Kitsap Community Foundation’s Community Grant

The Kitsap Community Foundation’s 2025 Community Grants Program is designed to support nonprofit organizations that deliver vital services across Kitsap and North Mason Counties in Washington State. Since 1993, the Foundation has distributed over $33 million through donor-advised funds and other philanthropic partnerships to local causes. The annual Community Grant Cycle combines funding from multiple charitable sources into a unified application process to streamline access and reduce barriers for applicants. For 2025, the Community Grant Cycle opened on August 18 and will close on Monday, September 15, at 5:00 PM Pacific Time. All applications must be submitted electronically via the Common Grant Application platform, which allows users to start, save, and submit applications with required documentation. An orientation session is offered for interested applicants and is scheduled to take place on August 20, 2025, at the Sylvan Way Library in Bremerton, Washington. Grant awards for the standard Community Grants program are up to $5,000 and may be used for programmatic or general operating support. Eligible program areas include Arts and Culture, Children and Youth Development, Education, Environment and Animal Welfare, Health and Human Services, and Foster Care and Family Reconciliation. Specific grant programs, such as the Foster Care and Family Reconciliation Grants, allow for two-year awards of up to $7,500 per year, contingent upon successful reporting and performance during the first year. Eligibility is limited to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving Kitsap and North Mason Counties. Organizations must provide verification materials, such as their IRS determination letter, financial documents, and evidence of programmatic impact. National or regional organizations are eligible only if they demonstrate that funds will be used locally. Additional restrictions include exclusion of capital campaigns, endowments, religious activities, political lobbying, and individuals. Grants are not available for schools or organizations with endowments exceeding $1 million. Applications are evaluated based on demonstrated need, evidence of support, evaluation methodology, and projected community impact. Final grant decisions are made by the Foundation’s Grant Review Committee, and applicants will be notified of decisions by November 17, 2025. Award letters and checks will be mailed the following week, on November 24. Grantees are expected to submit final reports by October 16, 2026. Incomplete reporting may affect eligibility for future funding cycles. Questions about the application process may be directed to the Grants Committee Chairperson via email at grants@kitsapfoundation.org or by phone at (360) 698-3622. Technical support for the Common Grant Application platform is provided directly through its website. The Foundation emphasizes transparency, accessibility, and alignment with community needs, encouraging all qualified nonprofits in the region to apply.

Attend the optional orientation session to understand the process. Use Common Grant Application features like save-as-draft and plan for early submission.