Best Grants for Community Centers in Washington

The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program offers funding aimed at enhancing outdoor recreation and conserving land across Washington State. This program supports various projects, including the development of parks, trails, and waterfront areas, as well as the restoration of state lands. Applicants must have a completed recreation or conservation plan to qualify for funding, ensuring that critical habitats and recreational spaces are preserved and made accessible to the growing population.

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

NCRC Field Empowerment Fund (FEF) - Housing Counseling Services

The Field Empowerment Fund (FEF) empowers NCRC network members to level up established service lines.

The Housing Counseling Services series within FEF supports HUD-approved housing counseling agencies in driving homeownership, such as through pre-purchase counseling. In addition, the program builds agency knowledge on heirs’ property challenges to better equip first-time and low-income homebuying households with the know-how to retain intergenerational wealth.

In doing so, FEF-HCS aims to help underserved families begin their homeownership journey, with an additional goal of ensuring foresight into the long-term future of their home purchase.

The FEF-HCS series is funded in partnership with Key Bank and HSBC, and targets communities within the Key Bank and HSBC branch footprints.

Through these partnerships, $2.5 million in Key Bank geographies and $1.5 million in HSBC geographies has been allocated for the subgrants for direct-to-client housing counseling services that will be awarded in three rounds in the FEF-HCS track.

Funding Support

Awardee agencies will receive subgrants to support their housing counseling services to clients.

Knowledge Building

Awardee agencies will attend a training session on heirs’ property challenges and best practices, hosted by NCRC National Training Academy. Bolstering counselor knowledge on this topic will ensure that your agency is not only serving clients in their personal wealth-building journey now, but also helping them preserve that wealth in generations to come.

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

NCRC Field Empowerment Fund (FEF) - Housing Counseling Services

The Field Empowerment Fund (FEF) empowers NCRC network members to level up established service lines.

The Housing Counseling Services series within FEF supports HUD-approved housing counseling agencies in driving homeownership, such as through pre-purchase counseling. In addition, the program builds agency knowledge on heirs’ property challenges to better equip first-time and low-income homebuying households with the know-how to retain intergenerational wealth.

In doing so, FEF-HCS aims to help underserved families begin their homeownership journey, with an additional goal of ensuring foresight into the long-term future of their home purchase.

The FEF-HCS series is funded in partnership with Key Bank and HSBC, and targets communities within the Key Bank and HSBC branch footprints.

Through these partnerships, $2.5 million in Key Bank geographies and $1.5 million in HSBC geographies has been allocated for the subgrants for direct-to-client housing counseling services that will be awarded in three rounds in the FEF-HCS track.

Funding Support

Awardee agencies will receive subgrants to support their housing counseling services to clients.

Knowledge Building

Awardee agencies will attend a training session on heirs’ property challenges and best practices, hosted by NCRC National Training Academy. Bolstering counselor knowledge on this topic will ensure that your agency is not only serving clients in their personal wealth-building journey now, but also helping them preserve that wealth in generations to come.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife 

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is dedicated to preserving, protecting, and perpetuating the state’s fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.

Headquartered in Olympia, the department maintains six regional offices and manages dozens of wildlife areas and hundreds of water access areas around the state, offering fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, and other recreational opportunities for the residents of Washington.

Wildlife Diversity Grant Program

WDFW’s Wildlife Diversity Grant Program aims to support recovery actions for a suite of Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). Grant funding can also be awarded for projects aimed at collecting data and information on species abundance, distribution, and habitat associations, with priority for SGCN whose habitats are under significant threat of incompatible development, land use, or resource management. Coordination with WDFW species leads and alignment with WDFW priorities is critical to the success of grant-funded projects. 

Proposed projects must take place within Washington Biennium 2027-2029 (BN27-29), which runs from July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2029. We strongly encourage prospective applicants to consult WDFW species leads before submitting an application to ensure their proposals are well-informed and aligned with WDFW priorities and plans for specific species. Total available funding is $900,000.

The JFLA Mini Grant for Japanese Arts & Culture Program supports projects aimed at enhancing the understanding of Japanese arts and culture. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for qualifying nonprofit organizations. Eligible projects must occur in the 13 states west of the Rocky Mountains and focus on fostering U.S.-Japan collaborations through various artistic mediums. Notably, applicants must be designated 501(c)(3) organizations and adhere to specific funding guidelines.

