Race Equity Grant

The Legal Foundation of Washington (LFW) administers the Race Equity Grant program, which provides multiyear financial support to advance racial equity within civil legal aid across Washington State. LFW believes that achieving civil justice requires directly confronting and dismantling systemic racial oppression. Through this grant, the foundation seeks to invest in communities most affected by structural racism and to elevate client- and community-centered legal advocacy. The Race Equity Grant is grounded in a community-driven grantmaking model that prioritizes the voices of those directly impacted by racial injustice and the legal system. A community advisory panel composed of leaders with lived experience in poverty, racism, and the legal aid system reviews applications and determines funding priorities. Since the launch of this program, 88% of awarded funds have gone to BIPOC-led organizations, and nearly half of all recipients have been first-time grantees with LFW. This reflects LFW’s commitment to racial equity and statewide inclusion. Of all grantees, 38% serve statewide populations, 33% focus on Central and Eastern Washington, 17% work in the Puget Sound region, and 12% support other areas of the state. The grant program's goals include investing in communities impacted by systemic racism, supporting anti-racist organizational development and leadership, and enhancing civil legal access for communities of color. Projects may focus on direct civil legal aid, systemic reform, or policy advocacy. Proposals may be for new or existing efforts and may include operational costs, provided the work aligns with the civil legal aid mission in Washington. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, Tribal entities, and fiscally sponsored initiatives that are engaged in civil legal aid work or in partnership with organizations providing such services. Previous recipients may apply again if their final report has been submitted or their current grant concludes by June 30, 2026. Fifteen grants of $50,000 each will be awarded under the current funding round, with each award spanning a two-year term from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028. Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 PM on April 15, 2026. Applicants preferring to apply in a language other than English must notify the LFW Grants Manager, Arielle Handforth, by April 1, 2026. An optional informational webinar will be held on March 18 at 9:30 AM for prospective applicants.