Best Public Policy Grants in Washington

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations, or fiscally sponsored projects, building progressive political power in Washington can apply for Washington Progress Fund’s core grants, offering US $25,000 - US $100,000 for long-term organizing infrastructure. Funding supports leadership development, public policy, communications, movement capacity, and organizing and elections, with a focus on BIPOC-led, anti-racist, statewide power-building.

Washington-based nonprofit organizations and Sovereign Nations running community-led policy or political campaigns in Washington can apply for Inatai Foundation’s Campaigns, Litigation, Issues & Policy Fund. Funding supports ballot measures, litigation, legislative advocacy, grassroots organizing, and polling that build community power and advance racial justice and equity, with priority for rural, disability-, youth-, and immigrant- and queer-led efforts.

Washington organizations and coalitions leading community-driven public policy and racial justice campaigns can access funding through Inatai Foundation’s CLIP Fund. Support may cover ballot measures, litigation, legislative advocacy, grassroots organizing, and polling for campaigns within the state, with emphasis on power-building in communities of color and areas often overlooked by funders.

Nonprofit, community-based organizations in Washington planning capital construction or rehabilitation of nonresidential community and social service centers can apply for the Capital Facilities Building Communities Fund Program from the Washington State Department of Commerce. This reimbursement-style grant supports projects in distressed communities or those serving substantial numbers of low-income or disadvantaged people, including facilities offering multiple community services.

Nonprofit organizations in Washington working in public policy, education, youth development, community building, arts, culture, museums, or immediate needs can apply for grants from the Robert D and Marcia H Randall Charitable Trust. Funding supports programs that improve and enrich lives in the Pacific Northwest, particularly for underprivileged communities and values-based initiatives.

Grants from Stray Dog Institute help Washington nonprofits and NGOs working on food system public policy, farmed animal protection, and sustainable agriculture with US $2,500 - US $10,000 for operating or project support. 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored groups advancing systems-focused, justice-oriented change in areas like environmental policy, labor, and food justice may be eligible.

Muslim undergraduate and graduate students in film, television, acting, or theater who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients can receive US $3,000 - US $5,000 to advance their studies and careers. Focused on media and public policy impact, Islamic Scholarship Fund supports those enrolled at accredited U.S. universities, including students from Washington.

Washington law students in public policy–related judicial internships can access funding through the Islamic Scholarship Fund’s ISF Judicial Internship Scholarship. Eligible applicants are first- or second-year American Muslim law students in accredited U.S. schools with an 8-week offer from a state or federal judge; awards provide a US $3,000 stipend.

Law and public policy students in Washington can access funding through the Islamic Scholarship Fund’s ISF Law Scholarship Program, which offers US $5,000 - US $10,000 for studies in the U.S. Eligible applicants are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients committed to improving access to justice for Muslims in America.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities and research institutions working on pollinator health, sustainable agriculture, and related public policy in Washington can apply for funding from One Hive Foundation, with awards up to US $75,000. Eligible projects include scientific research, advocacy, public education, policy translation, and capacity-building for organizations focused on pollinator conservation and ecologically responsible agriculture.

Nonprofit and academic institutions in Washington working on public policy and broader U.S.-Japan relations can seek funding for arts and culture, education and public affairs, exchanges and scholarship, or global challenges projects. The Japan-United States Friendship Commission supports institutional training, research, and exchange programs that deepen people-to-people understanding between Japan and the U.S.

Nonprofits and advocacy organizations improving early childhood development and education policy can apply for grants up to US $20,000 from the Ohio Children’s Foundation. Grants from Ohio Children’s Foundation help Washington public policy groups and early learning programs support at-risk children ages 0–5, strengthen school readiness, and advance high-quality early childhood education through services and policy advocacy.

Agronomy, crop, and soil science PhD holders interested in public policy can gain a yearlong Congressional fellowship in Washington through the Crop Science Society of America. This U.S.-based program places fellows in Congressional offices or committees, offering a stipend, relocation support, and intensive orientations on legislative, agriculture, and environmental issues.

With a mission to improve lives through evidence-based policy, Arnold Ventures provides Washington public policy and social program researchers with support to conduct rigorous quasi-experimental evaluations. Eligible projects study causal impacts of policies or interventions in areas like higher education, workforce training, infrastructure, contraceptive access, or public finance across the U.S.

