Best Professional Development Grants for Nonprofits in Washington

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 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 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.

Washington State Department of Natural Resources

Just prior to statehood, a cash-poor, land-rich federal government provided Washington with more than 3 million acres of land to build schools and other vital public institutions. Free public education was seen then, as it is now, as essential to American freedom, prosperity and happiness. Two square miles of every 36-square "township" were given to the young state of Washington to generate revenue for education.

In 1957, the legislature created the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to manage state trust lands for the people of Washington. Under the elected leadership of the Commissioner of Public Lands, DNR manages seven specific trusts to generate revenue and preserve forests, water, and habitat. DNR now manages 5.6 million acres of forest, range, agricultural, aquatic, and commercial lands for more than $200 million in annual financial benefit for public schools, state institutions, and county services. Our mission: Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington's lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.

Community Forestry Assistance Grant Program

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources, hereafter called “Agency/DNR”, is seeking applications to support local jurisdictions in implementing activities on public property that improve tree health and longevity, reduce tree-related risks, and increase capacity for tree planting by establishing small scale tree nurseries.

The objective of this competitive grant opportunity is to fund essential maintenance and related activities supporting urban trees on public property in cities and towns across Washington state. Maintenance of natural areas, including invasive weed removal, is not eligible. Applicants may submit applications that contain one or more eligible activity types, which include the following:

• Tree pruning
• Tree removal and replacement
• Development of small-scale tree nurseries
• Other specialized tree maintenance

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 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 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 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.

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 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.

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 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 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 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 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 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.

Washington State Department of Agriculture

WSDA has been serving agriculture and the public for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation, and advocacy, we support keeping agriculture viable and vital in Washington State, while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment.

Farm to School Purchasing Grants

Washington State Department of Agriculture’s (WSDA) Farm to School Program exists to facilitate increased use of Washington grown food by schools.

The purpose of the Farm to School Purchasing grants is to increase the purchase, use, and promotion of foods that are grown, raised, caught, or foraged in Washington by child nutrition programs with an emphasis on procurement from small and direct marketing farms and food businesses, including but not limited to, socially disadvantaged, beginning, limited resource, women and veteran farmers and ranchers.

Grant funds are intended to support schools and early learning services in sourcing and preparing high quality, nutritious, culturally relevant foods for their meal programs.WSDA Farm to School Purchasing Grants are reimbursement grants. Grants are awarded based on a competitive application and review process.

There are two application types: School Meals and Childcare Meals

Eligible applicants may apply for one or more application type.

*New for the 2025-2027 Biennium*

There is no option to apply for a purchasing grant solely for Summer Meal programs. School Meals applicants who operate SFSP or SSO may include summer meals as part of their School Meals application. Award amounts are detailed in the Maximum Eligible Awards section of the grant guidelines.

Eligible Expenses

Farm to School Purchasing Grant funds must be used to support the grant purpose of increasing use of Washington grown, raised, caught, or foraged foods. 

Farm to school purchasing may:

• Increase scratch cooking practices with the use of more ingredients in fresh and raw forms.
• Create opportunities for meal programs to develop culturally relevant meals for students.
• Introduce students and staff to new and unfamiliar foods with supportive training, education, and taste-testing.
• Expand opportunities for Washington’s small farm and food producers to access new markets.

The Farm to School Purchasing Grant may be used to cover non-food costs in addition to direct food purchases. Non-food costs must directly support the project plan’s efforts to purchase and promote foods grown, raised, or caught in Washington State.

Awardees may use up to 25% of their total awarded grant funds on eligible non-food costs. Awardees must spend at least 75% of the awarded grant funds on food purchases.

See the list below for examples of eligible expenses. These lists are not exhaustive, there may be eligible expenses not included in the list of examples.

Indirect costs are not permitted as part of the project budget for this program. Administrative costs, such as fiscal office staff time, are permitted as a non-food cost in lieu of indirect costs.

Examples of Eligible Food Costs

Grantees may purchase foods grown, raised, harvested, and packaged or processed in Washington from various sources including, but not limited to:

• School & Childcare gardens
• Washington farms
• Food hubs or farmer cooperatives
• Food Processors
• Regional produce or broadline distributors

The following products are examples of foods that are eligible for reimbursement with the Farm to School Purchasing Grant:

• Processed or packaged foods** with a primary ingredient that is 100% grown, raised, caught, or foraged in Washington State- where the primary ingredient is the largest ingredient by weight or volume.
  • For example, yogurt containing 100% milk from cows raised in Washington or pizza dough containing 100% flour from wheat grown in Washington. 

See more about eligible expenses from the grant guidelines.

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 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.

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.

