Best Grants for Community Centers in Washington

The Pendleton and Elisabeth Carey Miller Charitable Foundation Grant supports civic and cultural institutions in the Pacific Northwest, with a focus on gardens, horticulture, and the region's history. Established in 1994, the foundation has distributed over $12 million to various organizations. Grants are available to 501(c)(3) organizations, including those named in Mrs. Miller's will or that support the study of Northwest history through literature. The foundation aims to continue the Millers' philanthropic legacy.

The Cakes for College Scholarship, provided by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, supports high school seniors from Wenatchee, Eastmont, and Cashmere who plan to attend Wenatchee Valley College. Up to 20 scholarships are awarded annually to students with a minimum 2.0 GPA who demonstrate engagement and strong communication skills. Established by the Keep It In the Valley Foundation, this initiative honors the legacy of founder Ben Paine, who benefited from a similar scholarship.

The Standard's Corporate Giving Program emphasizes community support and employee engagement, reflecting its foundational mission to enhance financial well-being. Established in 1906, the program focuses on Healthy Communities, Disability and Empowerment, Cultural Development, and Education. With a funding range of $500 to $25,000, it aims to make a substantial impact in the lives of individuals and families facing challenges. The Standard Charitable Foundation, launched in 2006, further extends this commitment by supporting organizations that align with its philanthropic goals.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for graduate and doctoral students pursuing degrees in nutrition and dietetics. With scholarship amounts ranging from $500 to $25,000, applicants can utilize a single application to be considered for multiple opportunities. Eligibility includes enrollment in accredited programs and other criteria such as experience in education or dietetics. Membership in the Academy is encouraged, although not required, for most scholarships.

The Legal Foundation of Washington offers Accelerator Grants to support innovative civil justice initiatives. These one-time grants aim to address urgent needs and promote systemic change for historically excluded communities in Washington State. Eligible projects may include legal advocacy for healthcare access for undocumented residents or technology solutions for clearing Legal Financial Obligations. Grants range from $20,000 to $100,000 and are intended for organizations committed to anti-racist work and equitable justice.

About The American Chestnut Foundation:

Our mission is to return the iconic American chestnut to its native range.

Our vision is a robust eastern forest returned to its splendor.

Small Grants Program

Are you looking for funding to support your American chestnut research? External small grants offer recipients a variety of benefits such as professional development and an expanded network. Grant activities contribute to the continuous renewal and development of faculty and staff, to the education and motivation of students, and achievement of our mutual interest — restoration of the American chestnut. This is a small grants program. TACF does not ordinarily fund projects in excess of $10,000.

The WAEF Scholarships - Double Diamond program offers financial support to children of Double Diamond Fruit employees and their growers' employees. Funded by contributions from the tree fruit industry, over 300 students will receive more than $1 million in scholarships this year. Eligible applicants include current high school seniors and college students with direct ties to Washington’s tree fruit industry. This opportunity allows recipients to pursue their educational goals at accredited institutions throughout Washington state.

The Partners in Science Grant Program, funded by the M J Murdock Charitable Trust, connects secondary school science teachers with research mentors to enhance their teaching and research skills. This innovative initiative offers renewable three-year grants to universities, supporting partnerships that foster professional growth through hands-on research experiences. Teachers engage in two annual conferences, allowing them to share findings and best practices, ultimately enriching the educational landscape and improving student engagement in scientific inquiry.

Who is OCVA?

The Office of Crime Victims Advocacy (OCVA) is housed within the Department of Commerce. OCVA serves as a voice within government for the needs of crime victims in Washington State. Established in 1990, OCVA serves the state by:

• Advocating on behalf of victims obtaining needed services and resources.
• Administering grant funds for community programs working with crime victims.
• Assisting communities in planning and implementing services for crime victims. 
• Advising local and state government agencies of practices, policies, and priorities that impact crime victims. 

What is this application for?

This application is for victim services that meaningfully address the needs of individuals age 11 and older that have experienced sexual assault.

How much funding is available?

OCVA estimates that $260,000 will be available each year for this grant initiative.

Applicants may propose projects up to $130,000. OCVA anticipates awarding two grants. OCVA has discretion to negotiate any changes to an applicant’s scope of work and budget.

When can the funds be used?

The initial grant award period is January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2027. We anticipate the availability of renewal funding for three (3) years, through December 31, 2030. Renewal funding is contingent on the availability of funding, progress of the project, and/or any extension or amendments to the overarching statewide funding plan.

The Homelessness Diversion Program Grant in Washington aims to provide essential funding for diversion services to nonprofits and Tribal Governments, focusing on families and individuals facing housing crises. By prioritizing marginalized communities, including BIPOC and those with disabilities, the program addresses homelessness with low-barrier, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive solutions. This initiative is vital to reducing inflow into the homeless crisis response system, ensuring that everyone has access to safe and affordable housing.

