Washington grants for Nonprofits

The Building Communities Fund Program, administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce (WSMA), offers state grants to nonprofit, community-based organizations and Tribes. The program's core mission is to support the acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of nonresidential community and social service centers. Approved projects can receive reimbursement for 25% or more of their eligible capital costs, with the possibility of reduced nonstate match requirements under exceptional circumstances. This grant program aligns with a foundational mission of strengthening community infrastructure and enhancing service delivery, particularly in underserved areas within Washington State. The program specifically targets projects that will deliver services through social service and multipurpose community centers. A key focus is on facilities serving BIPOC and rural communities, as well as those located in "distressed communities" or serving a substantial number of low-income or disadvantaged persons. The impact goals are centered on improving access to essential services and resources for vulnerable populations, fostering community well-being, and addressing disparities in service provision across the state. By investing in these crucial community hubs, the program aims to create lasting positive change. Priorities for the Building Communities Fund include supporting nonresidential facilities that directly contribute to community service. Projects must be non-complete at the time of application, demonstrating an active need for state funds. Furthermore, applicants are expected to have made progress in a capital fundraising campaign, indicating a broader commitment to the project's success. The emphasis on LEED certification or an exemption from Commerce, along with the requirement to pay state prevailing wages, underscores a commitment to sustainable development and fair labor practices. These priorities reflect a strategic approach to ensuring that grant funds are utilized effectively and responsibly, leading to high-quality, impactful community assets. Expected outcomes of the program include a significant increase in the number of acquired, constructed, or rehabilitated nonresidential community and social service centers throughout Washington State. Measurable results would encompass the square footage of new or improved facilities, the number of individuals served by these centers, and the types of services offered. The program's strategic priorities are to enhance community resilience, reduce inequities, and provide vital resources to those who need them most. The underlying theory of change posits that by providing capital funding for essential community infrastructure, the state can empower local organizations to deliver more effective and comprehensive social services, ultimately leading to stronger, healthier, and more equitable communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to state and local governments, Native American tribes, educational institutions, and nonprofits for projects that protect and promote cultural and paleontological resources on public lands in Oregon and Washington.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is offering the 2024 Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund) to advance pollinator conservation. The core mission of this fund is to protect, conserve, and increase habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators. This aligns with NFWF’s broader Monarch Butterfly Business Plan, indicating a strategic, long-term commitment to these species. The fund aims to support both technical assistance for private working lands and direct habitat improvement projects. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include monarch butterflies and other at-risk native insect pollinator species, such as the rusty patched bumble bee, Franklin’s bumble bee, Karner blue butterfly, Dakota skipper, Poweshiek skipperling, and Mitchell’s satyr. The program also indirectly benefits private landowners, farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners, especially those in Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories, by providing resources and incentives for conservation practices on their lands. The overall impact goal is to significantly enhance the quality, quantity, and connectivity of pollinator habitat across eligible states. The Pollinator Fund has two main categories of focus. The first is Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands, which prioritizes increasing voluntary engagement of private landowners in conservation practices through staff resources and targeted outreach for Farm Bill programs like CSP and EQIP. The second category, Habitat Improvement, focuses on on-the-ground restoration and enhancement of pollinator habitat, emphasizing regionally appropriate milkweed and diverse native nectar plants, as well as increasing the supply of native seeds and seedlings. These priorities align with NFWF's strategic goal of fostering sustainable ecosystems through direct habitat restoration and incentivizing private land stewardship. Expected outcomes and measurable results are central to this program. All proposals must demonstrate how they will directly and measurably contribute to the Pollinator Fund's goals, specifically by providing the number of acres restored or enhanced. A minimum of 100 acres in California or 500 acres in all other eligible states must be restored or enhanced. Historically, successful projects have averaged 2,120 acres, indicating a substantial scale for expected impact. The program's theory of change posits that by providing financial assistance and technical support, and by focusing on key geographical areas and species, NFWF can effectively reverse declines in monarch and other native pollinator populations, thereby contributing to broader ecosystem health and biodiversity. The total funding of up to $5.1 million in 2024, contributed by a diverse group of partners, underscores the collaborative and impactful nature of this strategic initiative.

This program provides federal funds to non-profits and local organizations to improve housing, economic opportunities, and living conditions for low- and moderate-income residents in Federal Way.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community organizations in Washington State to enhance their capacity for engaging in environmental justice initiatives and to ensure that underrepresented communities can participate in state-level decision-making regarding environmental health.

