Best Grants for Community Centers in Washington

The CHS Foundation offers funding for innovative projects in precision agriculture and data analytics. This annual grant program supports colleges and universities focusing on enhancing agronomy and ag mechanics curriculum. Applications are accepted from April 15 to May 31, with priority given to initiatives that foster hands-on learning and technology development. Eligible projects should emphasize data analysis and improve students' understanding of agricultural technology, while adhering to funding guidelines.

The Restore Grant, funded by Zero Foodprint and supported by the USDA National Resources Conservation Service, aims to sequester atmospheric carbon through improved soil health. By incentivizing regenerative agricultural practices, the program promotes climate resilience and enhances nutrient density in food systems. It facilitates equitable funding distribution while engaging the public in climate action. Through competitive grants, it empowers farmers and ranchers to adopt sustainable practices, thereby contributing to regional food security and environmental benefits.

Creative West

Established in 1974 as a nonprofit U.S. Regional Arts Organization (USRAO), Creative West was founded on the belief that place matters to the creative process. Fifty years later, communities of place, practice, experience, and identity remain fundamental to our work, framing our understanding of how culture is creatively produced and collectively experienced.

Creative West empowers artists and culture-makers with direct, practical resources, delivered regionally.

We offer practical, equity-centered learning experiences and funding opportunities that connect and inspire artists, culture-bearers and communities to build a more inclusive sector, strengthen the arts field, and catalyze change.

National Arts Futures Fellowship

The National Arts Futures Fellowship (NAFF) is a six-month virtual leadership development program rooted in democracy, wellness, and belonging. It calls on early and mid-career arts and culture professionals from all backgrounds to step into their power as civic leaders and cultural innovators—building the skills, networks, and vision needed to shape a future where creativity drives justice, care, and connection.

Fellows join a national network committed to strengthening public life, nurturing collective wellness, and fostering deep belonging across communities. Together, they learn, experiment, and act—advancing a shared vision of leadership that is sustainable, community-rooted, and future-focused.

Each fellow enters NAFF with a Personal Action Project (PAP)—a concrete idea they will develop and implement with support from peers, coaches, guest experts, and flexible seed funding of $250–$1,000. Projects may include launching a cultural initiative, organizing a community campaign, supporting artist-led advocacy, seeking a public leadership role, or piloting another form of civic or community action. Throughout the fellowship, each project evolves through coaching, peer feedback, strategy sessions, and real-world experimentation. Fellows conclude the program by sharing their project, leadership growth, and next steps at the National Fellows Summit.

What’s New in Cohort Two?

• Cohort Two expands NAFF from six to seven monthly sessions and adds two new elements that support fellows in moving their Personal Action Projects from development into implementation:
• Seed Funding: Fellows may request $250–$1,000 in flexible funding to test, pilot, or implement their projects during the fellowship.
• Artists Thrive Framework: Fellows will use the framework to assess their work, identify opportunities for growth, and strengthen artist-led advocacy, collaboration, and community impact.

Guiding Principles

• Democracy — Use the arts to strengthen civic participation, expand public trust, and make decision-making more accessible and inclusive.
• Wellness — Treat care, rest, and healing as strategic leadership tools for sustaining movements and communities.
• Belonging — Create spaces where leaders can thrive together across differences, build trust, and celebrate shared humanity.

What kinds of projects are supported?

Examples: Running for office, launching cultural programs, organizing campaigns, supporting policies. Projects can be local, regional, or national in scope.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools across the US to implement the PLTW Gateway program for the first time. With total funding of $9,100, the grant covers participation fees and training registration costs. Schools, including public, private, and charter, are encouraged to apply, particularly those serving low-income and minority majority populations. This initiative aims to enhance educational pathways in STEM for diverse student groups.

The Park Foundation Grants for Animal Welfare focus on advancing the protection and conservation of wildlife, particularly through policy and advocacy efforts for threatened species. The foundation supports innovative, solution-oriented models that foster systemic change and compassion. Key areas include organizing for endangered wildlife, indigenous management practices, and supporting sanctuaries for great apes. Additionally, the foundation is committed to local efforts, including support for the Tompkins County SPCA, ensuring a compassionate society for all living beings.

Navigant Credit Union 

Navigant Credit Union is the longest-operating, member-owned credit union in Rhode Island. Since its founding in 1915, Navigant Credit Union has been dedicated to providing its members with unparalleled financial products and services, while working every day to stay committed to the financial well-being of the families, businesses and communities we serve. 

Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation Grant

For over a century, Navigant Credit Union has been committed to making a meaningful difference in the community. In 2017, we established the Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation to further amplify our impact in five strategic areas:

• Education & Financial Literacy: Organizational and capital support for programs, supplies, building products, sports facilities and teams.
• Social Services: Financial support for programs and organizations for children, veterans, hunger and housing.
• Public Health, Safety & Well-Being: Support for programs addressing public safety, emergency care and eradication of disease.

The 2026 Carceral Systems Organizing Grant seeks to support organizations working to eradicate carceral systems, create alternative justice solutions, or pursue system reform by addressing systemic criminalization that disproportionately targets Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) and low-income/poor communities across our five-state region.

This grant will fund organizations that meet SJF’s community organizing framework and prioritize communities underrepresented in traditional grantmaking.

We define carceral systems organizing broadly to include all systems that criminalize people’s lives based on race, poverty, gender, immigration status and/or disability. Examples include but are not limited to: 

• Abolition, transformative justice, and alternatives to incarceration
• Ending racial profiling and police brutality
• Addressing racial inequities in drug laws
• Child welfare, foster care, child protective services
• Youth incarceration and the school-to-prison pipeline
• Detention and deportation of immigrant communities
• Homeless encampment sweeps and criminalization of survival needs
• Re-entry organizing by and for folks who were recently incarcerated

The Native Voices Endowment Grants, managed by the Endangered Language Fund, support the preservation of endangered languages associated with Native American tribes that interacted with the Lewis and Clark Expedition from 1803-1806. Grants are available for language documentation, revitalization, and educational projects, fostering cultural heritage through various initiatives. Eligible applicants include tribal members and language programs, ensuring the continuation of linguistic traditions and community involvement in revitalizing native languages.

The NRA Foundation offers grants to support charitable purposes aligned with its mission, emphasizing firearms safety, education, and marksmanship. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized entities, government entities, and state-recognized nonprofits. The foundation aims to promote shooting sports and improve community safety. Ineligible entities include labor organizations, private businesses, and individuals. Funding decisions are made based on the alignment of proposals with the foundation's goals and compliance with IRS regulations.

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

Wegmans Family Foundation Inc focuses on cultivating healthy communities through support for hunger relief, health initiatives, education, and youth programs. They prioritize collaborations with local nonprofits to enhance community well-being, offering assistance in key areas like economic mobility and youth engagement. Despite their wide-ranging support, they have specific ineligibility criteria, such as not accommodating personal requests or solicitation on their property, aiming to direct resources effectively where they are needed most.

The WAEF Scholarships, provided by the Washington Apple Education Foundation, support over 300 students annually with more than $1 million in educational awards. These scholarships are primarily aimed at Washington state high school seniors and college students with ties to the tree fruit industry, specifically those pursuing degrees in engineering or business. Eligible candidates must have ongoing family connections to the industry, ensuring a focus on education and professional development in this vital sector.

The Kalliopeia Foundation Grant focuses on supporting projects that foster cultural and ecological renewal through a deep reverence for the Earth. By prioritizing US-based organizations that demonstrate strong community relationships and intergenerational leadership, the foundation seeks to empower marginalized voices and traditional practices. With an emphasis on land care and Indigenous leadership, Kalliopeia aims to cultivate a resilient future where diverse ways of knowing and being thrive harmoniously with nature.

The GHF Sponsorship Requests program supports organizations in Washington that focus on health equity and community building. By prioritizing groups led by those they serve, especially marginalized communities, the program aims to foster events that promote racial justice and inclusion. Organizations can apply for sponsorships for a variety of events, ensuring accessibility and community engagement. Applications are accepted year-round, with a 60-day notice required before the event.

The Clarence and Della Murray Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, honors the legacy of Clarence and Della Murray. This scholarship supports high school seniors from Chelan, Douglas, or Okanogan counties who exhibit financial need, strong moral character, and academic potential. Eligible students must have a GPA between 2.5 and 3.5 and are encouraged to pursue further education at accredited institutions in the U.S. This initiative continues the Murray family's commitment to education and community support.

