Best Head Start Grants in Washington

Washington 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, or community arts and culture can access funding through US Bancorp Foundation. Organizations serving early learners or preschool-age children within these focus areas, especially those led by people of color and based in U.S. Bank communities, may be prioritized.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs in Washington may be eligible for support from the Creag Foundation. Creag Foundation considers proposals from organizations that have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and are developing new approaches that could include early learning or Head Start-related services.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

Early-stage, impact-first education and social impact organizations in Washington can seek up to US $300,000 from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation to scale proven solutions for underserved communities. Focused on bold, scalable models, DRK supports independent nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits whose early learning or Head Start-related programs can grow to reach tens of thousands of people.

Educational institutions, government programs, and qualifying nonprofits in Washington can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives, including early learning and K-12 programs. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support K-12 academic performance, STEM, and pathways to college and career, which may benefit Head Start and early childhood education efforts.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in the U.S. offering arts, science, or arts education programs, including those serving Washington, can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation for program, capital, and limited general or endowment support. Large, well-established organizations with strong impact, especially in arts education and STEAM for youth, may be competitive applicants.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering early childhood education or community economic development programs in Washington can apply for funding to serve low- and moderate-income children and families. PNC Foundation provides support for initiatives like preschool education, family engagement, job training, affordable housing, and neighborhood revitalization in communities where PNC has a significant presence.

Preschool and early learning organizations in Washington working with marginalized or vulnerable children may be eligible for education and health-focused support from the Semnani Family Foundation. With a mission to empower disaffected communities worldwide, Semnani Family Foundation provides funding for programs such as children’s health, literacy, disabilities, and broader human and social services, including U.S.-based initiatives.

Washington education and early learning nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for charitable, scientific, medical, or educational programs serving U.S. communities. Eligible organizations must use awarded funds within the U.S. and be tax-exempt under federal law and, when applicable, California law, which may support Head Start-related initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Washington can seek sponsorship support for community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, environment, and inclusion initiatives. Bank of America Charitable Foundation’s regional U.S. sponsorships may benefit early learning and Head Start providers that strengthen economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Washington can use this grant to support their programs. Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides flexible funding that may benefit early learning or family-focused initiatives connected to these priorities.

Washington early education and community organizations can access funding through Georgia-Pacific Foundation for programs in education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and qualified government entities located within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community, which may include parts of Washington such as King, Pierce, or Cowlitz counties.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries working on environmental or human services programs, including early learning efforts in Washington, can apply for Lawrence Foundation’s unrestricted operating or program grants. The foundation provides US $5,000 - US $10,000 awards to U.S.-headquartered groups, with no geographic restrictions and flexibility for reasonable indirect costs.

Preschool and early learning nonprofits in Washington can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support community-based educational programs, including Head Start and similar initiatives. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation funds IRS-qualified U.S. organizations, especially where modest grants can significantly enhance services for young children and their families.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Howard Hughes Medical Institute

More than 70 years ago, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) was founded with a mission to advance basic biomedical research and science education. Today, we invest in exceptional scientists at all career stages, catalyzing breakthroughs, new technologies, and the next generation of transformative clinical therapies. Our pathbreaking science takes place at more than 60 host institutions across the US, and at our Janelia Research Campus.

Cech Fellows Program

The Cech Fellows Program is a paid, nine-week summer research experience empowering the next generation of scientific leaders. 

The Summer Undergraduate Research Program (the Cech Fellows Program) gives undergraduate students in the life sciences the opportunity to conduct hands-on research alongside leading scientists at HHMI laboratories across the US, from universities and research institutions to HHMI’s research campus outside of Washington, DC. Students are matched with HHMI scientists conducting fundamental research that advances our understanding of biology and health.

This immersive program gives students the chance to contribute to real scientific discovery, gain professional mentorship, and explore potential careers in biological and biomedical research.

Gain Hands-On Experience in Research & Lab Work

Through the summer, students will:

• Work full time conducting research and contributing to ongoing projects in an HHMI laboratory
• Learn and practice new techniques and approaches in disciplines such as cell biology, genetics, neuroscience, and more
• Work closely with and be mentored by exceptional scientists, from lab heads to PhD students
• Build critical thinking and communication skills necessary for future research careers

What the Program Offers

Beyond meaningful lab work, the program provides:

• A stipend to support summer travel, housing, and living expenses 
• An opportunity for participants to present their research and connect with a national cohort of peers at an end-of-summer research symposium at HHMl’s research campus outside of Washington, DC 
• An engaging virtual seminar series with HHMI scientists as well as professional development sessions focused on relevant skills building

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s community grants to support hunger relief, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, and local development. Washington organizations working on early learning alongside food access, housing stability, or family economic security may be eligible if they meet documentation and volunteer engagement expectations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Washington working on education, early learning, social services, health care, civic, cultural, or environmental programs can access funding via Dr Scholl Foundation. Grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000 support one-year projects, with most awards going to U.S. applicants through an annual October–March application cycle.

Registered nurses in accredited U.S. graduate nursing programs can apply for the Joan L. Conroy Scholarship to support master’s or doctoral study in nursing education and leadership. Offered nationally by Nurses Educational Funds, this award favors PhD students preparing as nurse educators, with special interest in geriatric nursing and home health care, including Washington applicants.

Head Start, ECEAP, public schools, school districts, educational service districts, government agencies, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Washington can receive US $5,000 - US $15,000 for arts-integrated projects serving PreK–3 students. Washington State Arts Commission supports collaborative, culturally relevant arts learning, with emphasis on distressed counties and sequential in- or out-of-school programming.

Washington early learning and other eligible 501(c)(3) organizations can use this storytelling grant to share the impact of their preservation, education, or wellness work. Washington education and preschool programs may be eligible for significant media or communications support from the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation to highlight their community outcomes.

Washington 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving early childhood development, family stability, or related community services can access funding through O'Reilly Automotive Foundation for project, general operating, or capital support. U.S.-based organizations serving underserved families with programs in early learning, literacy, health, economic stability, or disaster relief may be eligible if they operate where O’Reilly Auto Parts has a business presence.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability programs in Washington can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Giving Program. Grants of US $5,000 - US $30,000 support direct services and capacity-building projects that primarily benefit communities served by Union Pacific, including initiatives that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion for underrepresented populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth and families with education, housing, food security, or environmental programs in Washington may be eligible for the True Inspiration Awards, offering US $30,000 - US $350,000. Chick Fil A Foundation supports initiatives such as early learning enrichment, leadership development, community services, and community gardens across the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and beyond.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.