Best Local Government Grants in Washington

The Ben B. Cheney Foundation Grant supports community improvement projects in areas where Mr. Cheney's lumber company operated. Focused on one-time project grants, the foundation emphasizes sustainability and local support. Eligible applicants include public charities and government units primarily in Washington, Oregon, and California. The foundation prioritizes projects that invest in long-lasting community needs and demonstrate innovative solutions. Since 1975, it has supported over 1,200 organizations, making a significant impact in local communities.

The Muckleshoot Charity Fund supports community organizations in Washington, offering grants between $1,500 and $5,000. Priorities include education, health services, culture, and advocacy for communities of color and Native American programs. Applications are accepted year-round, reviewed quarterly, and funds are sourced from Muckleshoot Casino profits. Eligible applicants must be non-profits or government agencies addressing identified community needs, ensuring impactful contributions without exceeding one grant per year.

The Safeway Foundation, part of the Albertsons Companies Foundation, focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations in Portland, OR, and SW Washington that align with their mission to improve community quality of life. Priorities include health services, hunger relief, education, and supporting diversity. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $5,000, aimed at organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation, ensuring funds are directed towards impactful programs and community initiatives.

The TourWest Grants, funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, aim to support presenters and organizations in the Western region by providing flexible funding for touring artists. This competitive grant encourages community engagement and outreach, fostering collaboration between artists and local communities. It prioritizes accessibility to the performing arts, especially in underserved areas. Applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or local government units and demonstrate a commitment to community needs through their projects.

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 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 Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, established by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has distributed over $16.3 million in grants since 1999. It supports charitable organizations and local governments in eleven Oregon counties, as well as Native American initiatives across the U.S. The fund prioritizes education, health, public safety, addiction prevention, housing, arts, and environmental preservation, ensuring the Tribe's commitment to community support and cultural heritage.

The Sustained Support Midstream Grant provides crucial operational funding for arts organizations and Local Arts Agencies in King County. This grant enhances the capacity for creativity and accessibility, fostering community impact through consistent programming. Additionally, it addresses geographic equity by offering increased awards to organizations outside Seattle or in designated Communities of Opportunity. By leveraging lodging tax revenue, this initiative aims to enrich cultural experiences for all residents and visitors of King County.

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 Tourism Regeneration Grant - Micro-Purchase aims to enhance visitor experiences in rural communities by funding projects up to $50,000. It focuses on infrastructure improvements, sustainability initiatives, and training programs that promote tourism. Eligible applicants include local governments and nonprofits, encouraged to collaborate with local organizations. With $780,000 allocated, the program supports a range of projects including safety enhancements and accessibility efforts, driving increased visitation and promoting responsible tourism.

The Tourism Regeneration Grant aims to enhance visitor experiences in rural and underserved areas of Washington, promoting inclusivity and sustainability. With a total funding of $780,000, the grant supports projects such as tourism infrastructure improvements, environmental sustainability initiatives, and accessibility enhancements. Eligible applicants include local governments and nonprofit organizations, encouraged to collaborate with destination marketing partners. Grants can provide up to $50,000 per project, fostering community engagement and overnight visitation.

The Bainbridge Community Foundation's Capacity Building Grant Programs are designed to enhance the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations in Washington State. By providing financial support for core operational improvements, such as strategic planning and staff training, BCF aims to strengthen local nonprofits. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)(3) status and serve the Bainbridge Island community. Grants range from $1,000 to $2,500, focusing on building internal capacities to better serve community needs.

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 Floodplains by Design Grants program aims to enhance community resilience to flooding and restore vital habitats in Washington's river corridors. This initiative, led by the Washington Department of Ecology and various partners, supports projects that mitigate flood risks while preserving agriculture and promoting outdoor recreation. Eligible applicants include local governments and nonprofits, focusing on integrated floodplain management to address climate impacts and ensure sustainable development.

The Icicle Fund Community Grants support nonprofit organizations in North Central Washington that promote the arts, history, and environmental stewardship. These unrestricted grants allow organizations to address community needs flexibly and innovatively. With funding typically ranging from $3,000 to $35,000, the program prioritizes engaging local communities in appreciation and understanding of their unique cultural and natural heritage. Eligible organizations include public schools, governmental entities, and faith-based groups focusing on these core areas.

Sherwood Trust offers Core Grants to enhance community well-being in the Walla Walla Valley. The Trust prioritizes funding for initiatives that strengthen organizations and support collaboration. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations focused on local needs. With a commitment to equity and sustainability, Sherwood Trust seeks to empower communities through impactful investments, ensuring that all individuals feel a sense of belonging and can contribute to the region's vibrancy.

The Nike Community Impact Fund Grant Program, established in 2010, supports nonprofits and schools in the Portland area, focusing on promoting sport and physical activity. Annually, at least $550,000 is awarded to empower youth through play, fostering healthier and more inclusive communities. The program prioritizes projects benefiting underrepresented populations and encourages innovative solutions to local challenges. Applications are open to qualified organizations in specific Oregon and Washington counties, emphasizing collaboration with Nike employees.

