Best Whatcom County Grants for Nonprofits in Washington

The Glaser Foundation Grants focus on direct services primarily for children and the elderly. They support innovative medical research, programs for children with disabilities, education initiatives, and services for economically disadvantaged seniors. Additionally, they address challenges faced by families from disadvantaged backgrounds and at-risk youth. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities operating in Western Washington, particularly King County, to apply. The foundation prefers direct line services over large capital campaigns.

The Puget Sound Stewardship and Mitigation Fund Grant aims to enhance water quality in Puget Sound through community-based projects. Funded by the Rose Foundation, the grant supports 501(c)3 organizations and governmental entities focusing on pollution mitigation, conservation, and education. Grants typically span one year with a maximum of $40,000. The foundation prefers locally-led initiatives and encourages applications from environmental justice organizations to foster equity in project implementation.

The Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Removal Board Grant, established in 2014, aims to enhance salmon and steelhead migration by funding projects that remove fish passage barriers. With $25 million available through the PROTECT program, local governments can apply for projects exceeding $1 million. This initiative, administered by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Recreation and Conservation Office, supports sustainable transportation solutions while aligning with state conservation principles.

The ESRP Regional Pre-Design Projects aim to enhance ecosystem restoration in Puget Sound through strategic investments. By identifying ecological needs and uncertainties, these projects guide the selection and development of effective restoration initiatives. Through scientific analysis, they help address complex issues related to nearshore and salmon recovery. Funded by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, these projects are crucial for improving restoration outcomes in diverse ecosystems, including delta, beach, and embayment environments.

The Paul Wiseman Conservation Education Grant, offered by the Keta Legacy Foundation, supports conservation-focused non-profit organizations in the Salish Sea region. With a funding limit of $15,000, this grant encourages impactful educational projects and restoration initiatives that promote environmental awareness. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and community agencies. The foundation aims to enhance conservation efforts and foster community engagement in preserving the region's unique ecosystems.

The Laurendeau Cancer Care Fund, established in 1980, offers financial support to residents of Whatcom County undergoing cancer treatment. Named after Dr. Theresa Laurendeau, a dedicated pathologist, the fund addresses the mental and financial challenges faced by cancer patients and their families. With initial funding from Dr. Laurendeau, the foundation has assisted over 500 patients, ensuring they receive the medical care needed without undue financial burden. For inquiries, contact the Chuckanut Health Foundation.

The Lucky Seven Foundation

Manson and Frances Backus created "Lucky Seven" with the hope of giving back and improving the community where they lived and prospered for so many years. Since 1996, the Lucky Seven Foundation has provided grants to nonprofit organizations which have included, but were not limited to, those that benefit health, welfare, education, arts, and the environment. As the next generation, we aim to continue their mission.

The Pilot Project Grant at Western Washington University aims to initiate innovative research and creative endeavors. With funding up to $5,000, it supports diverse activities such as proof-of-principle projects, planning meetings, and data gathering for new collaborations. Open to all non-student employees, the program encourages exploration beyond traditional research boundaries. However, it does not fund fixed-term activities or ongoing projects. This initiative is designed to foster long-term, impactful scholarly work within the university.

Nonprofits, tribal agencies, public or religious institutions, and fiscally sponsored projects in Whatcom County, Washington can receive up to US $5,000 for community-building initiatives that foster neighborliness and connection. Focused on urban planning, community development, and rural development, Whatcom Community Foundation invites ideas that bring together people who might not otherwise meet.

The PLTW Gateway Program Expansion, funded by Phillips 66, aims to enhance educational equity by supporting middle schools in STEM. With a total award of $10,000, the initiative focuses on expanding existing PLTW Gateway programs, particularly for schools serving high-need student populations. This partnership encourages a diverse workforce by providing opportunities for girls and people of color, ensuring they explore various STEM pathways during critical developmental years.

The Community Food Co-op invites applications for donations and sponsorships to support local initiatives in Whatcom County. Our mission is to foster cooperative ownership and promote community well-being through quality products and education. We prioritize funding requests that align with our strategic goals, ensuring that our contributions effectively enhance community engagement and sustainable practices.

Seattle City Light's Wildlife Research Grant provides funding for projects aimed at understanding and protecting wildlife resources in the North Cascades ecosystem. Since 1995, the program has supported diverse research initiatives, producing significant academic contributions and informing wildlife management practices. Researchers are encouraged to focus on key priorities such as habitat connectivity and the effects of climate change on vulnerable species. The program seeks projects that complement existing research and adhere to professional standards.

Kaiser Permanente's Washington Region offers sponsorships to nonprofit organizations, schools, and government agencies that align with its mission to improve community health. With a focus on sustainability, equity, and relationship-building, the program evaluates proposals based on their potential to create lasting value and positive exposure. Ineligible requests include support for religious activities, political campaigns, or individual medical funding, ensuring that resources are directed towards community-driven initiatives that enhance public health.

