, youth living in rural communities etc. Programs of these groups.
• Organizations offering mental health support, including trauma-informed care, peer support networks, or youth-led mental health initiatives that help youth build resilience and coping strategies for dealing with significant stressors.
• Youth-led healing circles or restorative justice programs that focus on community building, cultural resilience, and healing for youth from marginalized backgrounds.
• Organizations that actively involve youth in all aspects of their programming and leadership, including but not limited to policy and program development, advocacy, having youth on committees and/or boards etc.
• Programs that focus on digital literacy, technology access, and online skills development, especially for rural and low-income youth who may have limited access to digital resources.
• Organizations offering arts-based programs, such as music, visual arts, theater, or cultural projects, that allow youth to explore their identities, share their stories, and engage in community-based creative expression.
• Programs that focus on career development, workforce readiness, and entrepreneurship opportunities for youth, particularly those from low-income or marginalized communities, to help create sustainable pathways for future success.
• Youth-led projects, including community organizing, advocacy, and social impact initiatives that empower youth to drive social change within their communities.
• Programs that pair youth with older adults to promote mutual learning, cultural exchange, and community solidarity.

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 Forest Foundation offers the Capital Projects Grant to enhance the quality of life in Southwest Washington, particularly in Tacoma and Pierce County. This grant is available to tax-exempt organizations focused on community development, environmental stewardship, and cultural initiatives. Organizations must demonstrate fiscal accountability and innovative solutions. While the foundation prioritizes local projects, it also supports initiatives that empower families towards self-sufficiency. Notably, it does not fund new facility construction or lobbying efforts.

The First Interstate BancSystem Foundation focuses on strengthening communities by providing grants primarily to nonprofits assisting low- and moderate-income individuals. In 2023, they awarded $9.2 million across their footprint, emphasizing projects with significant community impact. Grants are recommended by local First Interstate Bank branches and are evaluated based on the nonprofit's leadership, financial stability, and community benefit. Areas of ineligibility include individual projects and those that do not demonstrate a substantial community impact.

The Cruz Andrist Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, honors the memory of Cruz Abraham Andrist, who aimed to pursue engineering and had a passion for biology. This scholarship is for graduating seniors from Okanogan County planning to further their education in medical or engineering fields, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, supporting the values of joy and harmony that Cruz exemplified.

The WAEF Scholarships, including the Joe & Ann Hall Education Fund, support over 300 students in pursuing higher education through more than $1 million in scholarships. Applicants must have ties to Washington's tree fruit industry, demonstrating strong academics and a commitment to careers in agriculture or technical fields. These scholarships can be applied at accredited two- or four-year institutions, facilitating educational opportunities for deserving individuals.

The WAEF Scholarships, offered by the Washington Apple Education Foundation, provide crucial financial support to over 300 students pursuing higher education. With more than $1 million in awards, these scholarships prioritize students with ties to the tree fruit industry. The Louis Van Doren Memorial Scholarship specifically aids Washington state students studying engineering at four-year colleges, allowing for renewal based on academic performance. This initiative fosters educational growth within the local agricultural community.

Research for Novel Approaches in Sustainable Agriculture Grant Program

The Northeast SARE Research for Novel Approaches grant program funds ‘proof of concept’ applied research projects that are designed to confirm the benefits and/or feasibility of new practices and approaches—i.e., Novel Approaches—in agriculture.

These applied research projects must have some existing evidence from previous experiments or pilot projects (your own or others) suggesting that the practice or approach is beneficial and feasible, but further testing, data, and refinement are needed before it can be recommended for widespread adoption by farmers.

Research for Novel Approaches Grant projects require an explicit connection to the needs and interests of farmers in the Northeast. All proposals must include documented interest among farmers and service providers in utilizing or promoting the novel approach should it be proven beneficial and feasible.

Funding Available

Novel Approaches grants have a minimum award of $30,000 and a cap of $250,000.

The Anderson-Rogers Foundation Grant supports U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations focused on environmental protection, animal welfare, climate change mitigation, and social support. Established in 2001, this family foundation prioritizes innovative projects and general operating support for small organizations facing financial constraints. Note that applicants must first submit a letter of inquiry, as the foundation does not fund scholarships or grants to individuals or religious organizations, nor does it support organizations outside the U.S.

