Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Washington

The Native American Library Services Enhancement Grants program, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, aids Native Communities in enhancing library services. It empowers Tribal libraries to adapt to evolving information needs and serve as vital resource centers. By addressing the unique priorities of each community, this initiative fosters knowledge sharing and supports the overall wellness of Tribal members, ensuring they have access to essential information and resources.

The D. W. Vanderhorst Charitable Trust Scholarship Fund, established by The Columbus Foundation, aims to support high school graduates from the 43204 Zip code pursuing higher education. This fund honors Wayne Vanderhorst's legacy, who dedicated his life to helping others succeed. Scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 are available for students in public service, engineering, business, and other fields. Preference will be given to students with strong attendance records and financial need.

Cathy Geerlings Indomitable Spirit Scholarship

Graduating senior or graduating early college student with substantial work history or record of volunteering who attends public, private, or home school in the primary service area of the Community Foundation; or a current college student with substantial work history or record of volunteering whose permanent address lies within the primary service area of the Community Foundation; or a currently employed worker from the greater Holland/Zeeland area, employed 20 or more hours per week, in human resources, manufacturing, skilled trades, semi-skilled trades, or other production-related areas with a greater Holland/Zeeland area company including temporary staffing agencies.

The Bernice Carver Scholarship of Hope, established by the family of Don and Barbara Frey, honors the legacy of Bernice Carver, a dedicated educator. This scholarship supports Whitley County seniors from Columbia City, Churubusco, or Whitko High School who have a minimum 2.2 GPA and aspire to careers in nursing, teaching, or science. Emphasizing good citizenship and a quest for knowledge, the scholarship reflects Miss Carver's admirable character and commitment to education.

Mission & Vision

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission:

We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Our Vision:

We envision a Greater Rochester region transformed by enduring philanthropy, where every person, neighborhood, and future generation can thrive.

Jennifer Grimes Lindley Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

The Jennifer Grimes Lindley Scholarship recognizes and awards young women residing in Monroe and Yates counties who intend to continue education beyond high school, preferably in the field of engineering.

Number and Size of Awards

Two awards of $1,000 each to both a Monroe County and a Yates County recipient, plus a four-year student membership to the American Association of University Women (AAUW). Award paid in one lump sum in the Fall.

Donor Information

This scholarship was established by the Lindley family in memory of their daughter, Jennifer Grimes Lindley. Jennifer was a very bright student who eventually obtained her electrical engineering degree in her mid-30s. This scholarship recognizes those women who choose to continue their education in the field of engineering and science.

The Rachel’s Network Catalyst Award is an impactful initiative aimed at supporting mid-career women of color in environmental leadership. This award provides recipients with a personal grant of $15,000 and, if applicable, an organizational grant of $10,000. It also offers essential leadership services and public recognition, fostering a community of empowered women dedicated to creating a healthier and more just world. The award exemplifies Rachel’s Network’s commitment to environmental advocacy and the promotion of women as leaders.

About Us

Our Vision

Rachel’s Network envisions a healthy, thriving, and just world where all people enjoy a life of dignity and well-being in harmony with nature.

Our Mission

Rachel’s Network is a community of women at the intersection of environmental advocacy, philanthropy, and leadership. Our mission is to promote women as impassioned leaders and agents of change dedicated to the stewardship of the earth.

Rachel’s Network Catalyst Award

The Rachel’s Network Catalyst Award celebrates mid-career women of color who are building a healthier, safer, and more just world.

About the Award

Each year, the Rachel’s Network Catalyst Award provides women environmental leaders of color with personal ($15,000) and organizational ($10,000, if applicable) grants, wraparound leadership services, and public recognition.

The Hierholzer-Fojtik Scholarship, established in 2006 by Frances Hierholzer, supports students pursuing a career in law. It is awarded to Grand Haven Area Public Schools graduates with demonstrated financial need. The scholarship offers a streamlined application process for all eligible foundation scholarships. Frances, inspired by her grandson's success with a GHACF scholarship, aims to give back to the community that helped him achieve his educational dreams.

The Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) program aims to support adults with serious mental illness (SMI) by facilitating community-based treatment. Funded by the US HHS's Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the initiative encourages collaboration with civil courts and community partners. Recipients will implement AOT to ensure that eligible individuals receive necessary support, thereby enhancing their mental health outcomes and promoting recovery.

About NCTM

Founded in 1920, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) is the world's largest mathematics education organization.

Mission Statement

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics advocates for high-quality mathematics teaching and learning for each and every student.

Designing Interventions that Support Learners with Disabilities (2-8)

The MET Fund sponsors this grant to support the development of engaging interventions for students with disabilities in grades 2-8. This grant encourages the implementation of interventions that develop 2 - 8 students’ conceptual understanding and expand mathematical fluency.

Purpose

This grant supports elementary teachers in designing, implementing, and sharing engaging hands-on interventions to support students’ conceptual understanding of mathematical concepts. This grant is specifically intended to support teachers of students who have disabilities. This grant could be used to fund materials, such as manipulatives. The expectation is that the recipient of the grant would share their interventions with other teachers and interventionists in their school/district, and beyond.

Award Type: Organizational

For MET grants, an organization is defined as a school, school district, university, or non-profit mathematics education organization. The primary applicant will indicate an organization to administer the finances of the grant when applying for the grant. The primary applicant MAY choose to administer the finances of the grant themselves; if so, they are responsible for reporting this award to the IRS on their personal tax return as income.

The Level 2 Housing Opportunity Grants, provided by the National Association of REALTORS®, aim to address affordable housing challenges within communities. With a maximum award of $7,500, these grants encourage collaborations among local agencies to enhance housing access. Eligible activities include forums, expos, and studies that promote housing opportunities. Associations can receive one grant per year, and funds are disbursed via a reimbursement process, with requests due by December 19, 2025.

The Level 2 Fair Housing Grant, offered by the National Association of Realtors, supports initiatives addressing fair housing issues within communities. With a maximum award of $7,500, this grant encourages associations to collaborate with local organizations to enhance outreach. Approved activities may include hosting educational symposiums, developing fair housing curricula, or creating promotional materials. This grant aims to foster inclusive communities by addressing housing opportunities and promoting awareness of fair housing rights.

The Marshfield Utilities Scholarship, offered by the Marshfield Area Community Foundation, aims to support local students who are customers of Marshfield Utilities. This scholarship is specifically for those pursuing studies in engineering, natural sciences, or vocational fields. Preference is given to full-time university students, reinforcing the Foundation's mission of enhancing education and community well-being in the Marshfield area.

The James C. Stewart Charitable Foundation Grant supports various charitable causes primarily in Tucson, Arizona, and Southern California. Founded by James Stewart, who was dedicated to uplifting the community and promoting the arts, the foundation provides an average grant of $10,000, awarding around five grants annually. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt. The foundation emphasizes arts, education, environment, health, human services, and public benefit, continuing Stewart's legacy of generosity.

The Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program, supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), focuses on enhancing the education of technicians in high-technology fields through partnerships between two-year institutions, industry, and economic development agencies. This program emphasizes faculty-led projects and credit-bearing courses, aiming to improve science and engineering technician education while also supporting professional development and career pathways for students and incumbent workers.

The Stark County Bar Association Scholarship Fund, established by the Stark Community Foundation, aims to support law students pursuing a Juris Doctorate at accredited law schools. Since its inception in 1963, the Foundation has been instrumental in transforming lives through philanthropic efforts. The scholarship prioritizes applicants from the Stark County area who demonstrate financial need and intend to practice law in their home community, fostering local legal talent and serving community needs.

