Best Grants for Community Centers in Washington

The Sorenson Legacy Foundation Grant aims to improve lives through support for education, health care, community development, and innovation. Established by James and Beverley Sorenson, the foundation focuses on enhancing art education, medical technologies, and community assistance in Utah. It prioritizes projects that foster artistic growth, promote innovative solutions, and address health care challenges while aiding vulnerable populations. The foundation's commitment to enriching lives reflects a deep-rooted belief in the power of education and community engagement.

About Us

Mission & Values

The Community Foundation works in many roles including that of a funder, partner, and catalyst for change in Snohomish County. Our board and staff have been on a dedicated journey to dismantle racism and oppressive policies in our organization, in our teams and in ourselves. 

Mission:

Strengthen community and thoughtfully change lives.

Human Services Fund in honor of Bob Drewel

The Human Services Endowment Fund, established in 2003, honors the legacy and unwavering commitment of Bob Drewel to advancing human service causes throughout Snohomish County. Managed by the Community Foundation of Snohomish County, this fund provides long-term support for organizations working to meet the critical human service needs of our community.

This is a two-year grant with the first installment received upon approval of the grant and the second received after submission of a report following the first year of the grant.

The Progress Alliance of Washington Grant focuses on empowering organizations that build political power, particularly for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities. Through strategic investments, the grant aims to strengthen a diverse and inclusive progressive movement in Washington. The funding prioritizes long-term relationships, impactful policy solutions, and tools that enhance movement capacity. Core Grants are awarded to partners committed to fostering civic engagement and ensuring democracy works for everyone.

The Washington Federal Foundation offers Community Impact Grants to support nonprofits serving low- and moderate-income populations. Focus areas include sustainable housing, economic development for small businesses, community revitalization, and job training programs. Eligible organizations must operate for at least 12 months and primarily serve LMI communities near a WaFd Bank branch. Note that funding is not available for medical endeavors, animal welfare, or arts projects unless they directly benefit LMI populations.

The Therapeutic Giving: Oncology program by Johnson & Johnson focuses on funding initiatives that enhance patient access to treatments and services, promote health equity, and strengthen healthcare workforces. It supports programs that raise disease awareness, empower patients, and improve health systems with measurable outcomes. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, emphasizing innovative programs addressing healthcare disparities and unmet needs.

The Therapeutic Giving program from Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine aims to support local and regional organizations focused on improving patient access to treatment and advancing health equity. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, with funding preferences for programs that address significant healthcare disparities, mental health initiatives, and innovative solutions with measurable outcomes. The application period for local organizations runs from March 1 to May 31, while national organizations can apply in September.

The Therapeutic Giving initiative by Johnson & Johnson focuses on funding programs in neuroscience aimed at enhancing patient access to treatments and promoting health equity. Nonprofit organizations classified as 501(c)(3) can apply for support from March 1 to May 31. The initiative emphasizes innovative, measurable programs in areas like Alzheimer’s disease and mental health, prioritizing those that address healthcare disparities and improve quality of life for affected individuals.

The Charlotte Martin Foundation prioritizes funding for rural BIPOC organizations focused on youth programs, emphasizing education, athletics, and cultural expression for ages 6-18. Grants support initiatives that enhance access to diverse experiences, educational opportunities, and sports programs. The foundation is committed to addressing inequities in funding distribution, ensuring resources reach non-dominant communities. Organizations must be based in the Western states and demonstrate a commitment to racial equity and diversity in their leadership and programming.

The Doyle Undergraduate Fellowship, offered by New Hampshire Sea Grant, provides a unique opportunity for undergraduates to engage in marine resource projects while receiving mentorship and training. This paid fellowship supports students interested in marine-related research and education, with potential earnings of up to $5,000 over a 10-week summer period. By participating, fellows gain valuable insights into coastal and marine management, enhancing their skills and expanding their professional networks.

The U.S. Healthcare Donations program by Amgen aims to support not-for-profit organizations in the healthcare sector. As a leading biotechnology company, Amgen provides funding for initiatives that improve science, technology, education, and public awareness on medical conditions. Organizations eligible for funding must be tax-exempt entities, focusing on genuine philanthropic efforts that align with Amgen's mission to enhance health outcomes and reduce the burden of diseases.

The Entergy Charitable Foundation Grant focuses on supporting initiatives that foster thriving communities through education, poverty solutions, and environmental programs. The foundation prioritizes funding for 501(c)(3) organizations and similar entities. Key areas include education development, innovative poverty solutions, and environmental restoration efforts, such as coastal wetland preservation. Organizations are encouraged to apply at least three months before funding is needed, ensuring timely support for impactful community projects.

