Best Grants for Community Centers in Washington

The WWIN Star Scholars program empowers Washington women by providing scholarships and support to overcome barriers to education. By pursuing higher education, these resilient individuals transform their futures, enhancing their lives and the well-being of their families and communities. Eligible applicants must meet specific criteria, including being a woman, residing in Washington, and demonstrating financial need. This initiative aims to foster positive change through education and personal growth.

The E.B. Henderson Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors minority members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to scholarship, mentorship, and advocacy for ethnic minorities within health and physical education. Established in 1885, SHAPE America serves over 200,000 professionals, promoting high-quality education standards. The award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to increasing the participation of underserved populations in the field. Limited to two awards annually, it highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in health education.

About the Pacific Northwest Kiwanis Foundation

Through Helping Hands Fellowships, memorial gifts, and bequests, the Foundation provides a variety of ways to leave a lasting legacy for the children and youth of the Pacific Northwest.

Every member of a Kiwanis club in the Pacific Northwest District is also a member of the Pacific Northwest Kiwanis Foundation.

Our Purpose

The Pacific Northwest Kiwanis Foundation is a non-profit charitable corporation founded in 1985 and endorsed by the Pacific Northwest District of Kiwanis International:

• To promote the sponsored youth groups of the Pacific Northwest Kiwanis District. These include: Circle K (college/university students); Key Clubs (high school students); Builders Clubs (middle school students); K Kids (elementary school students); and Aktion Clubs (adults with disabilities).
• To assist needy persons – particularly youth
• To assist worthy youth to attain vocational excellence
• To aid the handicapped and disadvantaged

Specific emphasis is directed to promotion and support of sponsored youth groups particularly through scholarships and leadership training.

Grants

The PNW Kiwanis Foundation provides support for children, youth, and the disabled in the Pacific Northwest through grants designated for Kiwanis-sponsored projects.

During the last 2 years the PNW Kiwanis Foundation gave away over $20,000 in grant money.

PNW Kiwanis Foundation New Club Opening Mini Grant

The PNW Kiwanis Foundation will provide a $500 mini grant to new clubs to help kick start their charitable giving. Clubs are required to provide us with a “bragging-rights” status report and pictures of how these monies were used after completion of their project.

Purpose

Grants provide limited opportunities for Kiwanis clubs to receive financial assistance with a key project benefiting children or youth in their community. Funded projects may also provide an opportunity to generate exposure for the Foundation and its activities.

Grants must be in keeping with the purpose of the Foundation, which generally is to support children and youth in the Pacific Northwest. Projects that fall outside the Pacific Northwest may be quite worthy of support but would not qualify for a grant from the Foundation.

Club Support

The Foundation does not want to support a project that is not supported by the local Kiwanis club. That is why all grant requests must be accompanied by a letter of support from the Kiwanis club.

Freight Rail Assistance Program

For the 2027-2029 biennium, a total of $7.04 million in funding will be available for Freight Rail Assistance Program (FRAP) grants. However, the programmed amount identified is subject to change and funding allotments will be re-evaluated during the 2027 legislative session. Therefore, funding availability is not guaranteed.

The FRAP is a grant program open to applicants in both the public and private sector. This program is directed toward larger projects that are challenged to secure funding and where the rail location or the project is of strategic importance to the local community and the state.

• The amount sought in individual applications is not restricted, but it is based on available funding.
• The Legislature determines how those funds will be spent based upon the applications submitted through WSDOT. The Legislature may choose to increase or decrease the actual funding made available.
• Projects must be shown to maintain or improve the freight rail system in the state and benefit the state's interests.

The No Child Left Inside Grant Program, administered by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office, aims to enhance outdoor experiences for underserved youth in Washington. Applications will open in late summer or early fall of 2026. Grants support various activities, including environmental education and outdoor adventures, with funding tiers ranging from $5,000 to $150,000. This initiative promotes community engagement and helps remove barriers to outdoor access, fostering improved health and academic outcomes for participants.

Washington Women’s Foundation - Grassroots

Our focus:

Improving the lives of women & girls most impacted by inequity in Washington 

We know that all women/girls are impacted by sexism. From WaWF’s race and gender equity focused learning of the past several years we also know that inequity is not experienced by all women in the same way. We know women of color experience the intersectional nature of race and gender in compounding ways. We know that trans women experience discrimination and harassment based on their gender identity in addition to any other identities they may hold.  

Our grants focus on women/girls most impacted by inequity. As a learning organization, this means we will continue to build on our understanding of race even as we apply a more targeted gender lens to our grantmaking. Targeted Universalism shapes our understanding of how to address the intersectional nature of inequities in our state. In simple terms, Targeted Universalism means setting universal goals that can be achieved through targeted approaches. Our universal goal is equity for all in Washington State, and we believe that goal is best achieved by supporting the women and girls most impacted by inequity

Grant Award:

• $20,000 full award, distributed at $10,000 for 2 years 

Number of Grants:

• Up to three grants given per year, with merit awards also available 

Recreational Trails Program

The Recreational Trails Program provides federal funds to rehabilitate and maintain trails that provide a backcountry experience.

