Best Grants for Community Service Projects in Washington

The Beneficial State Foundation offers sponsorships to 501(c)(3) organizations in California, Oregon, and Washington, focusing on social justice and environmental work. With a unique business model, Beneficial State Bank reinvests profits back into communities, emphasizing support for existing clients. Organizations must submit requests at least 60 days in advance and cannot use funds for political activities. The foundation prioritizes partnerships, making funding competitive due to high demand.

The Dimmer Family Foundation Grant, established in 1993, supports various charitable organizations primarily in Tacoma-Pierce County, Washington. Although the application process is currently closed, the foundation has awarded over $15 million to initiatives focusing on children, families, the elderly, and more. The Board meets twice yearly to review grant requests, emphasizing past relationships and the relevance of the organization's mission. Updates from previously funded organizations are encouraged.

The Laird Norton Family Foundation, based in Seattle, prioritizes grants that reflect family values in arts education, climate change, human services, and watershed stewardship. Their approach emphasizes equitable educational opportunities, carbon sequestration, support for youth at risk of homelessness, and long-term ecological health. They focus on organizations that address social justice and community needs, particularly in King County, WA, and the West Coast. Note: No unsolicited applications are accepted.

The Norcliffe Foundation Grant supports various community-enhancing projects in the Puget Sound Region, focusing on human services, healthcare, education, arts, and culture. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, while grants typically range around $15,000 or less. The foundation prioritizes collaboration with other funders and seeks to support initiatives that demonstrate community impact. Notably, the foundation does not fund deficit financing or debt reduction efforts.

The Pacific Power Foundation offers Community Enhancement and Environmental Respect Grants to support nonprofit organizations in the Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power service areas. Since 2019, the foundation has contributed over $13 million to promote community resilience, affordable housing, and environmental conservation. Eligible candidates include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and educational institutions. Grants aim to address local needs while ensuring responsible environmental stewardship, enhancing community vitality, and fostering sustainable development.

The Joseph E. and Marjorie B. Jones Foundation is a private philanthropic organization committed to enhancing life quality in the greater Washington, D.C. area. The foundation focuses on human services, healthcare, and educational initiatives, believing in the inherent dignity of all individuals. It supports projects that foster community trust and partnership while avoiding funding for basic research, scholarships, or sectarian activities. The foundation aims to inspire and uplift communities through strategic partnerships.

The Wildhorse Foundation offers grants to support the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and surrounding areas in Oregon and Washington. With a commitment to community welfare, the foundation donates over $1 million annually to various projects, including arts, education, and environmental protection. Organizations must operate within the designated areas and adhere to specific eligibility criteria. The foundation emphasizes charitable giving and aims to enhance the quality of life for tribal members and their communities.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

The Strategic Projects: Capital Grants by the M J Murdock Charitable Trust offer vital funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations in the Pacific Northwest. These grants support transformative projects that enhance community well-being through construction, renovation, and infrastructure investments. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities. The Trust emphasizes projects that demonstrate strong community impact and funding diversification, ensuring sustainable growth and lasting benefits for the communities served.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers the Strategic Projects: Program & Staff Grants to support nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building for mission-driven projects and infrastructure investments. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to community flourishing, with funding available for new programs or expansion of existing ones. The Trust prioritizes initiatives that align with its strategic goals, fostering sustainable nonprofit growth and impact in the region.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers Strategic Projects: Equipment & Technology Grants to nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building projects and essential equipment, requiring recipients to cover at least 50% of costs. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and tribal entities. Priority is given to projects enhancing community services, education, and environmental stewardship, supporting initiatives that foster human flourishing and demonstrate diversified funding.

The Forest Foundation offers grants to support nonprofit organizations and citizen initiatives in Southwest Washington, especially Tacoma and Pierce County. They prioritize projects that promote community well-being, environmental stewardship, and cultural accessibility. Emphasizing fiscal accountability and innovation, the Foundation seeks proposals from tax-exempt organizations in Washington and Oregon. Grants are available for various program areas, including children and youth development, community building, and self-sufficiency, while excluding requests for capital construction and certain operational costs.

The Bamford Foundation, established in 1990, aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals and strengthen communities in Tacoma and the South Puget Sound region. With a focus on operational and program-related grants, the foundation prioritizes collaborations that foster equity, diversity, and access. In 2026, it will concentrate on smaller grants to maximize impact, particularly in basic needs, early learning, expanded opportunities, and access to higher education and job training.

The Foster Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Pacific Northwest that align with priority funding issues such as social services, education, medical research, and community engagement. The foundation seeks to cultivate long-term partnerships and is committed to improving community life through various initiatives. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) status and address one of the foundation's priority issues while ensuring that funds are used within the designated geographic reach.