The WAEF Scholarships, including the Richard Keller Memorial + Apple King awards, support over 300 students with over $1 million in scholarships. Eligible applicants are high school seniors or college students with connections to Washington's tree fruit industry, including growers and employees of associated businesses. Scholarships can be used at accredited institutions for various degrees, ensuring students can pursue diverse career paths within this vital industry.

The Eddie Bromiley Memorial Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, supports graduating seniors and returning students from local high schools pursuing education in technical programs. This scholarship honors Eddie Bromiley's legacy by aiding students who have participated in FFA or rodeo activities. Applicants must be from Chelan, Douglas, Okanogan, Kittitas, or Grant counties and seek further education at an accredited trade school.

The WAEF Scholarships, funded by the Washington Apple Education Foundation, offer over $1 million in educational awards to more than 300 students this year. This scholarship specifically supports high school seniors and college students with direct ties to Washington's tree fruit industry, including those with family employment in the sector. Applicants must be enrolled in accredited institutions and meet specific eligibility criteria. Awards vary in amount and number.

The Washington Apple Education Foundation (WAEF) offers the WAEF Scholarships for students with parents employed in Washington's tree fruit industry. This year, over 300 students will benefit from more than $1 million in scholarships, which can be used for accredited colleges and vocational programs. Applicants must demonstrate academic commitment and resilience. The scholarships are competitive, aimed at supporting future leaders in various fields related to the industry.

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 cater to high school seniors and college students with familial ties to Washington's tree fruit industry. The Olsen Brothers scholarships specifically honor students demonstrating academic excellence and strong character, encouraging them to pursue diverse career paths in accredited institutions.

The Washington Apple Education Foundation (WAEF) is offering scholarships to over 300 students, totaling more than $1 million in educational awards. These scholarships are primarily for students with parents employed in the tree fruit industry, supporting diverse career paths at accredited institutions. Additionally, the NWFM LLC scholarship is specifically for students whose parents work at NWFM, allowing funding for vocational and technical education. Applications are open to high school seniors and current college students with relevant ties to the industry.

The Starseed Foundation Grant offers support to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on enhancing the arts, environmental protection, literacy, and social services. Grants are available to organizations throughout the United States, with a specific emphasis on programs based in Oregon. Interested parties must first submit a Letter of Inquiry to be considered for funding. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for underserved communities through cultural and educational enrichment.

The WAEF Scholarships, provided by the Washington Apple Education Foundation, support over 300 students annually, offering more than $1 million in educational awards. These scholarships are primarily aimed at children of employees in the tree fruit industry, enabling them to pursue various degrees at accredited institutions. Eligible applicants must be high school seniors or college students with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and they can reapply for additional years of study.

The WAEF Scholarships - NordicBear program supports students linked to the tree fruit industry, providing awards ranging from $1,000 to $8,000. Open to children of Northern Fruit employees, eligible applicants must have a parent with significant industry employment. Scholarships can be used for various accredited educational institutions in the U.S. Recipients may reapply for up to three additional years, promoting continued education and career development in this vital sector.

The WAEF Scholarships, funded by the Washington Apple Education Foundation, support over 300 students annually with more than $1 million in awards. This program primarily targets college juniors and seniors from Washington's tree fruit growing regions pursuing degrees in accounting. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and current college students with familial ties to the tree fruit industry, which encompasses apple, cherry, and pear orchards. Scholarships can be utilized at accredited institutions across the state.

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 available to high school seniors and college students with parental ties to the tree fruit industry. Recipients can use the awards at accredited colleges and universities across the U.S., with potential for renewal for up to three additional years, fostering diverse career paths in agriculture and beyond.

The Washington State Legislature funded the Outdoor Learning Grants program with the goal to develop and support outdoor educational experiences for students in Washington public schools.

All children deserve access to outdoor spaces where they can learn, play, and grow, but access to outdoor educational opportunities is inequitable.

From reducing stress, to improving mental and physical health, outdoor-based learning helps youth thrive. Research shows that students who participate in outdoor educational activities are more likely to graduate, are better behaved in school, and have more relationships with peers, higher academic achievement, more critical thinking skills, and more direct experience of scientific concepts in the field. They also have better leadership and collaboration skills and a deeper engagement with learning, place, and community.

Typical Projects

• Experiential outdoor education
• Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) activities
• Hands-on habitat restoration and stewardship projects
• Natural resources career-connected learning
• Immersive field studies
• Leadership development and mentorship opportunities