Best Homelessness 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 based in and serving U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color and addressing multiple “work, home, and play” pillars, may be competitive, including programs that support people experiencing homelessness.

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.

U.S. R1 research universities in the SSRC College and University Fund for the Social Sciences can secure US $300,000 to launch a Public Exchange that translates research into real-world social impact. Grants from Social Science Research Council help Washington institutions and others build cross-sector partnerships that can address issues like homelessness, disaster recovery, climate solutions, and food insecurity.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Nonprofit organizations providing homelessness services for youth and young adults in Washington’s King County can apply for Laird Norton Family Foundation’s Human Services grants to support direct programs and systems-change efforts. Grants from Laird Norton Family Foundation help Washington homelessness providers focused on ages 12–25 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness or system involvement.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Tax-exempt nonprofits in Washington providing animal welfare, marine life preservation, or select homelessness services can apply for funding from the Milgard family’s Ruth Foundation. Focused on direct services primarily in Pierce County, this opportunity may benefit homelessness programs that overlap with the foundation’s pre-selected initiatives.

With a mission to strengthen community services, Gary E Milgard Family Foundation Sunshine provides Washington nonprofits with funding for homelessness services, social services, seniors, youth, health, and education. Pierce County 501(c)(3) organizations can request up to US $50,000 from the Windows of Hope Foundation for programs that directly and meaningfully improve residents’ quality of life.

With a mission to support community vitality, PacifiCorp Foundation provides Washington health and human services nonprofits with funding for safety, wellness, mental health, addiction, domestic violence, and homeless support programs. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and some government entities in the utility’s Washington service area can request up to US $10,000, which may benefit homelessness services.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation for economic, environmental, racial, or social justice in Washington can access funding via The Impact Fund for out-of-pocket case expenses. Recoverable grants of US $10,000 - US $50,000 may help homelessness-focused advocates challenge systemic injustices affecting unhoused or housing-insecure communities.

With a mission to support vulnerable people, the Hitchman Charitable Trust provides Washington 501(c)(3) organizations addressing homelessness and other marginalized groups with program funding. Eligible nonprofits may also work in child welfare, cancer research and treatment, poverty alleviation, minority services, and religious or bible study initiatives, with special priority for the greater Seattle area.

Nonprofits, tribes, and government entities in Washington communities served by First Fed can apply for First Federal Community Foundation’s grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $100,000 for community support, affordable housing, economic development, and capital projects. Programs addressing homelessness and access to equitable, affordable housing in Clallam, Jefferson, Kitsap, or Whatcom counties may be especially competitive.

Focused on homelessness services, Ninety Nine Girlfriends invites Washington 501(c)(3) nonprofits and Tribal entities in the Portland Metro/SW Washington region to seek US $50,000 - US $100,000 for general operating or project support. Eligible organizations must impact Clark County and address housing stability, environmental equity, education, or women’s economic empowerment for underserved communities.

Washington homelessness service nonprofits and aligned 501(c)(3) or for-profit organizations can seek the Storytelling Grant to share the impact of their work through powerful media and narrative projects. Funding from Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation, typically more than US $50,000, supports storytelling for programs in preservation, education, or wellness, which may include homelessness-related initiatives.

Charitable organizations, school districts, cities, and other eligible entities in Grays Harbor County can seek funding for programs addressing homelessness, housing stability, and related basic needs. Grays Harbor Community Foundation supports efforts that prevent homelessness, transition people into stable housing, and strengthen supportive services, with grants ranging from US $5,000 - US $30,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing community, basic needs, or homelessness-related services in Washington can be nominated for flexible program support. Grants from BECU Foundation help Washington organizations advancing education, health, economic opportunity, environment, arts, or basic human needs, including homelessness services, through the People Helping People Awards, with awards up to US $50,000.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth and families with housing, basic needs, education, or environmental programs in Washington may be eligible for US $30,000 - US $350,000 grants. Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards support projects addressing homelessness services, food insecurity, youth development, and community or environmental initiatives across the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and select countries.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Western Washington supporting people experiencing homelessness and related poverty services can seek funding for direct-line programs. Glaser Foundation supports homelessness services in Washington by backing efforts such as supportive housing, shelters, food, and emergency assistance, especially for children, families, at-risk youth, and economically disadvantaged seniors in King County and nearby areas.