Grants from Community Food Co-op help Whatcom County, Washington nonprofits and cooperative organizations fund community programs in areas like food and sustainable agriculture, social justice, ecological issues, education, health, and community development. Eligible Bellingham and Whatcom County groups receive 2% of sales from both Co-op locations on their designated Community Shopping Day.

The Chuckanut Health Foundation offers Community Grants to support critical health programs and infrastructure, with awards ranging from $2,600 to $26,000 annually. Established in 1983, the foundation focuses on fostering a healthy community by addressing health needs across six areas, including early childhood and health care access. Emphasizing community-led initiatives, these grants aim to empower local organizations to enhance the well-being of residents. Over $18 million has been awarded to over 280 non-profits since inception.

The Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program (ESRP) offers Beach Restoration Small Grants to support projects that enhance and conserve near-shore environments in Puget Sound. This initiative, managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, aims to maintain resilient estuaries and shorelines in the face of climate change. Grants are provided to create demonstration sites for local landowners, promoting effective restoration practices and fostering community engagement.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government units, school districts, and tribes in Whatcom County, Washington can access funding through First Fed Foundation to support community services, affordable housing, economic development, and community development projects. Grants from US $5,000 - US $100,000 prioritize low- to moderate-income and marginalized residents and capacity-building initiatives.

The Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program (ESRP) offers Shore Friendly Grants aimed at restoring beach systems along Puget Sound’s marine shorelines. The program emphasizes the protection and enhancement of coastal ecosystems, specifically targeting the restoration of beaches and bluffs. By utilizing the best available science and social marketing principles, these grants seek to support sustainable improvements in ecosystem functions, thereby enhancing the natural processes and services provided by these vital areas.

The City of Bellingham offers Community/Public Facility Improvement Grants aimed at enhancing facilities that benefit low-income individuals and areas. This funding, totaling approximately $250,000, supports various community projects such as food banks, senior centers, childcare facilities, and community centers. Additional funding may be available for housing initiatives. This program aims to strengthen community infrastructure and improve access to essential services for those in need.

Youth Lead Project — Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program

The Washington State Department of Commerce is making up to $646,065 available in Youth Lead Project grant funding. The Office of Homeless Youth received awards through HUD’s Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) to provide interventions that prevent and end youth homelessness in Washington’s Balance of State (BoS) Continuum of Care (CoC).

The Youth Lead Project was developed by the BoS YHDP Youth Action Board, known as the Youth for Youth (Y4Y) Board, to embed youth voice into every aspect of the youth homelessness response system. Grant funds support professional opportunities for young adults with lived experience of homelessness to address youth homelessness through both direct service delivery activities, like street outreach and case management, and participating in leadership activities for local and statewide system change efforts.

Grant funds must be used to support youth and young adults, ages 12-24, who meet criteria for category 1, 2, or 4 of the HUD definition of homelessness at enrollment. Youth Lead Project grants are for supportive services only and do not include housing programs or ongoing rental assistance.

The National Estuary Program Watersheds Grant Program, administered by Restore America’s Estuaries and supported by the EPA, funds competitive projects addressing critical threats to estuaries. Key priorities include habitat restoration, enhancing coastal resilience against extreme weather, managing nutrient impacts, and mitigating stormwater runoff. Established in 1987, the program aims to improve ecological integrity and water quality in 28 estuaries nationwide, providing essential funding and guidance to local initiatives.

Impact 100 Seattle empowers women to make a difference through collective grantmaking. We focus on transformative change by supporting community-based organizations in the Puget Sound area. Our trust-based philanthropy approach allows us to address root causes of social issues while building strong relationships. With a commitment to funding diverse initiatives in Arts, Health, Education, Environment, and Families, we aim to create lasting impact through our grants, including a major grant of $100,000.

The Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program (ESRP) aims to enhance the Puget Sound nearshore ecosystem by funding innovative projects that restore natural processes. Proposals should focus on ecosystem preservation and address degradation sources, ensuring results are broadly applicable across the region. Key objectives include improving river delta estuaries, coastal embayments, and beach quality while fostering understanding of effective restoration techniques. Successful projects will align with priority management measures established by the Puget Sound Nearshore Ecosystem Restoration Project.

The Bellingham Tourism Grant Program, specifically the Start-Up Grant, is designed to promote new tourism and cultural activities in Bellingham. It provides funding of up to $5,000 to for-profit and non-profit organizations for initiatives that draw visitors to the city. The program aims to enhance economic activity by supporting events that engage tourists, ensuring that all activities funded are open to the public.

The Manuscript Preparation Grants Program at Western Washington University offers up to $2,500 for manuscript preparation and publication costs. Eligible applicants include non-student employees with formal university appointments. The program supports costs such as indexing, licensing fees, and open-access fees, excluding self-published works unless justified. Due to high demand, applicants are encouraged to utilize this funding to enhance their professional scholarship and contribute to their academic disciplines.

Whatcom County, Washington 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through the Norcliffe Foundation for arts and culture, education, healthcare, human services, and civic or community projects. Eligible organizations in the Puget Sound region may request capacity building, capital, general operating, program, or matching support for locally focused work.

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.