Best Washington Grants for Nonprofits

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.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

OCVA complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is committed to ensuring accessibility for all applicants. 

OCVA Tribal Initiative – STOP Program

STOP Program – Tribal Initiative is a grant program that funds Tribal law enforcement, prosecution, and victim services to develop and strengthen effective strategies that collaboratively respond to domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and strengthens victim services.

Proposals should 

• Address the needs of individuals age 11 and older that have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking; and
• Improve the criminal legal systems response or ability to respond to cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking where the victim is age 11 or older.

Proposals should include activities and services for each part: law enforcement, prosecution, and victim services.

How much funding is available?

OCVA estimates that $600,000 will be available each year for this grant initiative. It is the intention of the grant for all three function areas listed below to apply for up to $200,000 each, in the same application, for a maximum total of $600,000.

• $200,000 for tribal law enforcement
• $200,000 for tribal prosecution
• $200,000 for tribal victim services

OCVA will select one proposal for award. 

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. 

What is this application for?

This application is for victim services that meaningfully address the needs of individuals age 11 and older that have experienced sexual assault.

How much funding is available?

OCVA estimates that $260,000 will be available each year for this grant initiative.

Applicants may propose projects up to $130,000. OCVA anticipates awarding two grants. OCVA has discretion to negotiate any changes to an applicant’s scope of work and budget.

When can the funds be used?

The initial grant award period is January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2027. We anticipate the availability of renewal funding for three (3) years, through December 31, 2030. Renewal funding is contingent on the availability of funding, progress of the project, and/or any extension or amendments to the overarching statewide funding plan.

Skill Centers Capital Funding

Skill centers provide students with hands-on learning environments similar to current industries. The number of skill centers has grown to 17 throughout the state.

The Legislature has provided capital minor and major works funding grants for skill centers in Washington State since their inception in the 1970s. That funding is administered by School Facilities and Organization (SFO) at the OSPI. School district host districts pay project costs upfront, then request reimbursement from SFO.

Undertaking capital projects is a joint effort between OSPI, skill center directors, and host district staff. Skill centers directors understand program needs. Host district staff has capital project experience and manages the projects. A capital project manual was designed to provide guidance for everyone involved.

WAC 392-600-010 defines a skill center as a regional career and technical education partnership that provides access to comprehensive programs of study that prepare students for postsecondary education and careers. A skill center is operated by the host school district and governed by an administrative council in accordance with the interdistrict cooperative agreement.

• A skill center core campus is the facility that houses a majority of the enrolled students.
• A skill center branch campus is the facility that is not the core campus and offers three or more programs.
• A skill center satellite program is a facility that is not the core campus and offers less than three programs.
• An emerging skill center is a new core or branch skill center that has an approved application but is still in the development phase and does not offer any programs yet.
• A single district skill center is a school district with an annual headcount enrollment of twelve thousand students or more in grades nine through twelve and offers skill center programs.

The Mazama Conservation Grant Program offers essential funding to safeguard the Pacific Northwest's mountain ecosystems and landscapes. Grants between $500 and $2,500 support initiatives like trail maintenance, wilderness protection, and environmental education. Focusing on the Mt. Hood area, the program collaborates with environmental organizations and community groups to promote conservation efforts. By funding research, trail upkeep, and educational activities, the program ensures the health of the region's ecosystems, fostering a lasting commitment to environmental stewardship.

The Conservation Partners Grant Program, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, supports private landowners in implementing regenerative agriculture and conservation practices. By awarding competitive grants, the program facilitates technical assistance for developing management plans and best practices, enabling landowners to maximize the ecological benefits of their lands. This initiative is crucial for enhancing fish and wildlife habitats, addressing pressing conservation issues, and promoting sustainable land stewardship across the United States.

Healthy Kids-Healthy Schools Grants

Funds for this grant are available in two categories: physical education/physical activity and nutrition. The nutrition category includes but is not limited to, renovations or repairs, new purchases and improvements to cafeteria and kitchen equipment, and spaces, water bottle filling stations, garden-related structures, and greenhouses. Garden related and greenhouse projects must provide students access to fresh produce. The physical education and physical activity category includes, but is not limited to, physical education renovation, indoor or outdoor physical education equipment, playground equipment, covered play areas, related structures and renovations. Prior to applying, districts must consider their ability to sustain improvements over time. Districts receiving funding must also demonstrate a consistent commitment to addressing school facilities’ needs. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis. No single district may receive more than $200,000.

Grant Process Key Points

• There is no district leveraged or matching funds requirement.
• Grants are for procurement of equipment, repair, and renovation of existing equipment or facilities, or design and construction of new facility space and infrastructure related to the categories listed above.
• In-house labor costs will not be reimbursed.
• For more information including scoring criteria, see Form Package 505.

Indoor Air Quality Assessment Grant

The Indoor Air Quality Assessment Grant grant will fund technical assistance from various state and local entities, as well as commercial experts, to help schools improve their HVAC and smart building systems. 

