Best Washington Grants for Nonprofits

The Washington Apple Education Foundation (WAEF) offers scholarships to over 300 students this year, providing more than $1 million in educational awards. Eligible applicants include Washington state high school seniors and college students connected to the tree fruit industry, either through family ties or direct involvement. Scholarships can be renewed for up to four years if requirements are met, allowing students to pursue diverse academic paths at accredited institutions.

The Washington Apple Education Foundation (WAEF) offers scholarships for students connected to the tree fruit industry. This year, over 300 students will benefit from more than $1 million in educational awards. Scholarships are available for children and grandchildren of Van Doren Sales employees, supporting various degrees at accredited colleges and universities. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and college students with ties to the industry, particularly in vocational fields such as IT and machine technology.

The Community Firearm Violence Intervention and Prevention Grants (CFVIP) by the Washington State Department of Commerce aim to enhance public safety through targeted initiatives in communities disproportionately affected by gun violence. The program prioritizes youth and young adults at high risk, encouraging evidence-based, culturally relevant strategies. With a funding cap of $8 million, grants range from $400,000 for single organizations to $800,000 for collaborative efforts, fostering community-led solutions to reduce firearm violence.

The Bonnie Plants 3rd Grade Cabbage Grant Program inspires young students to cultivate a love for gardening by providing free oversized cabbage plants to 3rd grade classrooms across the continental U.S. Initiated in 1996, the program encourages hands-on learning about where food comes from. Each year, students compete for a $1,000 prize awarded to the best cabbage grown, fostering excitement and education about agriculture. This initiative not only promotes environmental awareness but also engages students in practical science.

The Cambia Health Foundation / Paula A. Jones Endowed Scholarship supports students from underrepresented communities in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Utah. This scholarship is aimed at those pursuing careers in health care, particularly individuals from rural areas and diverse backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are open until March 1, 2025, and can be submitted through the OSAC portal.

The WAEF Scholarships, supported by the Washington Apple Education Foundation, provide over $1 million in funding to more than 300 students linked to the tree fruit industry. Eligible applicants include current high school seniors and college students with family ties to the industry, pursuing degrees in tree fruit production or management at accredited institutions in Washington. This initiative fosters educational opportunities for those committed to the future of the tree fruit sector.

The WAEF Scholarships support over 300 students this year, providing more than $1 million in educational awards. Open to Washington state high school seniors and current college students with ties to the tree fruit industry, these scholarships are designed for individuals whose parents or guardians are employed in relevant roles. Recipients can pursue various degrees at accredited institutions, highlighting the commitment to fostering education within the local agricultural community.

The WAEF Scholarships, funded by the Washington Apple Education Foundation, support over 300 students annually with more than $1 million in awards. These scholarships are designed for Washington state high school seniors and current college students pursuing vocational or technical education in the tree fruit industry. Eligible recipients can apply for two $3000 scholarships, with funding raised from contributions by the tree fruit industry. This initiative aims to foster educational opportunities for students in Washington's fruit-growing regions.

The Restore Grant, funded by Zero Foodprint and supported by the USDA National Resources Conservation Service, aims to sequester atmospheric carbon through improved soil health. By incentivizing regenerative agricultural practices, the program promotes climate resilience and enhances nutrient density in food systems. It facilitates equitable funding distribution while engaging the public in climate action. Through competitive grants, it empowers farmers and ranchers to adopt sustainable practices, thereby contributing to regional food security and environmental benefits.

The Washington State Legislature funded the Outdoor Learning Grants program with the goal to develop and support outdoor educational experiences for students in Washington public schools.

All children deserve access to outdoor spaces where they can learn, play, and grow, but access to outdoor educational opportunities is inequitable.

From reducing stress, to improving mental and physical health, outdoor-based learning helps youth thrive. Research shows that students who participate in outdoor educational activities are more likely to graduate, are better behaved in school, and have more relationships with peers, higher academic achievement, more critical thinking skills, and more direct experience of scientific concepts in the field. They also have better leadership and collaboration skills and a deeper engagement with learning, place, and community.

Typical Projects

• Experiential outdoor education
• Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) activities
• Hands-on habitat restoration and stewardship projects
• Natural resources career-connected learning
• Immersive field studies
• Leadership development and mentorship opportunities

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.

The GHF Sponsorship Requests program supports organizations in Washington that focus on health equity and community building. By prioritizing groups led by those they serve, especially marginalized communities, the program aims to foster events that promote racial justice and inclusion. Organizations can apply for sponsorships for a variety of events, ensuring accessibility and community engagement. Applications are accepted year-round, with a 60-day notice required before the event.

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.

Campaigns, Litigation, Issues & Policy (CLIP) Fund

The Campaigns, Litigation, Issues & Policy (CLIP) Fund supports Washington organizations and coalitions engaging in community-led, issue-based campaigns—both active and forthcoming—that can shape policy for a more just and equitable future.

As a 501(c)(4) organization working to advance equity and racial justice across Washington, we know that this work is inherently political, and we know that there are diverse leaders working to shift the political landscape in every community.

That’s why CLIP funding offers flexible support and partnership that community-led campaigns need to build and exercise their political power. 

