NW Children’s Foundation’s Grant Program

NW Children’s Foundation (NWCF) is a private philanthropic organization dedicated to breaking the intergenerational cycle of child abuse, neglect, and trauma. Operating with a commitment to equity and racial justice, NWCF emphasized trust-based philanthropy and valued the collaborative role of funders, nonprofit agencies, and communities in driving lasting change. Its grantmaking was focused on prevention, early intervention, and treatment services that directly support children, youth, and families impacted by trauma. By targeting its investments in programs with measurable outcomes, NWCF sought to heal children, strengthen families, and empower youth within Western Washington. Grants from NWCF supported both general operating and program-specific funding. The foundation prioritized organizations serving children and youth from birth through age 24 who were experiencing, or were at high risk of experiencing, trauma. Priority populations included those within the foster care system, or affected by homelessness, domestic violence, abuse, neglect, or related challenges. Programs were required to demonstrate responsiveness to these populations and articulate how the intensity, duration, and frequency of services provided would mitigate the impacts of trauma. Funded services also included efforts to reduce risk factors and promote protective factors to enhance child and family well-being and stability. Eligible applicants had to be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations that delivered direct services within Western Washington. NWCF did not fund individuals, political candidates, religious programs that proselytized or excluded participants based on belief, or programs without a clear children's component. Ineligible initiatives also included career training or substance abuse treatment for parents without a children's services element, and standalone programs primarily offering food, clothing, household items, or direct medical or dental services. The Spring 2025 grant cycle used a two-step application process. In Step One, interested organizations submitted a Letter of Inquiry (LOI), which was due by December 9, 2025. This LOI was a required entry point, and agencies could submit only one per fiscal year, choosing between Winter and Spring Cycles. In Step Two, selected applicants were invited to submit a full grant application, due February 20, 2026. Site visits for those invited were scheduled to occur between February and mid-May 2026, with final decisions communicated in June 2026. However, as the LOI deadline had passed, the opportunity was no longer open for new applicants. Applications were reviewed by NWCF’s screening committee and Board members, who assessed alignment with funding priorities, service design, delivery method, and the potential impact on trauma-related outcomes. Site visits were a required component of the evaluation. Grant awards typically ranged between $5,000 and $20,000. While there was no stated match requirement, NWCF encouraged clarity around program implementation, collaboration with other providers, and the use of data for evaluation and continuous improvement. Applicants were encouraged to consult NWCF’s Frequently Asked Questions before beginning the LOI process. While the Spring 2025 cycle had closed to new LOIs, organizations interested in future opportunities were advised to monitor NWCF's grant portal and contact [email protected] with eligibility questions. The foundation remained committed to supporting responsive, trauma-informed programs that uplifted vulnerable children and families in the Western Washington region.