The Norcliffe Foundation Grant Program

The Norcliffe Foundation is a private philanthropic organization based in Seattle, Washington. It funds nonprofit organizations that serve communities across eleven counties in the Puget Sound region. The Foundation has a long history of supporting programs that strengthen communities, improve quality of life, and address both immediate and long-term needs. Its grantmaking focuses on creating impact across multiple areas, ensuring that resources are distributed equitably and with attention to local capacity. The Foundation emphasizes collaboration with other funders and rarely serves as the largest contributor to any single project. The Foundation makes grants in five broad areas: arts and culture, civic and community, education, healthcare and research, and human and social services. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and those with fiscal sponsorship agreements operating within Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Mason, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, and Whatcom counties in Washington State. Projects and organizations of all sizes are considered, though the Foundation expects applicants to demonstrate a diverse funding base and strong community engagement. It also looks for programs that meet critical needs, introduce innovative approaches, and fill unique gaps in local services. Funding is available for capacity building, capital and infrastructure, challenge or matching contributions, general operating support, and program support. The Foundation does not fund deficit financing or debt reduction. Nearly sixty percent of awarded grants are $15,000 or less, though requests for larger capital projects may be considered for up to ten percent of a campaign’s private philanthropy goal. While multi-year grants are not typical, they may occasionally be awarded at the discretion of trustees. Applicants are encouraged to align their requests with realistic expectations, considering both Norcliffe’s funding history and the contributions of other funders. The Foundation accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. There are no fixed submission deadlines. Applications must be submitted through its online E-Grant System. All new applicants must first complete an eligibility quiz before accessing the application. There is no letter of inquiry process, and full proposals are required even for organizations previously funded. Requests exceeding $50,000 must be submitted through a special application, which requires prior consultation with the Foundation to receive access credentials. Both application types require a fundraising plan, but no specific format is mandated. The review process typically takes up to six months. Trustees meet throughout the year and consider proposals in the order they are received. Decisions are usually reached within four months of submission of a complete application, though this may vary. In some cases, Foundation staff may request site visits to better understand the applicant’s programs. Reporting requirements are minimal; Norcliffe does not require formal reports but appreciates updates from funded organizations via email. Recognition of support should be limited to appropriate funding lists or acknowledgments approved by Foundation staff, and applicants are discouraged from offering gifts or ceremonial gestures. Eligibility is limited to organizations operating in the specified Puget Sound counties. If an organization is not funded, it must wait one year from the decision date before reapplying. For grants awarded after May 31, 2025, organizations must wait two years after the final payment before reapplying through the standard process, or four years if funded through the special application process. Contact information for the Foundation includes its mailing address at 600 University Street, Suite 2003, Seattle, WA 98101, phone number (206) 682-4820, and email at info@norcliffefoundation.org. Applicants may also contact the Foundation for questions, assistance with applications, or to discuss special requests. The Norcliffe Foundation’s flexible, year-round submission process and wide funding scope make it a significant regional grantmaker for nonprofits in Western Washington. With its emphasis on collaboration, preference for addressing critical needs, and openness to a wide variety of request types, it continues to play an important role in sustaining and strengthening community-serving organizations across the Puget Sound region.