UPDATED NOTICE - PLEASE READ: April 6, 2023 EDA is excited to announce the launch of its new grants management platform: the Economic Development Grants Experience (EDGE). EDGE was developed to streamline the application and grants management process by implementing a single platform with increased transparency, improved user experience, higher data quality, and more efficiency throughout the entire grant lifecycle. As of April 6th, 2023, applications can no longer be submitted on Grants.gov, and will ONLY be accepted through EDGE. To apply in EDGE, please go to: sfgrants.eda.gov. More information on how to apply is provided in the full NOFO. PARTNERSHIP PLANNING program instructions: Please note that applicants will be invited to submit applications through EDGE for the Partnership Planning program. For more information, please reach out to your EDA point of contact. Program Description: EDA makes planning and local technical assistance investments to support economic development, foster job creation, and attract private investment in economically distressed areas of the United States. Under the Planning program, EDA makes Partnership Planning, Short-Term Planning, and State Planning awards to eligible recipients to create and implement regional economic development plans designed to build capacity and guide the economic prosperity and resiliency of an area or region. More specifically, EDA makes Partnership Planning investments to designated planning organizations (i.e., District Organizations) serving EDA-designated Economic Development Districts and to Indian Tribes to facilitate the development, implementation, revision, or replacement of Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS), which articulate and prioritize the strategic economic goals of recipients respective regions. EDA also makes Short-Term and State Planning awards for economic development planning activities that guide the eventual creation and retention of high-quality jobs, particularly for the unemployed and underemployed in the Nations most economically distressed regions. Under the Local Technical Assistance program, EDA makes awards to strengthen the capacity of local or State organizations, institutions of higher education, and other eligible entities to undertake and promote effective economic development programs through projects such as feasibility studies, impact analyses, disaster resiliency plans, and project planning. **Please note: While the published Notice of Funding Opportunity (available under "Related Documents") states that the ED900A form and the SF424B form are both required for a complete application, these forms are no longer required and have therefore been removed from the package template.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that deliver high-quality early childhood education and family services to low-income children and families across multiple states in the U.S.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in the Western United States for projects aimed at preventing the spread of invasive quagga and zebra mussels in aquatic ecosystems.

The Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) offers surplus vanpool vans to not-for-profit organizations and government entities through the Community Van Grant Program. This initiative aims to enhance public transportation options by providing retired vans to organizations that can address community transportation needs unmet by WTA services. Eligible applicants include Whatcom County community organizations with 501(c)(3) status or government organizations. The program is competitive due to the limited availability of vehicles. Selected recipients will receive the vehicle title upon award and must submit performance reports for the first year. Up to eleven retired vanpool vehicles will be available in 2024, with a deadline for applications on August 23, 2024.

The Youth Athletic Facilities Program is designed to support communities in acquiring land and developing or renovating outdoor athletic facilities that primarily serve youth up to the age of 18. Administered by the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO), the program aims to expand opportunities for youth participation in sports and organized athletic activities. By funding projects that enhance access to well-designed, safe, and sustainable outdoor athletic spaces, the program fosters physical activity, teamwork, and community engagement among young people. Although the program emphasizes youth-oriented facilities, RCO strongly encourages applicants to design projects that benefit all ages and support a variety of athletic and recreational uses. This inclusive approach ensures that facilities serve as valuable community assets that promote intergenerational engagement and diverse forms of recreation. Projects that demonstrate versatility and community-wide benefit are particularly favored in the grant review process. Eligible projects under the Youth Athletic Facilities Program must involve the creation, renovation, or improvement of outdoor athletic spaces used specifically for organized sports or competitive athletic activities. Qualifying facilities may include ball fields, courts, swimming pools, mountain bike tracks, and skate parks. The program does not fund playgrounds, open fields, or general recreational areas not intended for competitive athletics. This focus ensures that funding is directed toward projects that enhance structured, sport-based opportunities for youth. Typical projects eligible for funding include installing lights on fields to extend playing hours, converting underused tennis courts into basketball courts, replacing natural turf with artificial surfaces to increase field durability and usability, and expanding existing fields to accommodate additional sports or broader community use. Each of these improvements enhances both the capacity and quality of local athletic resources, creating safer, more versatile, and accessible facilities. Overall, the Youth Athletic Facilities Program provides vital support for communities seeking to expand recreational infrastructure and promote youth sports participation. Through its emphasis on both youth engagement and community inclusivity, the program helps local governments, nonprofit organizations, and community groups develop athletic spaces that encourage healthy lifestyles, build social connections, and enhance overall quality of life.