This grant will support technical assistance from state funded entities, such as OSPI, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of Health. It will also provide funding for technical assistance from other entities, such as local health jurisdiction school safety programs, the Smart Building Center’s K-12 ventilation and the indoor air quality resource team. Additionally, the grant will help cover the cost of hiring commercial experts who know how to troubleshoot modern HVAC or smart building systems. 

Ellison Education Grants

The Ellison Education Grants were created to empower and support Washington State’s most effective, innovative and inspirational K- 12 public school teachers. This is done by providing support to educators who design academic enrichment curriculum for students and or professional learning experiences for their current practice. The Ellison Foundation acknowledges a classroom teacher's expertise in understanding their own professional learning needs and the needs of their students. Since 2017 the Ellison Foundation has awarded 163 grants and over $800,000 to public-school educators in Washington State.

The Ellison Foundation wishes to award multiple grants in the Spring of 2027 for the 2027 – 2028 school year. Grant amounts range between $1,000 and $10,000.

The Water Quality Combined Funding Program in Washington aims to enhance and safeguard water quality through a competitive funding process. It supports various projects, including wastewater management and stormwater control, while offering technical assistance to applicants. The program combines multiple funding sources, ensuring comprehensive financial support tailored to project needs. Eligible entities include counties, cities, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations. The initiative reflects a commitment to improving environmental sustainability across the state.

Washington State Department of Commerce

The Washington State Department of Commerce is the front door of government across our state. Our work touches every corner of Washington and impacts every community. We are advancing the most urgent needs facing our state: the transition to a clean energy economy, climate resilience, housing supply to meet our growing population, and the equitable engagement of communities, Tribes, local governments, and organizations.

Vision: A Washington where every community grows through access to opportunities and innovation. Mission: Commerce fosters resilient communities by building partnerships, delivering resources, and advancing equity through responsive, transparent and collaborative public service.

CERB Rural Ports Program – Tier 4: Micro Grants

The 2025 Washington Legislature directed the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) to provide grants to rural ports for infrastructure repair, improvement, and development projects for the purpose of rural economic development.

A jurisdiction may submit only one application to the Rural Ports Program. Infrastructure repair, improvement, and development projects for the purpose of rural economic development:

• Enable and encourage private sector business creation or expansion
• Enhance the vitality and livability of the community
• Enhance local tourism

Washington State Department of Commerce

The Washington State Department of Commerce is the front door of government across our state. Our work touches every corner of Washington and impacts every community. We are advancing the most urgent needs facing our state: the transition to a clean energy economy, climate resilience, housing supply to meet our growing population, and the equitable engagement of communities, Tribes, local governments, and organizations.

Vision: A Washington where every community grows through access to opportunities and innovation. Mission: Commerce fosters resilient communities by building partnerships, delivering resources, and advancing equity through responsive, transparent and collaborative public service.

CERB Rural Ports Program – Tier 3: Match Projects

The 2025 Washington Legislature directed the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) to provide grants to rural ports for infrastructure repair, improvement, and development projects for the purpose of rural economic development.

A jurisdiction may submit only one application to the Rural Ports Program. Infrastructure repair, improvement, and development projects for the purpose of rural economic development:

• Enable and encourage private sector business creation or expansion
• Enhance the vitality and livability of the community
• Enhance local tourism

CERB requires a cash match for all projects. The cash match is identified in the application approved by CERB and subsequent pre-contract conditions. Any secured funds for the public project approved by CERB, including other state or federal loans and grants, may be considered matching funds.

The Burning Foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, totaling around $650,000 annually, to support environmental 501(c)(3) organizations in Washington and Oregon. The foundation focuses on preserving habitats that enhance biodiversity and promote quiet recreation. Eligible projects must align with their mission of protecting local rivers, forests, and ecosystems. Preference is given to local initiatives over national organizations, encouraging grassroots efforts in environmental conservation.

The Save the Redwoods League Research Grant supports innovative research aimed at protecting redwood forests amidst environmental changes. Proposals that contribute to conservation or restoration science for coast redwood and giant sequoia forests are encouraged, particularly those led by Indigenous communities. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and public agencies. The League prioritizes projects that demonstrate matching funds and has a strict policy against funding indirect costs.

The Wilburforce Foundation Conservation Grants aim to enhance the conservation of vital lands, waters, and wildlife in Western North America. By 2025, their vision is to ensure native wildlife thrives across connected landscapes. The foundation supports organizations dedicated to strategic conservation efforts, focusing on habitat security and wildlife linkages. Grants are available to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and similar entities, fostering initiatives that protect critical wildlife habitats and promote ecological integrity.

The Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) offers Grant-In-Aid (GIA) funding to support conservation and management programs for wild sheep populations across North America and Central Asia. Established in 1977, WSF prioritizes collaborative proposals that involve partners and matching funds. The organization has raised over $130 million for wild sheep conservation, emphasizing scientific management and public education about sustainable hunting practices. GIA funding decisions align with WSF's mission and identified priority goals.

The Nashman Faculty Development Grants at George Washington University aim to enhance community engaged scholarship through funding for course development, faculty engagement, and research initiatives. These grants support professional development that fosters partnerships between faculty and the community, encouraging innovative projects that create public benefits. With funding up to $2,000, the initiative invites applications from full-time and long-term part-time faculty, prioritizing collaborations with local organizations.

