Best Grants for Community Centers in Washington

The CareQuest Emergent & Relief Fund aims to address the unique challenges faced by historically underserved communities in the healthcare system, particularly in oral health. This fund supports innovative approaches, urgent clinical responses, and immediate relief efforts for community crises. Grants are targeted at organizations demonstrating commitment to equity in health services, ensuring that aid reaches those most in need. With a focus on transformative change, this initiative seeks to enhance access and improve health outcomes across diverse populations.

Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation

The Foundation was established in September 1977 by Dr. Arnold O. and Mrs. Mabel Beckman to give back to the scientific community.

“The mission of the Foundation is to support leading edge research, in the fields of chemistry and life sciences, broadly interpreted, and particularly to foster the invention of methods, instruments, and materials that open up new avenues of research and application in these sciences and related disciplines. My preference is to favor young investigators, new ideas, and a variety of projects rather than fund large, established ones of long duration.”

Current Foundation Initiatives

Today, the Foundation continues according to the vision laid out by Dr. and Mrs. Beckman:

• Supporting Young Scientists: through our annual grant programs, focused on the most promising young scientists
• Community Support activities: that promote science education and excellence in our local community
• Streamlined operations: so that we don't "spend money to give money away"

"Beckman Family" Awardee Community Support Grants

The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation’s "Beckman Family" Awardee Community Support Grants are open to all current and former Foundation grant awardees and Executive Committee members, specifically from the Beckman Scholars Program, Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellowship, Beckman Young Investigator, and Instrument Grants programs.

As a current or former Beckman awardee or Executive Committee member, if you are actively engaged as a volunteer or Board member in a youth STEM or STEAM organization in your local area, you may apply to this program for funding for a particular project with that organization.

Funding Priorities

Projects should be aligned with the Foundation’s aim of “supporting young scientists today for tomorrow’s breakthrough discoveries” and oriented toward achieving positive outcomes in at least one of the Foundation’s current funding priorities:

• Engaging youth in hands-on science and math activities to encourage curiosity and student-driven exploration and learning.
• Using technology to engage youth in STEM/STEAM.
• Promoting the Beckmans’ legacy of technology innovation and leadership amongst youth.

In addition, the following considerations should be addressed in a proposal for funding:

• Where possible, the Foundation’s contribution to a project or activity should help to build capacity within the nonprofit organization to continue the activity beyond the one-time grant.
• The Awardee/Executive Committee member should discuss how the program will increase access to STEM/STEAM opportunities for the target audience.
• The costs associated with the request should relate to a stand-alone STEM/STEAM project, event, or activity and not part of a broader program, event, or target audience outside the Awardee’s or Executive Committee member's local area.
• Youth registration to participate in the STEM/STEAM project, event, or activity should be open to all in the local area, when possible.

Process & Timeline

Grant funds are directly issued to the organization by the Foundation and include for acknowledgement an indication that the gift was made because their volunteer or Board member is a Beckman Awardee or Executive Committee member.

Requests must be submitted by the Beckman Awardee on behalf of a U.S. nonprofit 501(c)(3), or equivalent, organization exclusively serving youth in their local community. As a matter of policy, the Foundation does not provide grants to non-U.S. organizations or institutions. This program defines the terms “youth” and “youths” as individual(s) 17 years of age or younger.

The Robert W. Knox, Sr. and Pearl Wallis Knox Charitable Foundation Grant Program, established in 1964, supports qualified 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. The foundation prioritizes projects that benefit Harris County, TX, and surrounding areas, focusing on charitable, religious, scientific, and educational initiatives. Organizations must wait one grant cycle before reapplying, ensuring fair distribution of funds. This commitment reflects the foundation's legacy of community service and support for various humanitarian causes.

The Dr. David Whiston Leadership Award, offered by the ADA Foundation, aims to support emerging leaders in oral health. This award grants $5,000 to individuals demonstrating commitment to enhancing access to dental education and employment opportunities. Eligible applicants include dental students, early-career dentists, and those under 40. Selection criteria focus on leadership potential and contributions to the profession, emphasizing community engagement and public health advancement. Visit ADAF.org for application details.