The Inatai Campaigns, Litigation, Issues & Policy (CLIP) Fund Grant supports community-led campaigns that advance equity and racial justice across Washington. With a flexible funding approach, CLIP empowers diverse leaders to influence policy through grassroots organizing, litigation, and legislative advocacy. This initiative seeks to transform systems by funding campaigns in often overlooked areas, ensuring that communities most affected by inequities have the resources needed to engage in political action.

The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation offers General Operating Grants aimed at 501(c)(3) nonprofits that serve the west side of Salt Lake City. Grants of up to $10,000, with an average of $5,000, support initiatives in health, shelter, education, economic self-reliance, and cultural enrichment. Applications are reviewed monthly. Organizations must be registered as nonprofits and align with the Foundation's focus areas to be eligible for funding.

The WKKF Grant, offered by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, is dedicated to fostering a future where every child and family thrives. With a focus on nurturing early education, accessible healthcare, and equitable food systems, this grant supports initiatives that empower communities across the U.S. and parts of Mexico and Haiti. Organizations meeting IRS regulations and being legal entities, particularly 501(c)(3) nonprofits, are encouraged to apply for funding to create lasting impacts in their communities.

The NACD Technical Assistance Grants program, in partnership with NRCS, has been enhancing conservation district support since 2018. By funding staff hires, it aims to improve service for agricultural producers and address conservation workload challenges. The initiative focuses on outreach, education, and civic engagement to empower local communities, promote sustainability, and support historically underserved producers in implementing conservation practices, thereby fostering both individual and community resilience.

Ecolab Foundation

Ecolab Foundation is a philanthropic arm of Ecolab dedicated to advancing community well-being through programs that promote education, environmental stewardship, and public health. Its mission is to create positive social impact by supporting initiatives that strengthen communities and foster sustainable development.

The foundation’s primary areas of engagement include educational programs that enhance learning and workforce readiness, environmental projects that encourage conservation and sustainability, and health-related initiatives that improve hygiene and safety. It focuses on partnerships that deliver measurable benefits and long-term impact.

Ecolab Foundation operates primarily within the United States while also supporting global initiatives aligned with its corporate responsibility goals. Its geographic scope reflects a commitment to addressing local community needs and contributing to broader sustainability efforts.

The foundation collaborates with nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and community-based groups. It prioritizes partnerships that demonstrate strong governance, clear objectives, and alignment with its mission of education, health, and environmental responsibility.

Ecolab Match Program

Ecolab established the Volunteer and Community Relations programs to encourage and reward Ecolab employee and alumni involvement in the communities where people live and work. There are three programs including the Board Leadership Volunteer Grant.

Board Leadership Volunteer Grant

Ecolab will donate up to $500 USD annually to a qualifying 501(c)3 organization (some restrictions apply) for which an eligible person serves on the Board of Directors. 

Focus Areas of Giving

• Youth and Education: programs that promote youth development, particularly for programs that ensure all students are successful
• Civic & Community Development: affordable housing, work readiness, crisis assistance and hunger relief
• Environment & Conservation: hands-on environmental learning programs, environment and conservation organizations
• Arts & Culture: arts education for children and youth as well as support for museums and the performing arts

Washington State Department of Commerce

The Washington State Department of Commerce’s mission is to strengthen communities in Washington. We are the lead state agency charged with enhancing and promoting sustainable community and economic vitality in Washington. We administer a diverse portfolio of more than 100 programs and several state boards and commissions, all focused on helping communities achieve positive growth.

Who is OCVA?

The Office of Crime Victims Advocacy (OCVA) is housed within the Department of Commerce. OCVA serves as a voice within government for the needs of crime victims in Washington State. Established in 1990, OCVA serves the state by:

• Advocating on behalf of victims obtaining needed services and resources.
• Administering grant funds for community programs working with crime victims.
• Assisting communities in planning and implementing services for crime victims.
• Advising local and state government agencies of practices, policies, and priorities that impact crime victims.

OCVA’s Telemedical Forensic Examination (TFE) Grants

What is this application for?

The purpose of this application is to implement and administer a statewide program to provide Telemedical Forensic Examination support and survivor advocacy to increase access to medical forensic exam services across the state, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This funding is available through the Unmet Needs portion of the VOCA Plan.

For this initiative, eligible applicants are organizations in Washington State that are able to provide telemedical examination and advocacy services to hospitals and clinics across the state.

What can these funds be used for?

Services provided with this funding must be available to hospitals serving child, adolescent, and adult victims of sexual and/or physical abuse and/or assault. Applicants must provide both telemedical support to hospitals and tele-advocacy support to survivors, either through their own program or partnership with another.