The Nashman Faculty Development Grants at George Washington University aim to enhance community engaged scholarship through innovative courses and research. These grants support faculty in developing new initiatives that benefit the community, including participatory research, professional development, and strategic planning for academic departments. Faculty involvement with local organizations is prioritized, fostering collaboration and maximizing educational impact. Funding typically ranges from $2,000 to $5,000, enabling the growth of impactful projects that strengthen community ties and student learning.

The Stuntz Mycology Fund offers Mini Grants to support mycological research and education in the Pacific Northwest. Grants, up to $250, are available for K-12 teachers, educators, and students for projects involving fungi, including workshops and science fairs. Applications are accepted anytime, with funds disbursed within 30 days. Although applicants do not need to reside in the region, their projects must benefit the local mycological community.

The Stuntz Mycology Fund offers small grants of up to $1,000 to support mycological research and education in the Pacific Northwest. Established by the Daniel E. Stuntz Memorial Foundation in 1984, the fund prioritizes projects related to mushroom-forming fungi. Applications are accepted anytime, and funds are typically disbursed within 30 days. Eligible applicants include individuals and organizations involved in activities that benefit the Pacific Northwest mycological community.

The Stuntz Mycology Fund offers grants to support mycological research and education in the Pacific Northwest. Grants range from $1,000 to $6,000, with smaller requests accepted any time. Eligible projects include equipment, supplies, and travel for conferences, but exclude for-profit organizations and certain expenses. Priority is given to projects involving mushroom-forming fungi, reflecting Dr. Stuntz's research focus. Applications from outside the region are accepted if they involve PNW fungi.

The Dr. Patricia Allynson Winter Fund supports female graduate students in mycology pursuing teaching careers, reflecting the late Dr. Winter's priorities. Grants range from $1,000 to $6,000, with year-round applications for amounts under $1,000. Eligible applicants include female students and post-doctoral fellows in mycology, while applications from for-profit organizations and outside the Pacific Northwest are ineligible. Preference is given to projects involving mushroom-forming fungi, aligning with Dr. Stuntz's research focus.

The Nashman Faculty Development Grants at George Washington University aim to foster community engaged scholarship by funding innovative courses, research, and assessment initiatives. These grants support faculty in their efforts to collaborate with community partners, enhancing the impact of their work. With funding up to $2,000, priority is given to junior faculty and projects that involve Washington, DC organizations. This initiative promotes the development of engaged scholarship that benefits both the academic community and society.

 Washington State Arts Commission

ArtsWA is the Washington State Arts Commission. We are a state agency, formed by the Washington State Legislature in 1961. Our mission is to nurture and support the role of the arts in the lives of all Washingtonians.

ArtsWA promotes and documents the public value of the arts. We are dedicated to accountability and accessibility. Our commissioners and staff work together to support the following main programs:

• Public Art. We manage and protect the State Art Collection, a shared cultural resource.
• Grants. We provide grant opportunities to expand art participation statewide.
• Creative Districts. We support communities that connect arts and culture to economic development.
• Arts in Education. We support high quality, standards-based arts education as a part of PreK-12 basic education.

Self-directed Art Practice (SAP) Grant

ArtsWA’s Wellness, Arts, and Military (WAM) program aims to introduce more Veterans and military-connected families to the enriching possibilities of the arts. Whether someone is picking up a creative practice for the first time or returning to a long-time interest, the arts offer a space for self-expression, connection, and discovery. Through participation in artistic experiences, individuals can explore new skills, build community, and engage in meaningful personal growth. Engaging in an art practice improves physical, social, and emotional well-being for active-military, Veterans, and their families.

Through the Self-directed Art Practice (SAP) grant program, WAM offers this unique opportunity for eligible military-connected individuals to spend time pursuing an art practice for professional and personal development.

The SAP grant provides one-time grants. These grants pay for costs associated with taking time to practice art throughout the grant period.

Applicants must provide:

• an art practice plan
• 3 art samples
• a simple budget that shows how time and funds will be used

The Nashman Faculty Development Grants at George Washington University aim to support faculty in developing community engaged scholarship initiatives. These grants, which can provide up to $5,000, encourage the creation of new courses, research projects, and professional development activities that foster collaboration between the university and community partners. Faculty participation is key, with a preference for projects aligned with local organizations to enhance community outcomes and scholarly work.

The PERS Student Research Fund supports graduate students in estuarine sciences through grants of up to $250. Established in memory of Pete Eldridge, the fund now allows donations in honor of individuals. Eligible applicants are MS or PhD students, current PERS members, and those studying in the PERS region, which includes Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. Award recipients are recognized at the annual PERS meeting.

The Nashman Faculty Development Grants at George Washington University support faculty in developing community-engaged scholarship initiatives. These grants focus on courses, research, and creative activities that foster collaboration with local communities to address significant social issues. With funding up to $5,000, projects may include course development, participatory research, and professional development. The initiative emphasizes partnerships with regional organizations, aiming for sustainable community impact through equitable research and engagement.