About the Emporia Community Foundation

Our Mission

To connect caring people with causes that build stronger communities within the Emporia area which includes Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, Lyon, Morris, Osage and Wabaunsee counties.

Reese Naylor Joy Fund

The purpose of the Reese Naylor Joy Fund is to provide funds to qualified individuals with a chronic or terminal illness to cover expenses of an event or experience that will bring joy and happiness to the child and their family. Grant requests will be considered for children up to the age of 21.

About the Emporia Community Foundation

Our Mission

To connect caring people with causes that build stronger communities within the Emporia area which includes Chase, Coffey, Greenwood, Lyon, Morris, Osage and Wabaunsee counties.

Choose How You Respond Fund (in memory of Dr. Bryan Douglas) 

The purpose of the Choose How You Respond Fund is to provide funds to qualified individuals to cover expenses related to the treatment of cancer.

Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM)

The Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) is dedicated to promoting high-value care and achieving optimal outcomes for acutely ill patients. As part of this mission, SHM seeks to address inequities in acute patient care and contribute to a greater dialogue on this important issue. As the home for hospitalists, SHM activates and engages our community to

• Advocate for our specialty, our members, and the diverse patients we serve.
• Promote high-value care and optimal outcomes for acutely ill patients.
• Meet the evolving educational needs of a dynamic specialty.
• Cultivate an inclusive community for hospitalists and support career growth and wellbeing.
• Advance the research and innovation of healthcare delivery, quality, safety, and experience across the care continuum.

Society of Hospital Medicine Equipment Grant

The SHM Global and Rural Health Foundation brings our mission directly to patients in rural and underserved regions of the United States and abroad by offering small travel and equipment grants to hospital-based clinicians and practice administrators involved in this work. The Foundation also aims to amplify the stories of inequitable patient care and celebrate hospital medicine professionals enhancing outcomes.

Equipment grants will be awarded to recipients working in a not-for-profit hospital setting. A letter from hospital or health system leadership, confirming institutional support for the purchase, is required. The equipment purchase date must be in the future (i.e., after the application submission). Award amounts will vary based on need.

The Valley Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Santa Clara County and beyond by supporting qualified 501(c)(3) organizations. Focused on educational, historical, and preservation initiatives, the Foundation provides essential funding to groups dedicated to societal improvement. By fostering partnerships with like-minded entities, The Valley Foundation strives to create lasting positive change through its grant-making efforts.

The Keta Legacy Foundation offers Level 1 Community Conservation Education Grants to support conservation-focused non-profits in the Salish Sea region. Grants are capped at $5,000 for short-term educational projects that promote environmental awareness. Eligible projects include educational programs, workshops, and instructional materials. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster community involvement and collaboration among various organizations while adhering to its commitment to environmental preservation.

Sports Matter Mission

We believe that sports change lives. In addition to physical and mental health benefits, sports have the power to change our perspectives, our character and our communities for the better. This core belief has guided DICK’S Sporting Goods and The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation since the beginning – but not everyone has the same access to play. Through grants and other support, The DICK’S Foundation Sports Matter Program helps under-resourced 501c3 organizations, schools and community teams across all 50 states provide opportunities for youth to play sports.

Why It Counts

• Low-Income Kids Play at Half the Rate of Wealthier Peers
• Participation in Team Sports has Declined 4% Since 2017
• One in Three Kids Can't Participate in the Sports They Want 
• Number of Kids Playing Multiple Sports Has Declined

Sports Matter Program

We Believe Every Kid Deserves a Chance to Play

The Sports Matter Program focuses on supporting youth sports in under-resourced communities.

All grant applications are made subject to review of the applying organization’s reputation and activities, and its agreement to comply with applicable terms and conditions. 

The Transformational Partnerships Fund offers Seed Grants of up to $10,000 to colleges and universities seeking to explore partnerships that can enhance their operations. These grants support events aimed at fostering collaboration among leadership and stakeholders, paving the way for transformative initiatives. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, encouraging institutions to engage actively in crafting sustainable solutions centered on student success.