Tenant and Housing Justice Grant

Social Justice Fund Northwest (SJF) is pleased to announce the 2026 Tenant & Housing Justice Grant, open to grassroots organizations in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and/or Wyoming.

Grant Awards:

• Maximum one-year grant award of $25,000

Focus:

• Tenant and housing justice organizing in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming

Description

This grant seeks to support organizations working to undo and/or create alternative solutions to exploitative housing systems which were built and are sustained by capitalism, colonialism, classism, racism, xenophobia, and ableism. This grant will fund organizations that meet SJF’s community organizing framework and prioritize communities underrepresented in traditional grantmaking.

Tenant and Housing Justice community organizing work can include, but is not limited to:

• Collective power building among tenants to dismantle and push against the current oppressive housing systems and structures 
  • Examples: rental and utilities assistance, tenants’ rights training, eviction prevention and intervention, etc.
• Local and statewide tenant and housing systems/policy change 
• Tenant leadership development
• Creating collective, cooperative housing structures
• Re-entry organizing by and for folks who were recently incarcerated to provide housing and resources, influence and set policy, etc.
• Disability justice organizing focused on affordable, accessible, and supportive housing for disabled folks and elders
• Survivor-led organizing for people transitioning out of abusive situations

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

Fellowship for Equitable Development

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition matches top-level graduate degree students with premiere community development organizations.

NCRC is looking for fellowship projects that move the needle on housing, small business development, and workforce development. Projects may directly result in community outcomes in these focus areas, or involve work with community members to create plans or project pipelines that will solve local issues in these areas.

The NCRC Fellowship cultivates the next generation of community development leaders and empowers them to tackle the issues of tomorrow. The community development sector will face significant challenges in the coming decades from climate change, widening wealth gaps, food insecurities, extreme housing shortages and other needs. These challenges will disproportionately impact low-wealth communities and communities of color. Therefore, it is NCRC’s intention and pledge to uphold the values of community empowerment in the fellowship program.

Interested students and host organizations must apply for this fellowship opportunity.

Program Benefits for Student Fellows Include:

• High-quality training and support from regional leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• A $20,000 stipend for the eight-month, part-time (20-hours per week) fellowship
• The opportunity to meet with leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• Academic credit, in accordance with the policies of the Fellows’ respective universities
• Complimentary admission to the NCRC annual Just Economy Conference

Program Benefits for Host Organizations Include:

• Fresh, innovative talent to help advance organizational mission
• The opportunity to help shape the next generation of community development leaders
• Participation in a fellowship program at little to no cost

The Process

1. NCRC Members Apply; 2. NCRC Selects Member Projects; 3. Students Apply To Selected Projects; 4. Top Student Candidates Interviewed; 5. NCRC & Member Select Student Fellow; 6. NCRC Onboards Member & Student 7. Fellowship Commences

Host Partnerships

Fellowship host partners must be NCRC members. If your organization would like to participate in the Fellowship but is not a member, you can join here and then apply.

Host Requirements

• A compelling project to provide a challenging assignment for fellows with real world application.
• Must commit to a schedule with at least one day per week in office for both fellow and host supervisor.

The General Operating Support for Large Organizations Grant provides two years of funding to arts organizations in Washington State, aiming to cover day-to-day operational costs. With a focus on equity, funding will be distributed based on priorities that emphasize cultural diversity and community engagement. Eligible organizations can request up to $6,000, distributed in two equal payments. This grant is designed to support the growing creative sector while maintaining accessibility for underserved communities.

The General Operating Support for Midsized Organizations Grant provides two-year funding of up to $12,000 to arts, heritage, and culture organizations in Washington State for general operating expenses. The grant aims to equitably distribute funds while supporting community engagement in the creative economy, emphasizing cultural equity and diversity. Eligible applicants must have a mission focused on art and meet specific criteria, including a minimum operating budget and three years of programming history.

The ArtsWA Art Project Grant supports organizations in Washington State providing public art programming. Eligible groups can request funding between $2,000 and $5,000, and must demonstrate a history of project execution. This reimbursement grant is focused on projects with arts as a main component and does not require an arts-focused mission. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, Local Arts Agencies, and Tribal Governments.

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 4Culture Equipment for Organizations grant provides funding of up to $15,000 to support the purchase and installation of essential equipment for arts, heritage, historic preservation, and science organizations in King County. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and fiscally sponsored groups. The funding can cover fixed assets like computers and machinery, with a minimum request of $1,000. Organizations should ensure their projects align with the grant criteria to qualify.

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 Youth Leadership Council Grant, offered by the Yakima Valley Community Foundation, empowers high school students to drive positive change through philanthropy and leadership. This unique program trains a diverse cohort of youth on topics like equity and community needs, allowing them to distribute $50,000-$100,000 annually to impactful projects. Focus areas include health equity, support for immigrant communities, and educational opportunities. Eligible organizations must serve Yakima County or the Yakama Nation and meet specific criteria.