The Legal Foundation of Washington offers Race Equity Grants aimed at dismantling systemic racial oppression in civil legal aid. These grants provide multiyear funding to empower communities most affected by structural racism. Utilizing a participatory grantmaking approach, an advisory panel of community leaders reviews applications to ensure impactful projects are prioritized. Since inception, two-thirds of awards have gone to BIPOC-led organizations, reflecting a commitment to statewide equity in civil justice access.

The HOME & NHTF Funding program offers $12.4 million for multifamily rental affordable housing projects. Funded by the federal HOME and NHTF programs, these funds aim to address critical housing supply issues and comply with the state's 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan. Eligible projects will receive financing with affordability requirements lasting 15 to 30 years, ensuring long-term availability of affordable housing for low-income individuals.

The Air Quality Prevent Nonattainment Grants (WA) offer $2 million to support initiatives aimed at maintaining air quality standards. This funding is crucial for areas at risk of nonattainment due to high levels of criteria air pollutants. While most of Washington is currently in attainment, there are specific regions that require attention and action to develop comprehensive state implementation plans for air quality management.

The State Buses and Bus Facilities Grant Program, funded by Washington's Climate Commitment Act, aims to support transit authorities with up to $38 million in state funding for the 2025-2027 biennium. Eligible projects include the replacement and rehabilitation of transit rolling stock and facilities, as well as technological adaptations. This initiative encourages sustainable transportation improvements across Washington state, ensuring updated services for all transit agencies.

The Connecting Housing to Infrastructure (CHIP) Grants in Washington State provide approximately $12 million to support affordable housing development. Funding can be used for essential utility improvements, including onsite and offsite water, sewer, and stormwater enhancements. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, and public utility districts that partner with affordable housing projects. With a requirement of at least 25% affordable units, the grants aim to make housing more accessible while ensuring long-term affordability.

The Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.

The NRP Research Grant Program offers up to $50,000 for healthcare professionals to explore optimal neonatal resuscitation methods. It encourages innovative research addressing gaps in transitional physiology and effective teaching of resuscitation skills. Applications must focus on evidence-based practices and demonstrate potential for meaningful impact in delivery room care. Researchers from Canadian and US institutions are eligible, though applications primarily focused on quality improvement without a research emphasis will not be considered.

The Consolidated Grant Program, supported by Washington's Climate Commitment Act, allocates funds for essential public transportation improvements in rural communities, tribal transportation, and services for seniors and individuals with disabilities. For the 2023-2025 cycle, the program has a budget of $110 million for 151 projects, including $10.9 million for ongoing projects. This initiative aims to enhance mobility while contributing to climate action and public health.

The WAEF Scholarships, supported by the Washington Apple Education Foundation, provide over $1 million in educational awards to more than 300 students this year. These scholarships are aimed at high school seniors and college students from families directly involved in Washington's tree fruit industry. Recipients can pursue various degrees at accredited institutions, with specific qualifications for individual scholarships. This initiative fosters educational growth within the agricultural sector.

The Transformation Grants program addresses the urgent need for quality, affordable housing for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the U.S. By providing funding for innovative, community-based housing solutions, the program aims to enhance the lives of those with IDD. Grants up to $300,000 per year support initiatives that focus on inclusivity and sustainability. Organizations in Oregon and Washington serving this population are encouraged to apply for funding to create impactful housing opportunities.

The Washington State Department of Commerce is offering over $268 million in funding for multifamily rental affordable housing projects through the Housing Trust Fund. This initiative aims to increase or preserve affordable housing stock in Washington State, supporting various project types that serve multiple households. Eligible applicants can utilize this funding to construct or rehabilitate properties, with a requirement to start construction by a specified date after contract execution.

The Washington State Department of Commerce is inviting applications for affordable Homeownership housing projects. This funding opportunity aims to support the creation of affordable housing units, enhancing the housing stock in Washington State. Eligible projects can apply for capital funding from the state Housing Trust Fund, fostering accessibility to homeownership for residents. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address housing needs and promote sustainable communities.