Campaigns We Fund

Below are examples of campaign activity that CLIP supports:

• Ballot Measures and Initiaves: Campaigns in support of or opposition to state and local ballot measures and initiatives that impact communities’ power.
• Litigation: Legal actions by local campaigns to protect and create rights and advance power-building efforts of Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, and other communities of color.
• Legislative Advocacy: Ensuring that communities’ expertise is factored into decision-making in Olympia on the policies and issues that matter most to them.
• Grassroots Organizing Around a Campaign: Activating community support around elections, legislative activity, and other pivotal moments that inform and impact policy on specific issues.
• Polling and Research: Advancing campaign strategy by better understanding the perspectives of the electorate and how to educate them about policy issues.

The WAEF Scholarships, provided by the Washington Apple Education Foundation, support over 300 students with more than $1 million in educational awards this year. Established in honor of CEO Tom Stokes, the scholarship targets first-generation college students connected to Washington's tree fruit industry. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and current college students with industry ties. Awards can be applied to various accredited institutions, ensuring access to quality education for those in need.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research utilizing data from the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission. This project aims to enhance hydrologic decision-making by providing low-latency water resource monitoring data across over 1 million locations in the U.S. It promotes collaboration between USGS and CESU researchers to improve data accuracy and automate water surface elevation publication, benefiting scientists and resource managers.

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.

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 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.

The Transformation Grants program addresses the urgent need for quality, affordable housing for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the U.S. By providing funding for innovative, community-based housing solutions, the program aims to enhance the lives of those with IDD. Grants up to $300,000 per year support initiatives that focus on inclusivity and sustainability. Organizations in Oregon and Washington serving this population are encouraged to apply for funding to create impactful housing opportunities.

Marathon Petroleum Corporation's Community Investment Grants aim to enhance community welfare through strategic partnerships with 501(c)(3) non-profits and government entities. The focus areas include workforce development, sustainability, and thriving communities, reflecting the company's commitment to making a measurable impact in regions where they operate. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based and recognized as non-profits. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that align with its values and community needs, ensuring support for impactful projects.

The Coaching Enhancement Grant - Division II aims to enhance diversity in NCAA coaching by providing financial support for new assistant coaching positions. This grant specifically targets increased representation of ethnic minorities and women in athletics. Selected schools receive funding for three years to cover salaries and benefits, totaling $370,000 annually for up to 21 institutions. Eligible schools must be active NCAA Division II members committed to these diversity efforts.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant - Division II offers financial support to enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles across NCAA Division II institutions. With an annual budget of $860,000, the grant aims to fund up to 20 schools and conferences each year. Eligible applicants must be active Division II members and are encouraged to collaborate with their human resources departments during the proposal process, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.

Accepting applications for affordable multifamily rental projects — state funding available

What funding is available?

The Washington State Department of Commerce is soliciting applications for multifamily rental affordable housing projects seeking capital funding from Washington State’s Housing Trust Fund (HTF), administered by the Multifamily Housing Unit (MHU).

This Notice of Funding Availability and Solicitation (NOFA) is intended for applicants seeking to undertake activities resulting in an increase of affordable housing stock in Washington State, or to preserve existing affordable housing stock through rehabilitation.

MHU intends to award $138,547,977 made available by the Washington State Legislature.

Accepting applications for affordable multifamily rental projects — IDD funding available

What funding is available?

The Washington State Department of Commerce (Commerce) is soliciting applications for new multifamily rental affordable housing projects seeking capital funding from Washington State’s Housing Trust Fund (HTF), administered by the Multifamily Housing Unit (MHU).

This Notice of Funding Availability and Solicitation (NOFA) is intended for applicants seeking to undertake activities resulting in an increase of affordable housing stock in Washington State, or to preserve existing affordable housing stock through rehabilitation.

MHU intends to award $$21,892,625 made available by the Washington State Legislature.

The Nashman Faculty Development Grants at George Washington University support the creation of community engaged scholarship courses, research, and professional development initiatives. The program is aimed at enhancing faculty engagement with community partners through innovative teaching and research methods. Grants of up to $2,000 are available for course redesigns that incorporate service-learning or participatory research, promoting collaboration and impact in the Washington, D.C. region.

Building Communities Fund (BCF) Program Guidelines — 2027–2029

About this grant

The Building Communities Fund (BCF) awards state grants to nonprofits and Tribes to help cover costs to buy, build or improve non-residential community and social service facilities.

If approved, you will receive reimbursements for 25% of your eligible project costs. In rare cases, we may increase this percentage (see Rare cases when we may fund more than 25%).

Program purpose and background

The Legislature created this program in 2008 to fund projects that expand community and social services. It helps nonprofits, Tribes and their partners build or renovate facilities that serve communities in need. These investments support economic, social and educational opportunities in these communities.

BCF awards grants through a competitive process. Approved projects will receive funding through the state capital budget.

Funds for this program come from selling state bonds. They do not include any federal funds.

Clean Energy Fund (CEF) Building Electrification Grant Program

Commerce is accepting applications for the Clean Energy Fund Building Electrification Grant Program. These grants are intended to be used by current program grantees to enhance their existing building electrification projects and pursue additional measures to increase energy savings and greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

Funding

Commerce will distribute the remaining $495,000 from the CEF5 Building Electrification Grant Program. There is no minimum request amount, and the maximum award is $495,000.