The Transformational Partnerships Fund offers catalytic grants of up to $100,000 for colleges and universities to explore innovative partnerships. These grants aim to enhance student success by facilitating collaborations that can significantly change institutional operations. Priority is given to partnerships involving diverse student populations and those expected to yield better outcomes. This opportunity supports institutions in assessing transformative possibilities, making it an essential resource for educational advancement.

The Catalyst Adventure Grant, offered by the American Alpine Club, supports individuals and teams from underrepresented communities in climbing. Awards range from $250 to $2,000, aiming to overcome barriers to access. The grant promotes skill progression in various climbing disciplines, emphasizing community engagement. Eligible applicants include U.S. citizens or green card holders of all experience levels, with expeditions required to occur between June 15, 2025, and June 30, 2026.

The LACCW Resilience Scholarship Program, initiated by the Los Angeles County Commission for Women, supports women in overcoming personal and academic challenges. Established in 1999, it has awarded over $500,000 in scholarships, emphasizing resilience and determination. Eligible applicants must reside in Los Angeles County and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA while enrolled in accredited educational programs. This scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also motivates women to achieve their academic goals despite adversities.

About the Foundation

Our Mission

Beyond Batten Disease Foundation was established to eradicate juvenile Batten disease by raising awareness and funds to accelerate research for a treatment or cure.

About Funding

BBDF is dedicated to collaboratively developing, funding, and managing fundamental, preclinical, IND-enabling, translational and clinical research to improve the lives of children and young adults with CLN3 disease. Since 2008, BBDF has been the largest funder of juvenile Batten (CLN3) disease research, ranging from basic discovery research to translation into therapies. To inform our research initiatives, BBDF gathers information from one-on-one meetings, broad group discussions, scientific peer-reviewed publications, conference proceedings, drug pipelines, and tailored merit reviews into the foundation’s decision-making processes. Input comes from across the Research and Development spectrum including academia, biotechnology, the pharmaceutical sector, and clinicians, caregivers, and patients.

Our research funding decisions are based on these research objectives:

1) Supporting basic research to discover new mechanisms of disease, targets, and treatments

2) Supporting projects which facilitate execution of clinical trials such as expanding patient registries

3) Identifying biomarkers and other innovative clinical endpoints

4) Supporting projects that de-risks pharmaceutical investments in Batten disease

Foundation-Directed Research

The largest portion of the foundation’s portfolio is directed research. The foundation fills gaps in juvenile Batten disease research by funding high-impact projects and breakthrough technologies that will lead to disease mitigation and cure.

BBDF’s Principal Scientist regularly interacts with leaders in research and development across the entire therapeutic pipeline for Batten, as well as for adult forms of neurodegeneration (e.g., Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease), and other related rare genetic diseases. To supplement this dialogue, BBDF creates specialty boards and steering committees to lead the development of its projects. A specialty board typically comprises ~200 years of combined experience specific to the proposed activity.

Investor-Initiated Research (Applying for a research grant)

In addition to directed research, BBDF accepts and awards research proposals. Because great ideas do not follow a schedule, we do this on a rolling submission basis. All budgets are carefully reviewed along with the proposed body of work. Applicants may be asked to revise their budgets and/or allow BBDF to share a summary of the proposal with other funders for the purpose of gathering additional support. Sometimes, the foundation will offer the applicant additional funding to incorporate additional expertise or methods into his or her plan.

The ISF New Student Scholarship supports orphaned or former foster care students in their pursuit of higher education. By providing financial assistance and mentoring, ISF empowers these students to overcome obstacles and thrive academically. Recipients are selected based on their moral character, commitment to personal growth, and readiness to engage in leadership training. This initiative aims to transform lives and foster the next generation of leaders.

Grants for Research About Urban Communication Issues

Since our launch in 2005, the Urban Communication Foundation has provided awards and grants to dozens of distinguished scholars, researchers, and journalists to recognize and support provocative work that contributes in significant ways to the discourse around urban communication issues.

While most of our recipients hail from academia and journalism, we also encourage submissions from other practitioners whose work will lend new insights into the discipline, raise broader awareness of related socio-political, economic, and cultural concerns, or influence public policy.

