Best Grants for Community Centers in Washington

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 Duane Kaasa Makers Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, supports students pursuing careers in the trades, such as welding, machining, and auto mechanics. Inspired by Duane Kaasa, a dedicated builder and US Marine, this scholarship emphasizes the importance of practical skills for economic stability and personal fulfillment. Preference is given to veterans and graduates from high schools in Chelan and Douglas counties, fostering local talent in these essential fields.

The Dr. Steven G. Kerr Memorial Medical Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, supports nontraditional students enrolled in the Allied Health Program at Wenatchee Valley College. This scholarship honors Dr. Kerr's legacy, who overcame financial challenges to pursue a medical career. It aims to assist older students who have returned to education after a break and are committed to a career in medicine or a related field.

The Don and Rita Campbell Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, supports non-traditional students returning to education. Inspired by Rita Campbell's journey to earn a teaching degree while raising three children, this scholarship aims to empower individuals from Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties to achieve their educational aspirations. It reflects the Campbells' commitment to community and education, encouraging others to pursue their academic goals.

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 Olympia Tumwater Foundation offers traditional scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 for high school seniors in Thurston County planning to attend college in Washington. Established in 1950, this charitable organization promotes education and community engagement. Scholarships are awarded based on academic performance (minimum 3.0 GPA), work ethic, community involvement, and financial need, supporting local students in their pursuit of higher education.

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, offered by the Washington Apple Education Foundation, support over 300 students with scholarships totaling over $1 million. These scholarships are available to students with ties to Washington’s tree fruit industry, including children of employees or those pursuing relevant degrees. Roche Fruit scholarships are awarded competitively to students enrolled as full-time college students, allowing them to attend various accredited institutions. These awards can be renewed for multiple undergraduate years upon meeting specific criteria.

The Stella Knoebel and Mary Jean Carter Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, aims to support passionate piano and organ students pursuing a college degree in music education. This scholarship honors the legacy of Stella Knoebel and Mary Jean Carter, who dedicated their lives to music education. Eligible applicants must be graduating seniors or non-traditional students from Chelan, Douglas, or Okanogan counties, enrolled full-time in an accredited educational program in Washington.

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 Bud and Donna Corbin Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, supports graduating seniors affiliated with Saddlerock Evangelical Presbyterian Church. This scholarship honors Bud and Donna Corbin, who were dedicated to helping students in need. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and possess strong moral character, integrity, and potential for academic success. Renewal is possible, allowing recipients to reapply and compete with new applicants. This initiative reflects a commitment to educational support in the community.

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 Camp Fire NCW Scholarship, funded by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, supports high school seniors from Chelan, Douglas, Okanogan, Grant, or Adams counties who have been active with Camp Fire NCW for at least two years. This scholarship aims to assist students pursuing further education at accredited institutions or vocational programs in the U.S. It encourages ongoing involvement in community service and offers renewal opportunities for recipients who reapply.

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 

The CRSI Foundation offers an Undergraduate Scholarship Program designed for senior-level students majoring in Civil or Architectural Engineering. This program includes five regional scholarships and six named scholarships, awarded through the CRSI network. Eligible candidates must be pursuing their Bachelor’s Degrees and demonstrate a commitment to the steel reinforced concrete industry. The scholarships aim to support students who are focused on careers in structural engineering.

The Anchor QEA Scholarship supports graduate students pursuing degrees in engineering, environmental sciences, or related fields, with awards between $1,000 and $10,000. This program emphasizes helping those in financial need, particularly focusing on BIPOC students to address inequities in STEM. Eligible candidates must demonstrate a commitment to community service and possess an inclusive mindset. This initiative reflects Anchor QEA's dedication to fostering a diverse and equitable educational environment.

Seattle Foundation is an agent of change, igniting powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

At Seattle Foundation, we believe that community is more than a place. It’s the shared understanding that our joy and well-being are tied to one another. Every day we work with nonprofits, philanthropists, and partners like you to strengthen community by igniting powerful philanthropy and advancing long-term solutions. Because it takes all of us to create a joyful region where every person can thrive.

Doyne M. Green Scholarship

Supporting female graduate students of medicine, law, social service, or public service, this scholarship assists current graduate students who study at public universities in the State of Washington with a renewable $4,000 scholarship.

