Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Washington

Washington 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can access funding through Costco Foundation for monetary program needs in communities where Costco operates. Eligible organizations must show clear community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and a broad base of financial support; applications are typically reviewed within 4–6 weeks.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Washington with innovative approaches to human and social services and related issues can seek seed funding to address social problems. Creag Foundation supports smaller or evolving organizations developing new solutions in areas like health, community development, literacy, environment, and public safety; inquiries begin with a letter of inquiry and invitation-only applications.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting youth health, education, development, or welfare can seek seed funding for programs in Washington and beyond. With a mission to enrich children’s lives, Dan Paul Foundation provides up to US $15,000 for initiatives such as early childhood development, child advocacy, homelessness, poverty relief, refugee enrichment, and environmental education.

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.

U.S. R1 research universities that are members of SSRC’s College and University Fund for the Social Sciences can secure funding to launch a Public Exchange, turning social science research into real-world impact. Grants from Social Science Research Council help Washington institutions and other eligible universities join the Public Exchange Network with US $300,000 in executive director support and startup resources.

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 auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, job training, financial literacy, STEM education, and food insecurity efforts across the U.S.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in Washington offering substantial arts or science programming for large audiences can apply for the Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant, with awards typically more than US $100,000. Grants from William Randolph Hearst Foundation help U.S. arts schools, museums, ballets, theaters, and similar organizations with program, capital, and limited general or endowment support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting early childhood education or community economic development can apply for funding in Washington communities where PNC has a significant presence. PNC Foundation provides support for programs such as early learning, educator development, affordable housing, small business assistance, job training, arts and neighborhood revitalization that primarily serve low- and moderate-income children, families, and communities.

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.

Washington 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust. Grants support well-managed organizations whose U.S.-based projects significantly benefit their target populations and the broader public, offering potential seed or growth funding for impactful community initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Washington can seek funding for community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, environment, and inclusion initiatives. Bank of America Foundation provides U.S. sponsorship support for programs preserving neighborhoods, addressing hunger and shelter, and strengthening the economic, social, and cultural life of local communities.

Nonprofits and public agencies in Washington planning or educating around historic preservation can seek US $2,500 - US $5,000 seed funding for local projects. National Trust for Historic Preservation supports planning, capacity building, and public education efforts that advance preservation, including professional consulting, staff time, community forums, and innovative outreach to new audiences.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on education, poverty relief, health, animal welfare, or related human services in Washington may be eligible for support, with funding limited to single-year projects. Robinson Foundation provides Southern-region charities with grants that create tangible, meaningful impact, prioritizing programs serving children, families, veterans, disaster relief, and spiritual or nature-focused initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding, including those in Washington, can seek support for their charitable programs. Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides flexible funding to groups aiming to create positive change for people, the environment, and global well-being.

Washington nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities can access funding through Georgia-Pacific Foundation for projects in education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environment. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) or qualified public entities, located within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community and serving that community’s long-term well-being.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Washington located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. The TJX Foundation supports initiatives that help vulnerable families and children access resources and opportunities to build better futures.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

IRS-qualified nonprofit organizations in Washington seeking seed or early-stage support for community programs can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 in grants from the Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation. Funding may support museums, arts, education, youth and senior services, disability programs, environmental and wildlife efforts, health facilities, and other community-based initiatives across the U.S.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Washington working on basic needs, community development, or volunteer-driven causes can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s Community Grants to support program delivery and expansion. U.S.-based groups with strong Ameriprise volunteer engagement and measurable results in hunger relief, housing, financial literacy, arts access, or workforce readiness may be competitive.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Washington 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving economic stability, workforce readiness, health, or disaster relief can access funding through O'Reilly Automotive Foundation for project, general operating, or capital support. U.S.-based community-benefit organizations in O’Reilly Auto Parts service areas that serve underserved or underrepresented people may be eligible for these grants.

Washington 501(c)(3) nonprofits launching or expanding community programs can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants; awards range from US $5,000 - US $30,000. Eligible projects include safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability efforts in Union Pacific–served communities, with emphasis on direct services and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Washington working on youth development, education, basic needs, or environmental stewardship can apply for the True Inspiration Awards, with grants ranging from US $30,000 - US $350,000. Grants from Chick Fil A Foundation help programs supporting underserved youth, food security, housing, and community or environmental projects; early-stage initiatives may be competitive.

Youth Service America

Youth Service America believes that youth, communities, and our democracy thrive when we all work together for the common good. YSA is a leading global nonprofit that activates young people, ages 5-25, to find their voice, take action, and acquire powerful civic and 21st Century skills as they solve problems facing their communities. YSA supports its activation campaigns with grants, training and resources, and recognition programs for young people and their adult champions. Youth-led projects use Awareness, Service, Advocacy, and Philanthropy (ASAP) strategies to create social and environmental change.

Our vision is that youth participation in working together for the common good becomes the common expectation and common experience of all young people in America. Even though youth participation rates are at or near record-high levels, we’re still leaving 3 of every 4 young people out, and participation rates are even lower among youth from underserved low-income communities and communities of color.

We Serve to Remember 9/11 Day of Service Grants

YSA’s We Serve to Remember 9/11 Day of Service Grants are for organizations, schools, and youth changemakers ages 5-25 to lead service projects on or around September 11, 2026. Programming efforts should also honor and pay tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, their families, and those who rose in service in response to that tragedy.

This year, YSA will award up to 100 grants of $1,000 each. Grantees are required to engage at least 100 youth as volunteers in planning and implementing the service activities.

Reflecting on the spirit of togetherness that brought people together in the days, weeks, and months after September 11th, we are especially looking for ideas that bring together all members of the community.

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.

With a mission to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant, Gupta Family Foundation provides Washington nonprofits and other small organizations worldwide with US $5,000 - US $250,000 for poverty alleviation, disability services, disaster relief, and human services. Eligible applicants are typically 501(c)(3) entities or foreign organizations meeting affidavit requirements and operating within the foundation’s current country list.