UNFCU Foundation

In 1947, UN members founded the United Nations Federal Credit Union with the goal of serving the financial needs of those who serve the world. Having learned more about the poverty and inequality that the UN witnessed every day, UNFCU was inspired to do more.

With the support of their membership and over 65 years of financial knowledge, UNFCU founded the UNFCU Foundation in 2015.

Grant Opportunities

We support projects that align with our mission to sustain the path out of poverty for women and youth. These projects must also help to advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. To be eligible for funding, over 50% of the proposed project’s beneficiaries must be women or girls.

Areas of Focus

Our goal is to empower women and youth with fundamental human rights. To accomplish this, we accept grant applications for projects focused on education, livelihood training, and health care. Each year, we also select an additional strategic focus to deepen our philanthropic impact. This year, particular consideration will be given to projects who provide digital upskilling to economically vulnerable women and youth. Note: projects funding humanitarian relief efforts are by invitation only.

Education

Our education projects work to ensure everyone has the opportunity to grow, learn, and prosper. We look to empower girls and women through education so they can unleash their full potential within their community. We also educate boys on the critical role girls and women play in families and societies, to break down antiquated norms around gender.

We fund education projects that focus on the following:

• Reading, writing, and math programs
• Financial education, from budgeting to business planning
• GED training
• Child educational TV programming
• Digital advancements for remote learning

Livelihood Training

Our livelihood training projects create economic opportunities and job prospects for women so they can earn their own incomes.

Livelihood training equips women with the skills and experience they need to rise out of poverty permanently, and bring their families and communities along with them.

We fund livelihood training that focuses on the following:

• Computer skills training
• Customer service training
• Entrepreneurial strategies
• Seed money for new businesses
• Training in specific sectors, like farming

Health Care

We fund projects that ensure proper access to health care for women and girls, including reproductive care.

When women are at their healthiest, physically and emotionally, they can also succeed economically. No one should fear losing their job in order to take care of their physical or mental health.

We fund health care projects that focus on the following:

• Protecting reproductive rights
• Providing healthcare to homeless populations
• Providing access to free or low-cost care
• Providing mental health assistance
• Supporting emotional health and building self-esteem

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.

Washington organizations providing mobile medical, behavioral health, and social services to low-income adults 55+ experiencing or at risk of homelessness in King County can access funding via Seattle King County Department of Public Health. Up to US $900,000 may support nurse-led outreach teams serving distinct urban/suburban and rural areas of the county.

Nonprofit organizations in Washington working on homelessness services, affordable housing, or related community development can apply for Banner Bank’s Banner Gives Community Support Program. Banner Bank provides support for programs addressing homelessness, homeownership counseling, and projects creating or preserving access to affordable housing, with priority for low- and moderate-income populations.

Youth Lead Project — Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program

The Washington State Department of Commerce is making up to $646,065 available in Youth Lead Project grant funding. The Office of Homeless Youth received awards through HUD’s Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) to provide interventions that prevent and end youth homelessness in Washington’s Balance of State (BoS) Continuum of Care (CoC).

The Youth Lead Project was developed by the BoS YHDP Youth Action Board, known as the Youth for Youth (Y4Y) Board, to embed youth voice into every aspect of the youth homelessness response system. Grant funds support professional opportunities for young adults with lived experience of homelessness to address youth homelessness through both direct service delivery activities, like street outreach and case management, and participating in leadership activities for local and statewide system change efforts.

Grant funds must be used to support youth and young adults, ages 12-24, who meet criteria for category 1, 2, or 4 of the HUD definition of homelessness at enrollment. Youth Lead Project grants are for supportive services only and do not include housing programs or ongoing rental assistance.