Public policy and governance researchers in Washington can apply for Arnold Ventures’ randomized controlled trial funding to evaluate social programs and policies. Focused on evidence-building across U.S. social policy, this opportunity supports rigorous RCTs that inform decision-makers and may benefit organizations working in areas like criminal justice, health care, housing, and democracy.

Graduate students in Earth system sciences attending universities in Canada, the U.S., or Mexico can receive US $40,000 plus research visits and professional development to pursue science, public policy, or related tracks. Grants from University Corporation for Atmospheric Research help emerging public policy and atmospheric science leaders, including those connected to Washington, explore the intersections of science and society.

The National Fellowship Program, offered by the Jefferson Scholars Foundation, invites Ph.D. candidates across various disciplines to apply. The program emphasizes the importance of scholarly leadership and aims to foster intellectual collaboration. Eligible candidates must be nearing completion of their dissertation or have a detailed two-year plan. The fellowship includes mentorship, networking opportunities, and participation in conferences, encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue and professional growth.

Washington students pursuing graduate-level public policy, science, and technology studies can access funding through Harvard Kennedy School’s Charles Edison Fund Fellowship. This fellowship supports those seeking to expand the impact of the Science, Technology, and Public Policy Program, and may benefit individuals focused on public policy work connected to science and international affairs.

The John Berger Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School supports MPP students who are graduates of Harvard College, aiming to work in U.S. or international institutions focused on international affairs. This fellowship is part of HKS's commitment to improving public policy and leadership, offering scholarships and fellowships based on merit and financial need, without discrimination against applicants based on citizenship, race, or other protected classifications.

The Kennedy Fellowships and Presidential Scholarships at Harvard Kennedy School provide opportunities for both U.S. and international students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and professional distinction. These scholarships are awarded based on merit and financial need, ensuring support for diverse applicants. The school is committed to improving public policy and leadership, making a significant impact on societal challenges. Apply for these prestigious awards after completing your admission application.

The Margaret Traub and Phyllis Dicker LGBT+ Graduate Fellowship, offered by the Harvard Kennedy School, supports students committed to issues affecting the LGBT+ community. This fellowship emphasizes the importance of diverse representation in public policy and leadership, aligning with Harvard's mission to foster a just and prosperous society. It is accessible to both U.S. and international students, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and merit-based funding.

The Public Policy & International Affairs (PPIA) Scholarship at Harvard Kennedy School is designed for alumni of the PPIA Junior Summer Institute. This scholarship aims to support both U.S. and international students by considering merit and financial need. Harvard Kennedy School is committed to fostering leadership and public policy expertise, making a significant impact on global societal issues. Recipients must have participated in the PPIA program to be eligible for this limited funding.

The Robert C. Seamans, Jr. Fellowship in Science, Technology, and Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School supports students excelling in research and management at the intersection of technology and public policy. This fellowship fosters future leadership in these critical areas, ensuring a commitment to addressing pressing public challenges. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged, as the program is designed to promote inclusivity and recognizes the importance of varied perspectives in policy-making.

The Scott and Isabelle Black Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School supports students in two-year degree programs focused on addressing societal issues such as homelessness, poverty, and education. Awarded based on merit and financial need, this fellowship aims to cultivate future leaders in government and nonprofit sectors. It encourages studies that explore the causes and solutions to problems affecting vulnerable populations, ensuring that graduates are equipped to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

The HKS American Service Fellowship provides full scholarships and stipends for mid-career public service leaders to pursue a one-year Mid-Career Master in Public Administration at Harvard Kennedy School. Targeting U.S. military veterans, public employees, and alumni of service programs, this fellowship emphasizes skill development and community impact. Participants learn from esteemed faculty and engage with a network of changemakers, equipping themselves to address pressing societal challenges and enhance their leadership capabilities.

The Native Forward Scholars Fund Internship Assistance Program empowers Native students by providing financial support for internships in non-STEM fields. This initiative breaks down financial barriers, enabling students to gain practical experience in areas like public policy, education, and cultural preservation. Through this program, students enhance their skills while contributing positively to their Tribal communities. The funding covers essential costs such as travel and living expenses, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial assistance.