The Baker Foundation Grant supports 501c3 non-profit organizations primarily in Pierce County, Washington. Established in 1987 by the Baker family, it aims to enhance community welfare through funding for youth programs, arts, and education. Grants range from $2,500 to $10,000 for programs and $25,000 for capital projects. The Foundation honors its founder's legacy by fostering a vibrant cultural and educational landscape, ensuring the community continues to benefit for generations.

The First Federal Community Foundation, established in 2015, focuses on enhancing community life through impactful grants. With over $7.3 million awarded, the foundation prioritizes community support, affordable housing, economic development, and community development in Clallam, Jefferson, Kitsap, Whatcom Counties, and Bellevue, WA. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government units. The foundation aims to benefit marginalized communities and supports projects that foster collaboration and sustainable development.

The Pacific Power Foundation is dedicated to enhancing community vitality through charitable investments, with a focus on arts and culture. Grants are available to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, supporting projects in performing arts, visual arts, and cultural heritage. In 2021, over $1 million was awarded to local nonprofits, underscoring the foundation's commitment to community growth in service areas across Oregon, Washington, California, Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho.

The Ruth Danley and William Enoch Moore Charitable Fund Grant is a private foundation based in Pittsburgh, established in 1992. It focuses on philanthropy, specifically supporting K-12 education for Native American children living on reservations. The foundation directs its grants primarily to regions preferred by donors, including several states in the Northeast and Midwest, aiming to improve educational opportunities and foster community development in underserved populations.

The Stocker Foundation Grants support innovative educational programs aimed at bridging the literacy gap in underserved communities. With a focus on STEAM initiatives, the Foundation seeks to partner with 501(c)(3) organizations in specific counties across Ohio, California, and Arizona. The goal is to enhance reading and writing skills through cross-disciplinary learning, while also providing essential support services that promote student engagement and academic success. Grants are not awarded for capital campaigns or individual projects.

The National Trust Preservation Funds provide grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to support local preservation projects and ongoing work. These funds aim to enhance community engagement in preservation, foster technical expertise, and stimulate financial participation from the private sector. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofit organizations focused on planning and education efforts related to preservation. The program is particularly interested in initiatives that reach new audiences and further the preservation movement.

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.

The Pacific Power Foundation offers grants to support health, safety, and wellness organizations within its service areas across Oregon, Washington, California, Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho. Eligible candidates include nonprofit groups with 501(c)(3) status and government entities. The foundation focuses on initiatives addressing food insecurity, mental health, and public safety, aiming to enhance community well-being. Grants are awarded in four cycles, ensuring thorough review for maximum impact. Applications must demonstrate relevance to the served communities.

The Innovia Foundation's Community Grant Program offers funding to organizations in a 20-county region, with awards ranging from $2,500 to $15,000. This program prioritizes impactful community initiatives in education, arts, economic opportunity, health, and quality of life. Eligible applicants include public charities and federally recognized tribes. The foundation emphasizes collaboration and inclusivity, aiming to address basic human needs and reduce inequity, while fostering vibrant and sustainable communities.

The AARP Community Challenge Grant supports projects that enhance community living for residents aged 50 and older. With a focus on immediate improvements and long-term progress, grants range from $10,000 to $25,000, covering areas like public spaces, transportation, and digital literacy. Since 2017, AARP has awarded over $20.1 million through more than 1,700 grants across the U.S. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and government entities committed to serving the needs of older adults.

The Pacific Power Foundation provides Education/STEM Grants aimed at enhancing community vitality through charitable investments. With over $1 million awarded in 2021, eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, and youth organizations. The foundation emphasizes initiatives in electrical safety, energy efficiency, and workforce development. Grants are available in four cycles to ensure thorough evaluation of requests. Exclusions apply to organizations that discriminate or operate outside the service areas of Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power.

The Stimson-Miller Foundation Grant supports civic, cultural, educational, and health-related initiatives in communities where Stimson Lumber Company operates. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities and located within 60 miles of a mill or corporate office. The Foundation prioritizes shareholder-driven projects and specific program support over general operational funding. Note that organizations previously funded are not eligible this year.

The Glaser Foundation Grants focus on direct services primarily for children and the elderly. They support innovative medical research, programs for children with disabilities, education initiatives, and services for economically disadvantaged seniors. Additionally, they address challenges faced by families from disadvantaged backgrounds and at-risk youth. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities operating in Western Washington, particularly King County, to apply. The foundation prefers direct line services over large capital campaigns.