Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations in Washington

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Community Response Fund Grant by the Northwest Fund for the Environment supports local organizations addressing urgent community needs. It focuses on grassroots engagement and environmental movement building, providing short-term funding for projects that empower under-resourced communities and enhance environmental advocacy. The grant aims to promote smart growth policies and protect Washington's aquatic ecosystems by funding initiatives that advance sustainable practices and resilience against climate change. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with a clear project plan.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The RE/MAX Equity Group Foundation Grant aims to support small, local, and grassroots charitable organizations in the Portland metro and SW Washington areas. With contributions ranging from $500 to $2,500, the foundation focuses on tangible needs such as food, clothing, and medical services. Priority is given to organizations that support children and families, demonstrating low operating expenses and direct community engagement to maximize impact.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Neighbor to Neighbor (N2N) Grant, managed by the Seattle Foundation, empowers grassroots organizations in South Seattle, White Center, and Kent to enhance community engagement and influence. Established in 1991, this program prioritizes efforts addressing poverty and racial disparities. With grants up to $7,500, N2N focuses on initiatives led by diverse communities. Applicants must demonstrate fiscal responsibility and a commitment to equity, seeking to strengthen community networks and enhance local support systems.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Washington

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

The Black United Fund of Oregon (BUF-OR) provides Community Impact Grants to support the social and economic development of underserved communities in Oregon. Annually, BUF-OR awards grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to nonprofit organizations that align with its mission and focus on BIPOC communities. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and operate within Oregon or SW Washington. This initiative aims to empower grassroots organizations and enhance community well-being.

The Emerging Justice Fund Grant, offered by Social Justice Fund Northwest, aims to support grassroots organizing in communities affected by systemic injustices. With a funding cycle starting in February, the grant prioritizes organizations led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Eligible groups can apply for a one-year grant of $10,000, with a final deadline of September 12th. This initiative emphasizes unrestricted funding to empower marginalized communities and foster long-term social justice solutions.

Tenant and Housing Justice Grant

Social Justice Fund Northwest (SJF) is pleased to announce the 2026 Tenant & Housing Justice Grant, open to grassroots organizations in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and/or Wyoming.

Grant Awards:

• Maximum one-year grant award of $25,000

Focus:

• Tenant and housing justice organizing in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming

Description

This grant seeks to support organizations working to undo and/or create alternative solutions to exploitative housing systems which were built and are sustained by capitalism, colonialism, classism, racism, xenophobia, and ableism. This grant will fund organizations that meet SJF’s community organizing framework and prioritize communities underrepresented in traditional grantmaking.

Tenant and Housing Justice community organizing work can include, but is not limited to:

• Collective power building among tenants to dismantle and push against the current oppressive housing systems and structures 
  • Examples: rental and utilities assistance, tenants’ rights training, eviction prevention and intervention, etc.
• Local and statewide tenant and housing systems/policy change 
• Tenant leadership development
• Creating collective, cooperative housing structures
• Re-entry organizing by and for folks who were recently incarcerated to provide housing and resources, influence and set policy, etc.
• Disability justice organizing focused on affordable, accessible, and supportive housing for disabled folks and elders
• Survivor-led organizing for people transitioning out of abusive situations

The Pride Foundation Community Grants Program supports LGBTQ+ organizations in the Northwest by providing consistent funding to advance equity and justice. Since 1987, over $12 million has been awarded, with a focus on innovative and grassroots organizations. The 2024 cycle includes both proactive grants and open applications, ensuring accessibility for all eligible groups. This initiative centers on racial justice and aims to empower BIPOC and TGNC communities, fostering health, education, and community-building efforts.

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 Inatai Campaigns, Litigation, Issues & Policy (CLIP) Fund Grant supports community-led campaigns that advance equity and racial justice across Washington. With a flexible funding approach, CLIP empowers diverse leaders to influence policy through grassroots organizing, litigation, and legislative advocacy. This initiative seeks to transform systems by funding campaigns in often overlooked areas, ensuring that communities most affected by inequities have the resources needed to engage in political action.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

Washington Women’s Foundation - Grassroots

Our focus:

Improving the lives of women & girls most impacted by inequity in Washington 

We know that all women/girls are impacted by sexism. From WaWF’s race and gender equity focused learning of the past several years we also know that inequity is not experienced by all women in the same way. We know women of color experience the intersectional nature of race and gender in compounding ways. We know that trans women experience discrimination and harassment based on their gender identity in addition to any other identities they may hold.  

Our grants focus on women/girls most impacted by inequity. As a learning organization, this means we will continue to build on our understanding of race even as we apply a more targeted gender lens to our grantmaking. Targeted Universalism shapes our understanding of how to address the intersectional nature of inequities in our state. In simple terms, Targeted Universalism means setting universal goals that can be achieved through targeted approaches. Our universal goal is equity for all in Washington State, and we believe that goal is best achieved by supporting the women and girls most impacted by inequity

Grant Award:

• $20,000 full award, distributed at $10,000 for 2 years 

Number of Grants:

• Up to three grants given per year, with merit awards also available