A backcountry experience means that the user will experience nature instead of seeing or hearing human development and activity. While backcountry trails may be near cities or roads, or even offer views of cities and towns, the trail’s physical setting should be predominately natural.

This grant program invests in all types of trails, including those for riding off-road vehicles, bicycling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, hiking, horseback riding, motorcycling, water trails, and more.

Typical Projects

• Clearing overgrown brush and fallen trees from trails
• Repairing trail damage from floods and fires
• Replacing bridges and drainage structures

Long-term Commitment

Trails and facilities developed with these grants must be open and available for twenty-five years.

Projects that maintain trails must be open and available during the active period of the project agreement; however, those that entail capital work to build new trails or facilities or make significant, long-term renewal improvements to existing facilities must be open and available for twenty-five years. 

Lead in Water Remediation Grant

The Lead in Water Remediation grant program helps schools replace drinking water fixtures or pipes that test positive for lead contamination of above five parts per billion. Schools can use grant funds for fixture replacement, pipe replacement, or for fixtures that are cold water only, filtering systems.

Testing must be done by the Department of Health (DOH) and samples analyzed by the DOH Public Health Lab OR a school can contract for sampling and testing that meets DOH technical guidance. Schools must then submit the test results to DOH according to DOH guidelines. Water sampling cannot be conducted by school staff.

The grant application is available in EGMS under Form Package 504 and will remain open until the funds run out.

The Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarships, offered by the Pacific Dental Services Foundation, provide financial aid of up to $5,000 for eligible dental assistant students. Applicants must be over 18, U.S. citizens or legal residents, and enrolled in a qualifying program. The scholarship emphasizes mentorship and training, supporting the next generation of dental assistants. Awards are based on financial need and application quality, with multiple cycles each year to support aspiring professionals.

NW Children's Foundation offers grants to organizations focused on preventing and addressing child abuse and trauma in Western Washington. With a two-step application process, agencies must submit a Letter of Inquiry followed by a full Grant Application if selected. The foundation prioritizes innovative programs that effectively serve children and families, particularly in King, Snohomish, Pierce, and Kitsap counties. Applications are evaluated based on criteria such as financial integrity and dedication to community service.

The Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP), administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provides crucial funding to tribal governments and intertribal consortia for developing environmental protection programs. Since 1992, GAP has focused on remediation of pollutants and, more recently, supports climate adaptation initiatives. The program emphasizes tribal sovereignty while aiding in capacity building, policymaking, and establishing joint EPA-Tribal Environmental Plans to effectively address environmental challenges faced by tribal communities.

The Trails-Nonhighway and Off-Road Vehicle Activities Program in Washington State provides essential funding for developing and managing recreational activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and off-road vehicle use. To qualify for this funding, applicants must have a comprehensive recreation or conservation plan. The program offers significant grant limits, including $250,000 for maintenance projects in off-road vehicle categories and $200,000 for nonhighway road and nonmotorized projects.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Adult Literacy Grants to support organizations providing essential literacy services to adults. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for programs in Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and English language acquisition. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and libraries located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. The foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster personal growth through literacy.

The California Casualty Music & Arts Grant supports K-12 public schools facing budget cuts that threaten their music and arts programs. Eligible applicants, who must be active employees of public K-12 schools and members of specified educator associations, can request grants of $250 for music or arts needs. This initiative aims to enhance creative education across the states, excluding AK, HI, MA, MI, NY, and WI. Applications received by July 15 will be notified by November 30.

The PERS Student Research Fund supports graduate students in estuarine sciences through grants of up to $250. Established in memory of Pete Eldridge, the fund now allows donations in honor of individuals. Eligible applicants are MS or PhD students, current PERS members, and those studying in the PERS region, which includes Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. Award recipients are recognized at the annual PERS meeting.

Washington Women's Foundation

Our Mission: Our mission is to provide long-term, unrestricted capital, organizational support, and networking to social change efforts benefiting women and girls in Washington State.

Advocacy Grant

We have learned through several years of experimentation with advocacy grantmaking that true structural change takes time and sustained investment. That is why we have structured this grant program as a multi-year grant, with a commitment of $50,000/year for three years. One new advocacy grantee will be selected each year by a committee made up of WaWF members. 

Our Focus

Improving the lives of women & girls most impacted by inequity in Washington. 

