Best Grants for Science Research in Washington

Washington 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can access funding through US Bancorp Foundation. Organizations based in and serving U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color and addressing multiple “work, home, and play” pillars, may be competitive applicants.

Washington 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on children, education, or health and human services can access funding through Costco Foundation for monetary program support in communities where Costco operates. Eligible organizations should demonstrate clear community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support; science research programs serving children’s health or education may be eligible.

Early-stage independent nonprofits and impact-first, mission-driven for-profits in Washington tackling urgent social or environmental problems can apply for support from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation. Focused on scalable solutions for underserved communities, this global funder offers up to US $300,000 plus intensive capacity-building and community connections for organizations ready to grow their impact.

U.S. R1 research universities in the SSRC College and University Fund for the Social Sciences can secure US $300,000 to launch a Public Exchange that turns research into real-world impact. Grants from Social Science Research Council help Washington and other universities build staffed, branded infrastructure to develop high-impact, cross-sector social science research partnerships.

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.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Washington can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support projects like disaster preparedness, STEM education, affordable housing, and community revitalization that may complement science-related work in the state.

Nonprofit cultural and science institutions conducting STEAM-focused education or youth engagement programs in Washington and across the U.S. can apply for the Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant, with awards of more than US $100,000. Grants from William Randolph Hearst Foundation help organizations fund program, capital, and limited general or endowment support that demonstrate measurable, lasting impact.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Nonprofit and social enterprise programs improving education, health, or family economic stability for urban low-income children in Washington and across the U.S. can seek more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation backs organizations working in education, children’s health, and poverty alleviation in the U.S., India, and South Africa.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

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.

Washington 501(c)(3) wildlife conservation nonprofits can access funding through Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant to share the impact of their work. Eligible U.S. organizations aligned with preservation, education, or wellness pillars receive more than US $50,000 to develop storytelling projects that highlight meaningful community change, including conservation-related initiatives and research communication.

Washington BIPOC-led nonprofits running youth education, culture, or athletics programs for ages 6–18 can access funding through Charlotte Martin Foundation for program or general operating support. Organizations headquartered in Washington or other eligible Western states that engage youth in STEAM learning, cultural expression, sports, or college preparation may be competitive applicants.

Established 501(c)(3) organizations conducting education, health, environmental, or related humanitarian programs in Washington and the broader Southern region can seek support for single-year projects. The Robinson Foundation funds efforts in areas like medical assistance, poverty relief, disaster relief, children and families, veterans’ issues, and nature and wildlife conservation, excluding capital or facilities projects.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations conducting community or environmental projects in Washington can seek support for their work through the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. The foundation provides flexible funding for charitable initiatives, and Washington-based groups doing science-related community, environmental, or peacebuilding efforts may be eligible to apply.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries conducting environmental or human services work, including in Washington, can receive unrestricted operating or program funding from the Lawrence Foundation, typically ranging from US $5,000 - US $10,000. The foundation supports U.S.-headquartered groups, which may include those doing science or earth science-related research within its environmental priorities.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s community grants to support programs like hunger relief, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, and cultural enrichment. Organizations in Washington may be eligible, with priority for sites near Ameriprise employee centers and strong Ameriprise volunteer engagement.

Forestry researchers and institutions in Washington can seek funding for science research on nursery tree production, root systems, and transplanting techniques. Focused on improving root-ball development and establishment success, Tree Fund invites projects that advance root science and urban tree performance, which may benefit broader biology and earth science research efforts.

Libraries, health organizations, and other NNLM Region 5 member institutions in Washington and neighboring states can receive US $2,000 for staff professional development that strengthens health information services. National Library of Medicine funding, administered by NNLM Region 5, supports U.S.-based conferences, workshops, and trainings on health literacy, data science, public health, citizen science, and related topics.

Washington 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving economic stability, workforce readiness, health and social services, or disaster relief can access funding through O'Reilly Automotive Foundation for project, general operating, or capital support. U.S.-based community organizations serving underserved people near O’Reilly Auto Parts locations may benefit, including programs addressing hunger, homelessness, literacy, mental health, and related needs.

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.

Washington public schools seeking support for outdoor educational experiences in Washington can apply for grants of US $10,000 - US $175,000 to expand student learning outside the classroom. With a mission to enhance outdoor learning, Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office funds experiential education, STEAM activities, habitat restoration, field studies, and leadership-focused programs that may incorporate science research components.

Washington nonprofits, public institutions, and community groups working on environmental conservation, natural resources, or community enhancement projects can access funding through PacifiCorp/Pacific Power/Rocky Mountain Power Foundation. Grants up to US $10,000 support efforts like parks and trails, science centers, libraries, affordable housing, and local economic development in eligible Washington counties served by Pacific Power.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.