The AHRF: Bernard and Lottie Drazin Memorial Grants provide up to five $1,000 awards to otolaryngology residents conducting research projects during their residency. Eligible applicants must be from selected Chicago programs or institutions represented by AHRF Board members. Proposals are evaluated on criteria such as novelty, significance, and feasibility. Grant recipients are required to submit progress reports and notify AHRF of any publications resulting from their funded research.

The WAEF Scholarships, supported by the Washington Apple Education Foundation, provide over $1 million in funding to more than 300 students linked to the tree fruit industry. Eligible applicants include current high school seniors and college students with family ties to the industry, pursuing degrees in tree fruit production or management at accredited institutions in Washington. This initiative fosters educational opportunities for those committed to the future of the tree fruit sector.

The Workplace Safety for Workers Affected by Climate Change Grant Program aims to enhance health and safety for workers impacted by climate change. This ongoing program focuses on providing essential resources for outdoor workers affected by extreme weather, including heat, flooding, and wildfire smoke. Grants will help purchase necessary equipment and cover distribution costs. Eligible participants include Federally Recognized Indian Tribes, with base awards of $15,151 per Tribe, ensuring vital support for affected communities.

The Corrine and Henry Bower Memorial Foundation Grant offers approximately $35,000 annually to support wellness, education, and visual arts programs in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. The foundation prioritizes year-round programming, measurable outcomes, and collaboration with other organizations. However, it does not fund general operating costs, new programs, or for-profit entities. Eligible applicants must have a proven track record of service and demonstrate financial accountability.

The Mazamas is committed to exploring and preserving mountain environments in the Pacific Northwest through research grants. These grants support nonprofit research that aligns with the Mazamas’ mission, encouraging proposals from graduate and undergraduate students. Successful applicants often conduct field studies that enhance understanding of the region's natural features. Notably, the Mazamas also welcome innovative research ideas that may fall outside traditional grant guidelines, promoting a diverse range of scientific inquiry.

The Stimulating Hematology Investigation: New Endeavors (SHINE) program aims to enhance nonmalignant hematology research aligned with the goals of the NIDDK, NIA, and NHLBI. It invites R01 grant applications focused on innovative and early translational hematology topics, fostering growth in this critical research area. Key deadlines for applications span from February 2025 to October 2027, allowing for both standard and renewal submissions.

The Snoqualmie Tribal Organization Grant for Habitat Restoration offers up to $50,000 to nonprofit organizations in Washington State focused on restoring habitat for fish and wildlife. Since 2010, the Snoqualmie Tribe has contributed over $8 million to various nonprofits. Eligible applicants must be IRS-registered 501(c)(3) organizations located in Washington State, ensuring support for local community initiatives aimed at environmental preservation.

The TBF: Teen Pregnancy Prevention program offers financial support to 501(c)(3) organizations in Washington and Oregon focused on reducing teen pregnancy. Eligible projects must utilize evidence-based methods and can include health education initiatives and community clinic services. The program encourages applications from organizations with a clear budget and success criteria, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to this critical issue.

The WAEF Scholarships, supported by the Washington Apple Education Foundation, provide vital financial assistance to over 300 students pursuing degrees related to the tree fruit industry. This year, more than $1 million has been awarded, benefiting those with ties to apple, cherry, or pear orchards. The Jerry Haak Memorial Scholarship specifically honors a leader in the field, encouraging candidates from agricultural backgrounds to further their education and careers in the industry.

The WAEF Scholarships, established by the Washington Apple Education Foundation, support over 300 students pursuing diverse educational paths. This year, recipients benefit from over $1 million in scholarships, funded by contributions from the tree fruit industry. Created in honor of Glady Bellamy, a pioneering figure in this sector, the scholarship prioritizes students with ties to the industry, encouraging those aspiring to build careers within it to apply.

The Decorative Arts Trust offers the DARTS Grant to support graduate students researching decorative arts topics related to objects and collections on the West Coast. Since 2003, grants between $500 and $1,000 have been awarded, promoting diversity in American decorative arts studies. Recipients must submit a report post-travel detailing their research impact. This initiative underscores the Trust's commitment to fostering appreciation and scholarship in decorative arts.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant - Division II offers financial support to enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles across NCAA Division II institutions. With an annual budget of $860,000, the grant aims to fund up to 20 schools and conferences each year. Eligible applicants must be active Division II members and are encouraged to collaborate with their human resources departments during the proposal process, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.