Methow Valley Fund Grant

The Methow Valley Fund Legacy Grant is administered by the Community Foundation of North Central Washington (CFNCW), a regional philanthropic organization that serves Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties. CFNCW's mission is to grow, protect, and connect charitable gifts to support strong communities, and it fulfills this goal in part through discretionary grantmaking programs such as the Methow Valley Fund. The Legacy Grant program specifically supports nonprofit and public-serving organizations that contribute to the health and vibrancy of the Methow Valley. The Methow Valley Fund Legacy Grant offers unrestricted core operating support for 501(c)(3) public charities that are headquartered in and serve the Methow Valley. Organizations that are not headquartered in the region but provide eligible programs within it may apply for program-specific funding. Entities such as government agencies (excluding schools), tribal agencies, faith-based organizations, and fiscally sponsored programs may also apply for program-restricted support under the stated guidelines. However, organizations such as school districts and fiscally sponsored programs of governmental entities are not eligible for this particular grant program. Only one application per organization is permitted per cycle. Grant amounts are tiered based on the applicant's annual operating budget: $2,000 for budgets under $25,000; $5,000 for budgets between $25,001 and $200,000; $10,000 for budgets between $200,001 and $750,000; and $25,000 for those with budgets exceeding $750,001. Awards are disbursed as single lump sums with no partial funding, and funds must be fully expended within one year of receipt. Importantly, the previous one-year wait period between applications has been eliminated, allowing organizations to apply annually regardless of past funding. The application process includes completion of an online form and a required site visit with Methow Valley Fund Advisors and CFNCW staff. Applicants indicate a preference for in-person or virtual meetings during the submission. These visits, held in February, provide an opportunity for deeper discussion about the organization’s mission and funding proposal. Applications for the FY2026 cycle will be accepted from December 1, 2025 through January 15, 2026. Proposals are evaluated through a standardized matrix that emphasizes objectivity and fairness, reducing biases in decision-making. While religious organizations may not apply for religious activities, community-oriented, non-religious programs offered by faith-based organizations may be considered under certain criteria. The Foundation encourages organizations with diverse boards and inclusive practices, in line with its commitment to equity and community impact. For questions regarding application content or eligibility, interested applicants may contact Jennifer Short, Director of Community Grants, at jennifer.s@cfncw.org.

Indicate site visit format preference clearly; ensure eligibility based on geography and org structure before applying.