This funding opportunity supports conservation projects that provide employment and training for young adults and veterans, helping them gain experience in environmental stewardship and resource management on public lands.

The Snohomish County Conservation Futures Program (SCCFP) Grants, established in 1988, serves as a vital mechanism for distributing Conservation Futures Property Tax Funds. The core mission of this program is to preserve open space land, farm and agricultural land, and timberland within Snohomish County. This directly aligns with the broader goal of safeguarding natural resources, supporting local agriculture, and maintaining the ecological integrity of the region. The target beneficiaries of the SCCFP are the natural landscapes and agricultural areas of Snohomish County, as well as the public who benefit from preserved open spaces. The primary impact goal is the perpetual acquisition of interests or rights in real property to protect, preserve, maintain, improve, restore, or conserve these critical land types. This ensures that these valuable assets are protected for current and future generations, contributing to environmental health and community well-being. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined by its funding criteria. Funding is specifically allocated for the acquisition of real property, easements, covenants, or other contractual rights. Eligible projects must conform to the definitions of open space, farm and agricultural land, or timberland as defined in RCW 84.34.020. Additionally, projects in urban areas must be at least 1 acre, retained in their natural state, and open to the public. The program strictly limits improvements to those that align with RCW 84.34.200-220, allowing for features like trails, interpretive centers, viewpoints, and restrooms, while prohibiting recreational improvements such as ball fields or swimming pools. Expected outcomes include the permanent protection of significant tracts of open space, agricultural lands, and timberlands, contributing to biodiversity, water quality, and scenic beauty. Measurable results are tied to the number of acres conserved, the types of properties acquired, and the legal instruments used for their protection. The program requires that the sponsoring agency has a guaranteed plan for managing and maintaining the property to preserve its eligible characteristics, and that proposed projects secure property rights in perpetuity. This strategic approach ensures the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of the conservation efforts.

The Women's Foundation of Genesee Valley (WFGV) is offering an Immersive Grant Writing Program designed to empower women of color in the fundraising sector. This initiative directly aligns with the foundation's mission to support and enhance the talents of women of color, recognizing a historical disparity where organizations led by people of color are often underfunded and mistrusted with grant funds. By building capacity in grant writing, WFGV aims to address systemic inequities and foster greater financial stability for these organizations. The target beneficiaries for this program are non-profit leaders of color (women) within Monroe County, NY. While not exclusively for Executive Directors, participants' career paths should be focused on fundraising, and each organization is permitted to bring one additional person to the program. The impact goals are to strengthen the fundraising capabilities of these organizations, thereby increasing their access to critical funding and enabling them to expand their reach and effectiveness within the community. The program's primary focus is on capacity building in grant writing, providing the necessary tools and knowledge for women of color to excel in this area. This emphasis reflects WFGV's strategic priority to invest in leadership development and provide practical skills that lead to tangible improvements for non-profit organizations. The underlying theory of change posits that by equipping women of color with advanced grant writing skills, WFGV can directly contribute to greater equity in philanthropic funding and empower these leaders to make a more significant difference in their communities. Expected outcomes include each participating organization being awarded $1,000 towards their first grant-finding activity upon completion of the program. The program itself spans six months and includes ten sessions, offered both in-person and online, indicating a commitment to flexible and accessible learning. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of grant applications submitted, the success rate of these applications, and the overall increase in funding secured by participant organizations following the program. This structured approach ensures that the program's effectiveness can be monitored and evaluated against its stated goals.