The Sheriff W. Bruce Umpleby Law Enforcement Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Stark Community Foundation, supports Stark County residents who are high school graduates, aiming to pursue a career in law enforcement. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be enrolled in a post-secondary institution. This scholarship embodies the Foundation's commitment to empowering students and addressing community needs since its inception in 1963.

Ann and Anthony La Pietra Scholarship

Recipients are chosen based on their efforts and achievements in an area that reflects the lifelong pursuits of Ann and Anthony La Pietra, longtime Marshall residents. These areas include the fine arts, community service and advocacy to support people in need, prevent discrimination, protect the environment and work toward peace and understanding. Applicants should be pursuing studies/majors related to one or more of these areas. Academic success and financial need may be considered but are not necessarily determining factors. Students who receive this scholarship are encouraged to apply for further support in subsequent years. 

The Samuel Krugliak Legal Scholarship Fund, established by the Stark Community Foundation, supports law students who demonstrate academic excellence and community commitment. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school and have ties to the Stark County Region. This scholarship aims to empower future legal professionals dedicated to serving their communities while fostering a diverse legal landscape.

The Geri Coccodrilli Culinary Scholarship, established by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports high school seniors pursuing careers in culinary arts. Funded through charitable efforts by local community leaders, this scholarship considers financial need and requires applicants to submit transcripts and additional documents. It simplifies the application process by allowing students to apply for multiple scholarships at once, ensuring a fair and thorough selection process.

The Fugazzotto Scholarship Fund for Visual Arts Students, established by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports Tri-Cities residents pursuing careers in visual arts. This scholarship honors Barbara Fugazzotto's legacy as an art educator, encouraging students to explore their creativity in drawing, painting, ceramics, and graphic design. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. The scholarship aims to nurture future artists who contribute to the cultural landscape.

The Cromwell High School Alumni Scholarship Fund provides a one-time award of $1,000 for West Noble High School seniors residing in Sparta Township. Eligible applicants must plan to attend accredited higher education institutions or vocational training programs. Established by the Cromwell High School Alumni Committee in 2016, the fund aims to support students in pursuing their educational goals while honoring the values and memories associated with their alma mater.

The Food and Farm Communications Fund's Wildseed Grants program supports grassroots organizations in the U.S. that aim to bring transformative change to food and agricultural systems. With grants ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 for one year, and up to $75,000 for two years, the program emphasizes strategic communications, community engagement, and racial equity. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with the Fund’s mission and have a revenue of less than $3 million.

The Affiliate Grants - Early Music Program Fund supports educational initiatives for AMS-affiliated groups focusing on music and culture from before 1600. Established in 2020, it enhances research skills through various programming, including paleography and organology. Eligible applicants are limited to AMS chapters, study groups, and committees, with funding capped at $2000. The program aims to strengthen scholarly networks and requires grant reporting on fund usage and impact.

The Dan R. Montgomery Scholarship, established by the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound, honors Sheriff Dan Montgomery's legacy by supporting students from Thurston County pursuing careers in law enforcement or related fields. This scholarship prioritizes applicants who identify as people of color and those attending Washington State institutions, with the possibility of renewal for up to one additional year. It aims to empower future leaders in law enforcement and related sectors.

The Dr. Larry Poel Field of Medicine Scholarship, administered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students from Ottawa or Muskegon County who have completed at least two years of college in a medical field. With a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0, the scholarship aims to honor Dr. Poel's 42-year career in sports medicine and encourage future medical professionals. Preference is given to those studying sports medicine, ensuring community-focused support.

The Cody and Zach Skilled Trades Scholarship, offered by the Saginaw Community Foundation, supports graduates from Merrill High School and the Great Lakes Bay Region pursuing Career and Technical Education (CTE). With an emphasis on practical skills in various trades, this scholarship helps bridge the gap in financial assistance for students aiming for lucrative careers in fields like welding, carpentry, and more. Awards typically range from $500 to $4,000, promoting a skilled workforce in the community.