Our grants focus on women/girls most impacted by inequity. As a learning organization, this means we will continue to build on our understanding of race even as we apply a more targeted gender lens to our grantmaking. Targeted Universalism shapes our understanding of how to address the intersectional nature of inequities in our state. In simple terms, Targeted Universalism means setting universal goals that can be achieved through targeted approaches. Our universal goal is equity for all in Washington State, and we believe that goal is best achieved by supporting the women and girls most impacted by inequity.

We are most interested in understanding how organizations and social change efforts address disparities through targeted strategies that include 1) the delivery of services to those directly impacted by inequity or 2) through advocacy efforts focused on changing the systems that have created or exacerbated inequities. 

WaWF has a broad and evolving understanding of gender. With our grants we support women, girls, and gender expansive people, including cis, trans and non-binary individuals and communities.  

We seek to support and collectively invest in organizations and social change efforts that are intentional in their work to improve the lives of women/girls most impacted by inequities, accountable to the communities they serve, and demonstrate their ability to achieve long-term goals of increasing equity and reducing disparities.

The Washington Apple Education Foundation (WAEF) offers the Larson Gross Scholarship to support Washington State students with direct ties to the tree fruit industry. Eligible applicants include current high school seniors and college students who are first-generation college students. This year, over 300 students will benefit from more than $1 million in scholarships, allowing recipients to pursue various degrees at accredited institutions, enhancing their educational opportunities and future careers.

The WAEF Scholarships, supported by the Washington Apple Education Foundation, provide vital financial assistance to over 300 students pursuing higher education. With funding exceeding $1 million, these scholarships are aimed at individuals with ties to the tree fruit industry. Specifically, Kershaw Companies employees and their children are eligible, fostering educational growth within the community. Recipients can utilize the awards at accredited institutions, ensuring a diverse range of academic pursuits.

The Washington Apple Education Foundation (WAEF) offers scholarships to over 300 students, totaling more than $1 million in educational awards. These scholarships primarily support high school seniors and college students with family ties to the Washington tree fruit industry. Eligible recipients can pursue various degrees at accredited institutions. The fund honors Jennifer Witherbee, a long-time executive director, recognizing her dedication to empowering students linked to this vital agricultural sector.

The WAEF Scholarships, supported by the Washington Apple Education Foundation, provide over $1 million in educational awards to more than 300 students this year. Open to those with family ties to Washington's tree fruit industry, these scholarships are available for various degrees at accredited institutions. H.R. Spinner Corporation employees can apply for vocational, two- or four-year, or graduate programs, fostering the next generation of talent in the agricultural sector.

The Washington Apple Education Foundation (WAEF) offers scholarships to over 300 students with ties to Washington's tree fruit industry, providing more than $1 million in educational funding this year. Scholarships are available for high school seniors and college students, emphasizing applicants' commitment to education and overcoming challenges. Eligible recipients can pursue various degrees at accredited institutions, including vocational programs relevant to the industry. Scholarships are competitive and aim to support students on their educational journeys.

The Nashman Faculty Development Grants at George Washington University aim to support faculty in developing community engaged scholarship initiatives. These grants, which can provide up to $5,000, encourage the creation of new courses, research projects, and professional development activities that foster collaboration between the university and community partners. Faculty participation is key, with a preference for projects aligned with local organizations to enhance community outcomes and scholarly work.

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 available to graduating seniors and current college students whose parents work in the Washington tree fruit industry, including apple, cherry, or pear orchards. Recipients can use the funds at accredited colleges and universities, promoting education in various fields related to the tree fruit sector.

The WAEF Scholarships, funded by the Washington Apple Education Foundation, support over 300 students annually with more than $1 million in educational awards. Open to children of employees in the tree fruit industry, these scholarships are available for various accredited institutions. Eligible applicants include current high school seniors and college students with direct ties to the industry. Awards can be utilized at two-year colleges, four-year universities, or vocational schools, promoting diverse career paths.

The Nashman Faculty Development Grants at George Washington University support faculty in developing community-engaged scholarship initiatives. These grants focus on courses, research, and creative activities that foster collaboration with local communities to address significant social issues. With funding up to $5,000, projects may include course development, participatory research, and professional development. The initiative emphasizes partnerships with regional organizations, aiming for sustainable community impact through equitable research and engagement.

The Nashman Faculty Development Grants at George Washington University support the creation of community engaged scholarship courses, research, and professional development initiatives. The program is aimed at enhancing faculty engagement with community partners through innovative teaching and research methods. Grants of up to $2,000 are available for course redesigns that incorporate service-learning or participatory research, promoting collaboration and impact in the Washington, D.C. region.

The WAEF Scholarships, offered by the Washington Apple Education Foundation, support over 300 students with over $1 million in educational awards this year. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and college students connected to the Washington tree fruit industry. Scholarships can be used at accredited colleges and universities. Successful candidates must demonstrate a commitment to the Core Values of First Fruits Marketing: love, community, respect, compassion, and purpose.