Sherwood Trust’s Core Competitive Grants

Sherwood Trust is a private foundation established in 1991 to continue the philanthropic legacy of Donald and Virginia Sherwood, focused on enhancing the vitality and cohesion of the Walla Walla Valley region. Over the years, Sherwood Trust has invested more than $38 million into strengthening nonprofits and improving communities in Walla Walla and Columbia counties in Washington, as well as Milton-Freewater, Oregon. Rooted in a commitment to collaboration, empathy, equity, excellence, integrity, and sustainability, Sherwood Trust serves as a catalyst for local transformation and capacity building. The 2025 Core Grants program offered competitive funding to support nonprofit organizations and community-led initiatives that aligned with Sherwood Trust’s vision: ensuring every resident in the Walla Walla Valley experienced a sense of belonging and contributed to a thriving region. Eligible organizations were encouraged to propose initiatives that represented their most pressing priorities, particularly within the categories of capacity building, community-based projects, and capital improvements. Capacity grants supported operational expansion or innovation that strengthened an organization's resilience. Community grants typically supported neighborhood initiatives involving public agencies, and capital grants were designated for facility or property enhancements. Eligibility required applicants to be registered 501(c)(3) organizations, fiscally sponsored initiatives, or public agencies serving Walla Walla and Columbia counties in Washington or Milton-Freewater, Oregon. Additionally, organizations had to align their proposals with Sherwood Trust’s vision and values. Organizations that received a Core Grant in 2024 were not eligible to reapply until 2027, enforcing a two-year interval between successful applications. The application process for the 2025 cycle included three stages: submission of a Letter of Interest (LOI), a full application upon invitation, and an evaluative site visit. The LOI deadline was February 5, 2025, with decisions on advancing to the application stage announced by February 21, 2025. Full applications were due by March 5, 2025, followed by applicant notifications on March 21, 2025, regarding site visits and additional materials. Site visits were conducted in April, and grant recipients were announced in June 2025 upon completion of grant agreements. Submissions were made through Sherwood Trust’s online grant portal. Manual submissions were not accepted. Applicants were strongly encouraged to contact Sherwood Trust in advance of submission to discuss proposal alignment and eligibility. The application required a detailed project proposal with a budget including funding sources, an overview of the organization and staff, as well as financials including current budgets and three years of past statements. Sherwood Trust’s grantmaking philosophy emphasizes strategic philanthropy over charity, prioritizing initiatives with measurable outcomes, evidence of strong leadership, and support from multiple funders. Proposals seeking support for scholarships, raffles, door prizes, or individual beneficiaries were not eligible. Competitive applications demonstrated sustainability, inclusive community engagement, and tangible contributions to a thriving, equitable region.

Contact Sherwood Trust in advance to discuss alignment; demonstrate multiple funding sources; showcase leadership and community equity.