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 LFF: Nature-Based Climate Action Grant aims to support initiatives that leverage natural systems to combat climate change. By funding projects focused on tree planting, prairie restoration, and carbon sequestration, the program seeks to engage communities and enhance understanding of climate challenges. Ideal applicants include rural organizations working to create measurable environmental impacts while fostering collaboration and policy change. This grant represents an opportunity for organizations ready to take significant strides in addressing the climate crisis.

The National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF) aims to protect coastal communities through nature-based solutions, enhancing habitats while addressing the growing threats of climate change. Established in 2018, the fund focuses on restoring vital ecosystems like marshes and reefs to mitigate flooding impacts. With rising sea levels and increasing storm intensity, NCRF invests in community-led projects that foster resilience, ensuring both people and wildlife can adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Funded by the Washington State Legislature, the Diversity in Local History (DLH) program awards grants for paid internships that support inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) initiatives at heritage organizations that increase the stories they tell and the communities they serve.Through a competitive process, the Washington State Historical Society provides grants up to $25,000 for projects that partner emerging professionals in the heritage sector with local history museums and historical societies. This program creates opportunities for emerging professionals to connect with history organizations and to support work that helps those organizations better serve all members of their community.

Entergy’s Open Grants Program aims to enhance community well-being through funding initiatives in arts, education, social services, and community improvement. The program prioritizes support for organizations that serve diverse populations, including children and low-income communities. Eligible entities must have 501(c)(3) status or equivalent nonprofit recognition. Applications should be submitted three months in advance, allowing ample time for review. Entergy focuses on projects that foster self-sufficiency and enrich local neighborhoods.

The Albert G. and Olive H. Schlink Foundation, established in 1966, has significantly impacted Ohio's nonprofit sector by increasing its annual grant distribution from an initial $500 to over $1.4 million in 2023. The Foundation prioritizes organizations with ties to Erie and Huron Counties and emphasizes thoughtful evaluation of all grant applications. With a focus on community needs, it continues to honor the founders' legacy while adapting to the evolving demands of local nonprofits.

Equitable Access to Credit grant program

Commerce is initiating this request for applications from qualified lending institutions to provide businesses in historically underserved communities with access to credit. The funding allows these organizations to offer technical assistance services, small business training, loans and investments to borrowers who might not be eligible for traditional bank loans. Considered “unbanked”, the Equitable Access to Credit Program’s qualifying loan recipients might not have bank accounts, might have poor credit or no credit at all. The program goal is to encourage investment in small, typically rural, and underserved businesses to boost community and economic development in Washington.

Funding

Commerce has about $4,356,000 available from the Equitable Access to Credit Program, and the grant awards typically range from about $50,000 to over $1M.

• Funding comes from a unique program offering businesses and individuals who pay state business and occupation tax (B&O) taxes the ability to contribute and receive tax credits.
• By making cash contributions equivalent to their B&O tax liability, participants can receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit from the Department of Revenue (DOR).
• Once a business has reached its annual contributor limit of $1 million or the program has reached its annual cap of $8 million, the state will not accept further contributions for the year.
• As a special preference, a minimum of 65% of the value of all grants awarded in any calendar year must be allocated for native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) or grantees to provide services or invest, or both, in rural counties.

The Society for Ecological Restoration Northwest Chapter offers Student Research Grants up to $3,000 to support research that enhances ecosystem restoration in the Cascadia bioregion. Eligible applicants include social or natural science graduate students and upper-level undergraduates. The grant can cover various project expenses, fostering innovative approaches to restore natural systems while promoting the diversity of life in the region.

Canopy Credit Union is dedicated to enhancing community welfare through its Donation and Sponsorship Request program. Focused on areas such as food and housing insecurity, diversity, and financial education, the credit union aims to support initiatives that foster health, wellness, and job training. Organizations impacting Spokane, Stevens, and Pend Oreille counties are prioritized. Requests should be submitted via the designated form at least 60 days before funds are needed, with a response expected within 10 business days.

The Call for Kindness Grant, offered by Riley's Way Foundation, empowers young leaders aged 13-23 to launch impactful social projects focused on kindness and community connection. With grants up to $5,000, recipients receive essential mentorship, coaching, and community support. This initiative has already benefited over 3,500 youth nationwide, promoting values of empathy and social change. Applicants can pursue projects in diverse areas, including environmental justice, ensuring a broad impact in their communities.