The Norcliffe Foundation Grant Program

The Norcliffe Foundation, a Seattle-based private foundation, provides grants to nonprofit organizations serving the eleven-county Puget Sound region in Washington State. With a commitment to enhancing community well-being, the Foundation supports a range of initiatives across arts and culture, civic and community engagement, education, healthcare and research, and human and social services. Its philanthropic approach emphasizes partnership and collaborative funding rather than acting as a primary financial backer. The Foundation considers proposals for capital and infrastructure projects, general operating support, program and project funding, capacity building, and challenge or matching grants. However, it does not support debt reduction or deficit financing. A key funding guideline for capital campaigns is that The Norcliffe Foundation typically contributes up to 10% of the private philanthropy goal. Most awarded grants are modest in size, with nearly 60% at or below $15,000, reflecting the Foundation's strategy of broad support across the region rather than large single allocations. Applications are submitted exclusively through an online e-grant system and are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year. Applicants should anticipate a review period of up to six months. While there are no set deadlines, the Foundation imposes reapplication restrictions: if an application is denied, the organization must wait one year; if awarded funding via the standard process after May 31, 2025, a two-year wait is required before reapplying; if awarded through the special application process, the wait extends to four years. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status or those operating under a fiscal sponsor, provided the sponsor has a formal agreement in place. All projects must directly benefit one or more of the eleven specified Puget Sound counties: Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Mason, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, or Whatcom. The Foundation does not fund projects outside of this geographical area. There are no formal post-award reporting requirements, though grantees are encouraged to provide updates at their discretion. Recognition of support in the press or on digital platforms must be pre-approved by Foundation staff. Questions may be directed to the Foundation via phone at (206) 682-4820 or through email, with additional application details and an eligibility quiz available on their website.

Apply early; align request size with existing funders; show diversified funding sources; do not rely on Norcliffe as lead donor.