Gene Burd Grant for Research in Urban Journalism Studies

The Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication has partnered with the Urban Communication Foundation to create the Gene Burd Grant for Research in Urban Journalism Studies. The purpose of this annual grant is to stimulate research that explains, enlightens, inspires, and improves the practice and study of journalism and communication in order to advance our understanding of journalism in urban environments.

The Woman of Wonder Scholarship supports women residents of Washington State pursuing higher education, whether full-time or part-time. Applicants must demonstrate financial need through FAFSA and share a personal essay about a pivotal life moment. This scholarship aims to empower single mothers and women facing challenges in their educational journey. Awards can be used for undergraduate, advanced degrees, continuing education, or certificates, ensuring accessibility for all women seeking academic advancement.

The ASTS: Veloxis Fellowship in Transplantation Grant offers $42,500 per year for two years to support clinical training in solid organ transplantation. This grant is aimed at current transplant surgery trainees who have completed their surgical residency and are committed to the field. Awardees must attend the ASTS Award Ceremony and complete their fellowship at the same institution for the duration of the award, ensuring a focused and comprehensive training experience.

The NIOSH K01 grant offers vital support for early-career researchers in occupational health, providing 'protected time' for mentorship and professional development. This funding aims to bridge the gap from postdoctoral training to independent research, fostering the next generation of investigators. By emphasizing skill enhancement and independence, the program plays a crucial role in advancing safety and health research. Applicants must articulate their mentorship needs and demonstrate the potential for increased autonomy in their research careers.

The George C. Decas Scholarship, managed by the SouthCoast Community Foundation, offers financial support to graduating high school seniors from Wareham, Massachusetts. Established to assist local students, the scholarship awards recipients over four years contingent upon their academic progress. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster community development, reflecting the Foundation's commitment to philanthropy and regional improvement since 1995.

The George Earl and Katherine Hartley Church Scholarship, managed by the SouthCoast Community Foundation, offers annual scholarships to graduating seniors from Acushnet, Rochester, Marion, and Mattapoisett, MA, as well as students from Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School. This scholarship is aimed at those pursuing nursing degrees (LPN, RN, or BSN) at accredited two- or four-year colleges. It aims to support local students in achieving their educational goals.

The Georgia and Constantine Decas Family Scholarship, established by the SouthCoast Community Foundation, aims to support graduating high school seniors from Wareham, Massachusetts. This scholarship is awarded annually and provides funding for up to four years of education, contingent on the recipient's academic progress. With a commitment to enhancing community well-being, this scholarship reflects the Foundation's dedication to philanthropy and the support of local students in achieving their educational goals.

The Tribal Agriculture Fellowship supports career and technical education students in agriculture, focusing on Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian individuals. This last-dollar fellowship aims to fill financial gaps, allowing students to prioritize their education while participating in developmental activities. Eligible students must maintain academic progress and engage in community support initiatives. The fellowship provides resources for tuition, housing, and professional development over up to four years, promoting agricultural knowledge in tribal communities.

The OVC FY 2026 Services for Victims of Human Trafficking aims to enhance victim service programs across the United States. This initiative supports victims by providing critical services to address their diverse needs, including mental health support and assistance with legal challenges. By funding comprehensive programs, the Office for Victims of Crime seeks to combat human trafficking effectively and promote recovery for affected individuals, ensuring their rights and well-being are prioritized.

The Girls Flag Grant, offered by USA Football, aims to empower youth and scholastic organizations to establish girls-only flag football programs. This inclusive initiative provides tailored support, including equipment, playbooks, and marketing resources. With a commitment to fostering growth in the sport, each grant is customized to meet the unique needs of the organization, ensuring long-term success and engagement in the game. Organizations must enroll with USA Football to apply.

The OVC FY 2026 Integrated Services for Minor Victims of Human Trafficking aims to enhance the availability and quality of services for minor victims. This funding opportunity reflects the commitment of the U.S. Department of Justice to combat human trafficking and provide critical resources to support law enforcement and service organizations. Applications must be submitted in JustGrants by October 5, 2026, ensuring timely access to vital funding for enhancing victim support services.