The Focus Grant Cycles provide vital support to organizations in southwest Washington addressing intergenerational poverty. With awards ranging from $25,000 to $50,000, the program prioritizes initiatives that tackle systemic inequities affecting marginalized communities. Focus Grants emphasize collaboration, community engagement, and innovative strategies, ensuring that organizations with lived expertise can create sustainable pathways to prosperity. By investing in educational attainment, basic human needs, and asset-building, the program aims to disrupt poverty cycles and foster long-term stability.

The Whidbey Climate Fund Grant supports innovative projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing sustainability on Whidbey Island. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for non-profits, governmental entities, and individuals with non-profit sponsors. Projects should focus on educating the community, improving local ecosystems, and promoting environmental health. Applications will be reviewed by a committee of climate experts, ensuring credible and impactful initiatives for a sustainable future.

TC Energy’s Build Strong program supports vital organizations in communities near its operations. By providing grants, scholarships, and in-kind support, the program aims to enhance safety, education, environmental protection, and community well-being. Eligible applicants include non-profits and community groups addressing local needs. Ineligible activities include operational expenses and for-profit endeavors. The program prioritizes projects demonstrating measurable community impact, fostering a collaborative relationship between TC Energy and local stakeholders.

About Us

DCYF is a cabinet-level agency that works to support children, youth, and families. It oversees the state’s child welfare, juvenile rehabilitation, and early care and education programs.

What We Do

Our work is focused on prevention and better outcomes for children, youth, and families.

DCYF manages state-funded programs that focus on early learning, prevention, and early intervention. Our goal is to support the social, emotional, and physical well-being of children and youth. We also work with state and local partners, Tribes, and community groups across Washington state. Together, we focus on child safety, supporting families during difficult times, and helping them build skills to succeed.

DCYF oversees the state’s juvenile rehabilitation facilities and delivers treatment, provides resources, and develops skills through juvenile rehabilitation so young people can plan for their future and reenter their communities.

The agency provides oversight for licensed child care providers, group care, and licensed caregivers. 

Perinatal Mental Health Programs

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support communities interested in collaborative efforts meant to increase community-wide awareness and develop resources to support the mental health of families in the perinatal period, which may include the period immediately prior to pregnancy through 1-2 years postpartum.

Funding Focus

We invite proposals from organizations interested in increasing community awareness of perinatal mental health and creating resources for parents within their community. Community may be defined by the applicant. It can be based on a geographic area (e.g., city or county) or a shared experience relevant to perinatal mental health (e.g., families transitioning out of NICU).

The ultimate goals of this work are to reduce or eliminate negative impacts of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs); support all caregivers, families, and children in their optimal development; prevent child abuse and neglect; and promote healthy family development.

The Perinatal Mental Health work is a unique program that aims to influence change on a community level as well as provide support directly to parents experiencing perinatal mental health complications.

Successful applicants will demonstrate their ability to bring together a group of diverse stakeholders to form a local Perinatal Mental Health Task Force to address perinatal mental health in their community. Stakeholders invited to join the Task Force must include representatives from outside the funded organization and may include, but are not limited to: public health providers, medical providers, mental health providers, childcare providers, community health organizations, parent educators, home visitors, early learning organizations, other social services providers, or parents. The Task Forces that communities convene should not have a clinical focus; rather, they should be aimed at community representatives and parents. Task Force members are expected to support community organizations.

The PacificSource Foundation for Health Improvement, a private foundation, is dedicated to promoting health equity since 1992. With a focus on underserved populations in Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and parts of Washington, the foundation supports initiatives that enhance access to healthcare and address health disparities. They provide both one-year and multi-year funding, typically ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, to organizations committed to advancing health equity through diverse community-driven solutions.

The Public Participation Grants (PPG) program in Washington offers up to $60,000 annually to individuals and nonprofit organizations. Its goal is to enhance public awareness and engagement in the cleanup of contaminated sites while promoting better waste management practices. These grants align with the State's Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Plan, which seeks to reduce waste and manage remaining materials safely. This initiative fosters community involvement in environmental stewardship.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research utilizing data from the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission. This project aims to enhance hydrologic decision-making by providing low-latency water resource monitoring data across over 1 million locations in the U.S. It promotes collaboration between USGS and CESU researchers to improve data accuracy and automate water surface elevation publication, benefiting scientists and resource managers.

The Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects, funded by the US Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, invites proposals for innovative water reuse solutions. This program enhances water supply reliability and supports sustainable practices for urban and agricultural communities. By leveraging Federal and non-Federal resources, the initiative aims to address water scarcity and improve hydropower reliability, aligning with national priorities for energy and resource management.