The Washington State Department of Ecology's Air Quality VW Electric Vehicle Charging Level 2: Charge Where You Are Funding aims to expand Level 2 EV charging access throughout Washington State. This initiative aligns with the state's broader mission to reduce emissions, particularly from diesel engines, and to fully mitigate excess NOx emissions from Volkswagen vehicles. The program supports the state's clean air and climate goals, including those outlined in the Washington Clean Air Act, Washington GHG emission reduction limits (70.235 RCW), and the Washington Climate Commitment Act, demonstrating a clear strategic priority on environmental protection and sustainable transportation. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are diverse, encompassing businesses, non-profit organizations, investor-owned and municipal utilities, multi-unit/multi-family residential buildings, and various state, local, and tribal government entities in Washington State. The program seeks to impact these groups by increasing the availability of EV charging infrastructure where drivers typically spend one to four hours, thereby encouraging electric vehicle adoption. The impact goals are directly tied to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality across the state, contributing to a healthier environment for all. The program's priorities are multifaceted, focusing on accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles, equipment, and vessels, promoting electrification technologies in public transportation fleets, and accelerating fleet turnover to cleaner vehicles. Other key priorities include achieving substantial additional emission reductions beyond what would naturally occur, ensuring cost-effectiveness in project implementation, and leveraging additional matching funds to maximize the program's reach and impact. These priorities reflect a strategic theory of change that by investing in accessible charging infrastructure and supporting electrification, the state can drive a significant shift towards cleaner transportation and achieve its environmental objectives. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a reduction in emissions from diesel engines, full mitigation of total, lifetime excess NOx emissions from specific Volkswagen vehicles, and a quantifiable increase in Level 2 EV charging access across the state. The program anticipates projects being completed within one year of grant execution. With a total of $3.52 million available, and projects eligible for up to $10,000 per plug at varying percentages based on project category, the grant aims to catalyze a significant expansion of charging infrastructure, contributing directly to the state’s objectives under the Washington State Clean Energy Fund and the Washington Clean Transportation and Healthy Air Goal.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for conservation projects aimed at protecting and recovering threatened and endangered species on public lands in Oregon and Washington, targeting eligible state and local governments, tribal organizations, educational institutions, and nonprofits.

NSGP provides support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack and located within one of the specific UASI-designated eligible urban areas. The program is also designed to promote coordination and collaboration in emergency preparedness activities among public and private community representatives, as well as state and local government agencies. The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) provides funding support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements and activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack. The intent is to integrate nonprofit preparedness activities with broader state and local preparedness efforts. It is also designed to promote coordination and collaboration in emergency preparedness activities among public and private community representatives, as well as state and local government agencies.

The Social Justice Fund NorthWest (SJF) is offering the 2024 Base Building Grant, aimed at strengthening grassroots organizations in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. This grant directly aligns with SJF's mission to foster social justice by investing in community organizing as a primary strategy. The program focuses on "Base Building," defined as a tactic that expands the number and engagement of people who share a vision for social justice and actively work to achieve it through organized strategies. This approach underscores SJF's strategic priority of empowering communities to drive systemic change. The grant targets organizations committed to community organizing and led by those most directly affected by the issues they address. Specifically, SJF prioritizes organizations with at least 51% leadership from Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities, or those working predominantly in reservation, rural, or small-town communities. The impact goals are to build collective power, widen the base of engaged individuals, develop strong leadership within communities, and implement effective long-term strategies. The expected outcomes include a critical mass of collective power capable of winning and defending policy, cultural, or institutional changes, as well as a diverse and actively engaged membership. SJF's community organizing framework emphasizes four key areas: Collective Power, Widening the Base, Leadership Development, and Strategy and Long-Term Planning. Under Collective Power, the focus is on building a diverse membership and achieving policy or cultural wins. Widening the Base involves fostering authentic relationships with those most affected, recruiting new people, and using varied, tailored communication methods, including face-to-face engagement. Leadership Development ensures clear entry points to leadership, accessible political education, and continuous engagement and agitation. Finally, Strategy and Long-Term Planning requires organizations to develop and adapt a comprehensive base-building plan with clear goals, timelines, infrastructure, and accountability structures. The grant, providing $100,000 over two years ($50,000 annually), is open to nonprofit organizations, tribal agencies, or fiscally sponsored groups with 501(c)3 or 501(c)4 status, or federally recognized American Indian tribal governments. This funding mechanism directly supports SJF's theory of change, which posits that sustained investment in community-led organizing, focused on these core elements, will lead to meaningful and lasting social justice outcomes in the specified regions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Vancouver, Washington, to deliver essential supportive services and rental assistance for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, particularly those in Safe Stay and Safe Park sites.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community organizations and nonprofits in Washington State to deliver low-barrier, trauma-informed homelessness diversion services for individuals at risk of or recently experiencing homelessness, with a focus on equitable service delivery for disproportionately affected communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that assist small businesses, particularly those with five or fewer employees, focusing on underserved communities across Washington.