Safe Routes to School Program

The Safe Routes to Schools Program (SRTS) provides funding to improve safety and mobility for children by enabling and encouraging them to walk and bicycle to school. Funding from this program is for projects within two miles of primary, middle and high schools (K-12).

Concurrent with the federal safe, accountable, flexible, efficient transportation equity act of 2005, a safe routes to school program is established within the department. The purpose of the program is to:

Enable and encourage children, including those with disabilities, to walk and bicycle to school;

Make bicycling and walking to school a safer and more appealing transportation alternative, encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle from an early age; and

Facilitate the planning, development, and implementation of projects and activities that will improve safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution in the vicinity of schools.

Call for projects open

Funding proposals are now being accepted for the Safe Routes to School Program. The estimated available funding amount is $56,950,000 for the 27-29 biennium

The Von Voigtlander Family Foundation Grant, though currently closed, aims to support 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, primarily in Michigan. The foundation emphasizes animal welfare, parks preservation, veteran support, and youth empowerment. Their mission is to enhance lives through community-focused initiatives that foster resilience, education, and well-being. They prioritize charities that promote responsible pet ownership, outdoor recreation, and provide resources for veterans and youth, ensuring a positive impact across multiple sectors.

The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation provides grants to tax-exempt non-profit organizations in the United States, primarily focusing on healthcare, family values, and supporting the disadvantaged. With a strong commitment to Alzheimer's research, the foundation has funded various initiatives including elderly care, domestic violence prevention, and cancer research. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities through meaningful contributions, aiming to address critical social issues and promote well-being.

The Robanna Fund, established in 1992 by Robert and Deanna Levy, supports students pursuing careers in healthcare. Administered by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, the fund awards scholarships averaging $6,000, depending on various factors such as the number of qualified applicants and donor preferences. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, reside in Hawai‘i, intend to major in a health-related field, and demonstrate financial need. This initiative aims to cultivate future healthcare professionals in the community.

The Recreational Trails Grant supports projects that enhance and maintain trails for various outdoor activities, ensuring a backcountry experience that emphasizes nature over urban development. Eligible applicants include local, state, and federal agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations, with a required 20% match. Projects must remain accessible for at least 25 years. Ineligible projects include new trail developments unrelated to existing trails and land acquisition. This grant promotes sustainability in recreational trail use, fostering environmental protection and community engagement.

The Bonnie Plants 3rd Grade Cabbage Grant Program inspires young students to cultivate a love for gardening by providing free oversized cabbage plants to 3rd grade classrooms across the continental U.S. Initiated in 1996, the program encourages hands-on learning about where food comes from. Each year, students compete for a $1,000 prize awarded to the best cabbage grown, fostering excitement and education about agriculture. This initiative not only promotes environmental awareness but also engages students in practical science.

The Alleghany Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) organization in Virginia, focuses on enhancing the quality of life in the Alleghany Highlands through strategic funding initiatives. It seeks grant applications that address key areas such as economic transformation, educational excellence, health and wellness, community capacity, and civic leadership. By prioritizing innovative projects and supporting local organizations, the Foundation aims to foster sustainable growth and community engagement, ensuring a vibrant future for the region.

The Warren Community Action Fund Grants support initiatives enhancing community quality of life, focusing on health, education, basic human needs, youth, agricultural training, historic preservation, scientific programs, arts, recreation, and environmental concerns. Grants are available for capital, program, and operational support, favoring projects with community consensus and financial backing from other sources. This fund honors the legacy of Robert and Nadine Warren, serving primarily the Dayton, Columbia County, and northern Walla Walla County areas.

AgWest Farm Credit offers the Rural Community Grants program aimed at enhancing the economic and social well-being of rural communities in the western United States. Non-profit organizations can apply for grants up to $5,000 for various community projects, such as facility improvements and equipment purchases. Applications are reviewed monthly, and a letter of support from an AgWest employee or customer is required. The program is committed to fostering innovative solutions for rural challenges.

The Garden Club of America Award in Coastal Wetlands Studies supports graduate students engaged in coastal wetlands research. Established through the Rockefeller Environmental Education Fund, this scholarship promotes conservation by funding field work in tidal and nontidal wetlands across coastal states, including the Great Lakes. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. graduate program and can propose their own wetlands study. The award aims to foster environmental education and scientific inquiry in this vital ecosystem.