The Jed Burtt Undergraduate Mentoring Grants, offered by the Wilson Ornithological Society, support mentors of undergraduate students engaged in ornithological research. Grants of $1,000 are awarded annually to two projects demonstrating exceptional mentoring and collaboration. Each mentor-student team can receive an additional $2,000 to attend a WOS annual meeting, where students present their findings. This initiative honors Edward H. Burtt, Jr., a notable mentor and past president of WOS.

The Maine Cancer Foundation is seeking proposals for cancer screening initiatives aimed at early detection and prevention. This RFP focuses on screenings for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, prostate, and skin cancers. Proposals should align with evidence-based practices endorsed by the CDC and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Interested applicants are encouraged to consult with MCF prior to submission to discuss project concepts and receive feedback on draft applications.

The WaterSMART: Desalination Construction Projects initiative by the Bureau of Reclamation aims to enhance water supply reliability through cooperative funding and support for desalination facilities. This program aligns with federal priorities to improve energy and resource management, encouraging proposals that diversify local water sources. By focusing on innovative solutions to water scarcity, the initiative promotes sustainable water management practices, especially for growing communities facing water shortages.

The Thornton S. Glide, Jr. and Katrina D. Glide Foundation provides grants to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations in California that focus on animal protection, land conservancy, agriculture, and civic endeavors. Established in 1995, the foundation prioritizes grants for specific capital acquisitions and does not support operational costs or direct aid to individuals. Emphasizing local impact, California-based organizations are favored over out-of-state counterparts.

Inatai Foundation

Inatai Foundation is a 501(c)(4) serving and accountable to leaders and organizations with bold visions who are building power in racially diverse communities across Washington state. Our vision begins with them: their ideas, solutions, and dreams for transformational change.

As a foundation, we channel the funding, influence, and information we have to the leaders and organizations rooted in and led by the communities we answer to, so they have the resources, power, and opportunity they need to bring their visions to life.

Infrastructure Opportunities Grants

Infrastructure Opportunities grants provide support for specific power-building efforts that have been highlighted as essential by Washington nonprofits and community leaders.

The Infrastructure Opportunities Fund explores power-building efforts around specific issues that community leaders and community-based organizations have told us are integral to building community power and transforming systems and structures. They include:

• 501(c)(4) Community Power-Building: If your organization has decided that you would like to form a 501(c)(4), this grant can help you with that next step. This opportunity is designed for organizations wanting to expand the tools necessary to get more involved in activities like endorsing political candidates, advocating for ballot measures, influencing policies, and lobbying legislators.

• Civil Rights: Unjust and discriminatory policies, violence against marginalized groups, threats to our democracy, and other dangers to the well-being and safety of communities are civil rights violations. This grant is designed to support organizations with a clearly defined strategy and response to civil rights violations in your community.

• Immigrant Justice: Regardless of immigration status, people deserve to be treated equally. Whether that’s through safe working conditions, fair wages, access to healthcare, education and economic opportunities, language access, and protections from cruel and unjust immigration and justice enforcement (ICE) activity, this grant ensures you have the support to safeguard immigrant communities from discrimination or harm.

• Wealth & Asset Creation: A community’s well-being for generations to come often depends on the ability for organizations today to acquire assets like land and buildings and pay off capital debt. This grant supports those who are engaged in tipping power through asset development and projects that promote community ownership and visibility.

• Voter & Civic Engagement: Civic engagement is critical for battles toward equity and racial justice. This grant ensures you have the support to engage your community in the democratic process, from voter registration drives, get-out-the-vote campaigns, election protection programs, and more.

• Youth & Student Organizing: Youth organizing helps communities act on issues now while also preparing for the future. Whether you are advocating for youth priorities, bringing young people together, or offering youth leadership development opportunities, this grant supports your work to mobilize the next generation of leaders. Inatai defines youth as up to 30 years old.

The Aquatic Invasive Plants Management Grants Program aims to mitigate the threats posed by non-native aquatic plants to Washington's waterways. Established in 1991, it provides financial and technical assistance to control invasive species, with approximately $350,000 available annually. Grant recipients can receive up to $50,000 for early infestation projects. Notably, matching funds are no longer required, making it more accessible for communities to manage aquatic ecosystems effectively.

The WNAN Natural History Research Grant supports research in biological natural history within western North America. Grants of up to $2,500 are available for five authors to assist with travel, supplies, and other research-related expenses. This initiative particularly encourages applicants from institutions where research is not the primary focus, aiming to foster diverse contributions to natural history.

The Westinghouse Charitable Giving Program aims to strengthen community ties by providing financial support in key areas such as education focused on STEM, environmental sustainability, and community safety. This program welcomes applications from eligible organizations that meet specific grant criteria, including being tax-exempt and located within 50 miles of a Westinghouse site. The initiative underscores Westinghouse's commitment to advancing education, promoting environmental stewardship, and enhancing community well-being.