The Victims of Child Abuse and Neglect Initiative, overseen by the Office of Crime Victims Advocacy in Washington State, supports organizations providing essential services to children affected by abuse and neglect. Grants of up to $100,000 per year for two years target gaps in services, emphasizing direct support for victims. Eligible applicants must demonstrate experience in victim services and a commitment to addressing the needs of affected children, ensuring their safety and well-being.

The Peter E. Palmquist Memorial Fund Grant provides vital support for research into under-researched women photographers and Western American photographers from the Great Depression era. Open to both individual researchers and nonprofit institutions, this grant emphasizes the importance of quality proposals and the ability to execute projects efficiently. Recipients will contribute their findings to the Humboldt Area Foundation, thus enriching the Peter Palmquist Archive and promoting the legacy of photography history.

The Boating Facilities Program, established in 1964, offers grants for the acquisition, development, and renovation of facilities for motorized boats and watercraft. Eligible projects include boat launches, guest moorage, and support amenities, with funding of up to $1 million for various project types. Local agencies and tribes must provide a 25% match, while state applicants are exempt. A comprehensive recreation or conservation plan is required to apply, ensuring sustainable development of recreational facilities.

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 high school seniors and college students with ties to Washington's tree fruit industry, these scholarships help recipients pursue various degrees at accredited institutions. Eligible applicants must be children of current employees from specific orchards, ensuring support for families invested in this vital industry.

Skill Centers Capital Funding

Skill centers provide students with hands-on learning environments similar to current industries. The number of skill centers has grown to 17 throughout the state.

The Legislature has provided capital minor and major works funding grants for skill centers in Washington State since their inception in the 1970s. That funding is administered by School Facilities and Organization (SFO) at the OSPI. School district host districts pay project costs upfront, then request reimbursement from SFO.

Undertaking capital projects is a joint effort between OSPI, skill center directors, and host district staff. Skill centers directors understand program needs. Host district staff has capital project experience and manages the projects. A capital project manual was designed to provide guidance for everyone involved.

WAC 392-600-010 defines a skill center as a regional career and technical education partnership that provides access to comprehensive programs of study that prepare students for postsecondary education and careers. A skill center is operated by the host school district and governed by an administrative council in accordance with the interdistrict cooperative agreement.

• A skill center core campus is the facility that houses a majority of the enrolled students.
• A skill center branch campus is the facility that is not the core campus and offers three or more programs.
• A skill center satellite program is a facility that is not the core campus and offers less than three programs.
• An emerging skill center is a new core or branch skill center that has an approved application but is still in the development phase and does not offer any programs yet.
• A single district skill center is a school district with an annual headcount enrollment of twelve thousand students or more in grades nine through twelve and offers skill center programs.

The Dorothy Prewitt Pohlman / AAUW Scholarship, established by one of Wenatchee Valley College's founders, supports current or former female students aiming to pursue a bachelor's degree at a college or university in Washington State. Administered by the Wenatchee branch of AAUW, this scholarship requires applicants to have completed at least 60 credits at WVC and plan to start their studies in the Fall. Renewal is possible for recipients.

The Western SARE Professional + Producer Grant Program fosters collaboration between Agricultural Technical Advisors and Producers to promote sustainable agriculture through research and outreach. This initiative aims to improve environmental quality, enhance profitability for farmers, and ensure community well-being. By supporting demonstrations, educational activities, and practical applications, the program seeks to communicate effective sustainable practices to agricultural professionals, ultimately benefiting rural economies and ecosystems.

The Patterson Foundation offers Assistance Dog Program Grants to support organizations providing service animals to veterans and individuals with disabilities. Funding is available for projects that expand capacity, personnel costs related to puppy training, and program support aimed at improving client experiences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits and can request grants up to $35,000 for capital projects or $10,000 for program support. Applications are accepted through a two-step process.

The Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation Direct Grants program provides support to non-profit organizations in focus areas including STEM education, sustainable construction, and workforce development. The foundation aims to foster community development and environmental stewardship. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited educational institutions in the U.S. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships that allow employee involvement and volunteer support, aiming to build meaningful relationships with grantees.

The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) program, funded by the Land and Water Conservation Fund, aims to enhance urban outdoor recreation in communities with populations over 30,000. By providing grants for projects like park renovations and new recreational facilities, it addresses the need for accessible green spaces in disadvantaged areas. Priority is given to projects in economically challenged regions, ensuring sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities for all residents.

The Sprouting School Gardens Grant, provided by the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation, supports school-based gardening and cooking programs to foster healthy eating habits in children. Grants between $5,000 and $10,000 help cover program operations, supplies, and educator stipends. Eligible applicants include schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas served by Sprouts Farmers Market, promoting meaningful connections between local teams and school gardening initiatives.

Cultivating Healthy Communities – Arts, Health, and Well-Being in Rural Communities Grant

Washington’s rural communities often face limited resources to launch projects that foster belonging, social connection, civic participation, community cohesion, and overall well-being. ArtsWA’s Cultivating Healthy Communities – Arts, Health, and Well-Being in Rural Communities program aims to strengthen arts and cultural initiatives that build social connections and a sense of belonging while supporting the health and well-being of individuals and communities across rural Washington.

Grounded in research demonstrating that participation in the arts can reduce stress, anxiety, and social isolation, improve mental health outcomes, and enhance quality of life, the program recognizes the arts as a powerful, evidence-based tool for healing, stability, and community vitality. Through collaboration with trusted community partners and social infrastructures—including arts and culture nonprofits, libraries, parks and green spaces, community centers, and museums—the grant seeks to create meaningful opportunities that connect people and strengthen rural communities.

• Projects must be collaborative between cultural organizations, the community, and at least one other organization or service provider.
• Projects can span all creative disciplines and must be fully accessible by the public.
• Organizations that received funding during the FY26 pilot phase of the Cultivating Healthy Communities – Arts, Health, and Well-Being in Rural Communities will be prioritized.
• Communities with a strong agriculture-based economy and generational agricultural and food processing workers will be prioritized.
• ArtsWA supports projects offering in-person, participatory activities. Online activities that alleviate isolation and loneliness, especially among older adults, are also welcome if structured collaboratively with a service provider experienced with the community you seek to engage.

Funding Amounts

Grant amounts may vary depending on the available funds and number of eligible projects and applications received.

Grants: $3,000 – $5,000 

This is a reimbursement grant. Payments are made after funds are spent, and after expense documentation and invoice forms have been submitted to and approved by ArtsWA.

WSDOT City Safety Program

This part of our state’s implementation of the Highway Safety Improvement Program supports cities in making improvements identified in their local road safety plans and aimed at reducing fatal and serious crashes on city streets. Tribal governments may apply for funding for projects that are within incorporated cities that have experienced fatal or serious injury crashes during the past five years.

The City Safety program provides funding for projects that reduce fatal and serious injury crashes on city streets and city-managed state highways using engineering improvements and countermeasures. Projects are considered under two subprograms:

Systemic:

• Projects are identified and prioritized based on priority risk factors in a city's local road safety plan. Systemic safety projects include low to moderate-cost improvements widely implemented across a city’s transportation system addressing high risk locations.

Spot Location:

• Projects must be at a specific intersection, mid-block location, or corridor and must address at least one fatal or serious injury crash in the most recent five-year period. Spot location projects must be identified in a city’s local road safety plan.

Available Funding

$30 million of federal Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funds.

The Creative West Artist Fund supports artists and cultural practitioners across 16 states, providing essential funding and resources to enhance their emotional and financial well-being. Rooted in values of Democracy, Wellness, and Belonging, this initiative offers no-strings-attached funding alongside coaching and community care. It aims to empower artists as vital contributors to the creative economy, while promoting equitable and trust-based grantmaking practices. The fund serves to foster a rich creative community through collaboration and support.

About Us

The Washington Military Department’s mission is to provide trained professionals and operational forces who are ready to defend our state and nation, respond to emergencies and disasters and enhance resiliency in communities through structured alternative education opportunities for at-risk youth.

Nonprofit Security Grant Program 

NSGP provides funding support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements and activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist or other extremist attack. The intent is to integrate nonprofit preparedness activities with broader state and local preparedness efforts. It is also designed to promote coordination and collaboration in emergency preparedness activities among public and private community representatives, as well as state and local government agencies.

The Pipeline Grants Competition by the Russell Sage Foundation aims to bolster early-career scholars and enhance diversity in the social sciences. It supports innovative research focusing on economic mobility and systemic inequalities in the U.S. Eligible applicants can receive up to $35,000 individually or $50,000 in teams. The foundation emphasizes methodological diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging novel data usage. Projects should align with RSF's mission to improve social conditions, prioritizing underrepresented scholars from under-resourced institutions.

The National Cooperative Drug/Device Discovery/Development Groups (NCDDG) program invites applications to foster innovative research in treating mental disorders and substance use issues. This initiative promotes collaboration between academia and industry, supporting diverse, multidisciplinary projects aimed at developing rational therapies and neurostimulation techniques. Applicants are encouraged to submit Letters of Intent 30 days before the proposal deadline to enhance project alignment with funding goals.