Washington Capacity Building Grants

This grant provides funding for Fife residents to undertake community improvement projects that benefit their neighborhoods, such as cleanups, community gardens, and local events.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in the Puget Sound region of Washington that address community needs in areas such as arts, education, healthcare, and social services.

This program provides funding to non-profit organizations for innovative projects that improve the economic and social well-being of rural communities in several western states.

This funding opportunity supports established nonprofit organizations and Tribal entities in Washington State that provide creative arts programs for youth aged 13 to 26, focusing on artistic growth, wellbeing, and civic engagement, particularly in underserved areas.

This grant provides funding for capital building projects to nonprofit organizations in specific regions, focusing on higher education, human services, arts and culture, and healthcare initiatives.

The City of Vancouver's Community and Neighborhood Grants Program aims to foster stronger community connections, encourage partnerships among groups, and empower residents to take meaningful action within their community. This initiative aligns with a broader mission of civic engagement and local empowerment, providing financial support to grassroots efforts that enhance the social fabric of Vancouver. The program is designed to be accessible to various community-led initiatives, from small-scale events to larger, ongoing programs that address specific neighborhood needs and opportunities. The grants target a wide range of beneficiaries within the Vancouver city limits or urban growth area, including residents, community-based organizations, nonprofits, neighborhood associations, clubs, parent-teacher groups, and informal collaboratives. The primary impact goals are to build community, facilitate collaboration, and enable residents to lead positive change. By supporting a diverse array of projects, the program seeks to improve overall community well-being, promote inclusivity, and enhance the quality of life for residents, particularly in historically underserved areas. The program prioritizes projects and initiatives that strengthen community connections, encourage partnerships, and empower residents. Funding is divided into two levels: Level One Microgrants, offering up to $500 for smaller events like block parties, cultural celebrations, or arts activities, and Level Two Grants, providing up to $10,000 for larger-scale projects and ongoing programs such as after-school programs, neighborhood beautification, safety improvements, or food assistance. A key focus is on improving equity, accessibility, and inclusion, ensuring that the grants reach a broad spectrum of community needs. Expected outcomes include more vibrant and connected neighborhoods, increased resident participation in community affairs, and the successful implementation of projects that address local challenges. Measurable results could include the number of community members engaged, the diversity of partnerships formed, the successful completion of projects, and the demonstrated positive impact on target beneficiaries. The program's strategic priority is to invest directly in community-led solutions, operating under the theory of change that by empowering local groups and residents with financial resources, sustainable and impactful community development will naturally follow, leading to a more resilient and inclusive Vancouver.

The Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Capacity grant program, administered by the Washington State Department of Health, aims to empower community-led decision-making for environmental justice (EJ) and climate resilience. This initiative is directly aligned with the state's broader mission to combat climate change and its disproportionate impacts on vulnerable communities. The program is a direct outcome of the Legislature's mandate to the Department of Health, based on recommendations from the Environmental Justice Council (EJC) Climate Commitment Act (CCA) funding. By focusing on capacity building, the grant seeks to strengthen the ability of communities to engage meaningfully in environmental health decisions, reflecting a strategic priority to foster equitable participation and ownership in addressing environmental challenges. The target beneficiaries of the HEAL Capacity grant program are communities most impacted by environmental hazards. This includes, but is not limited to, Native Nations, Black communities, rural communities, youth, low-income individuals, unhoused populations, disabled individuals, and LGBTQ+ communities. The program's impact goals are to equip these communities with the necessary resources to collaborate effectively with state agencies on environmental health decisions, ultimately advancing environmental justice and building climate resilience. This directly supports a theory of change that by empowering those most affected, more equitable and effective environmental and climate solutions can be developed and implemented. The program offers two distinct funding opportunities: Pass-through funding and Project funding. Pass-through funding invites community-based organizations to sub-grant funds to other community-based organizations working with overburdened communities and vulnerable populations across Washington State. This prioritizes equitable community engagement and participation in HEAL activities. Project funding allows organizations to apply for funds to build organizational and community capacity to provide guidance and input to the Environmental Justice Council on HEAL Act implementation, the Department of Health on environmental health disparities map updates, and state agencies on various HEAL Act implementations, including environmental justice assessments and Tribal engagement. These focuses underscore the program's commitment to both direct community support and systemic influence. Expected outcomes and measurable results include enhanced community-led decision-making, increased capacity of community-based organizations to engage in HEAL activities, and improved collaboration between communities and state agencies on environmental health decisions. The program, supported by Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, also aims to reduce climate pollution, create jobs, and improve public health, reflecting the broader goals of the CCA. With a total funding amount of $11.6 million and estimated awards ranging from $250,000 to $1,000,000, the program seeks to make a significant, measurable impact on environmental justice and climate resilience across Washington State.

The Community Project Grants program, offered by the Arts Council for Long Beach, is designed to support the artistic, cultural, and arts educational projects and programs of arts and cultural organizations within Long Beach, California. This program aligns with the Arts Council's mission to foster a vibrant cultural landscape by partnering with local organizations to deliver impactful programming. The target beneficiaries of this grant are nonprofit or non-incorporated arts and cultural organizations in Long Beach, particularly those with a successful track record of planning and managing effective programs. The program aims to encourage innovative, creative, diverse, and unique programming that meets community needs and identifies specific audiences. Key priorities and focuses of the grant include supporting projects that reflect the rich cultural diversity of the community and demonstrating a clear understanding of local needs. The Arts Council seeks to fund initiatives that contribute to the cultural enrichment of Long Beach residents through well-planned and effectively managed programs. Expected outcomes include an increase in diverse and innovative arts and cultural programming available to the Long Beach community, a stronger network of supported local arts organizations, and projects that effectively engage identified audiences. Measurable results would likely involve the number of projects funded, the reach of those programs, and the demonstrated community impact, though specific metrics are not detailed in the provided information. While the "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change" are not explicitly detailed as separate sections, the program's goals implicitly reveal the Arts Council for Long Beach's strategic priorities. These include promoting creativity, diversity, and community engagement through the arts, and supporting established local organizations. The theory of change appears to be that by funding well-designed and culturally relevant projects, the Arts Council can enhance the overall cultural vitality and community well-being in Long Beach.

The State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP), managed jointly by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), aims to bolster cybersecurity across state, local, and territorial governments, including rural areas. This initiative directly aligns with a foundational mission to safeguard critical infrastructure and enhance the resilience of essential services provided by these governmental entities. By making targeted investments in cybersecurity, the program seeks to mitigate cybersecurity risks and combat threats to information systems, thereby protecting public services and data. The primary beneficiaries of the SLCGP are state, local governments, rural areas, and territories. The program's impact goals are centered on improving the security posture of these governmental agencies, ensuring the continuity and integrity of their services. This is achieved through direct financial assistance and the establishment of robust cybersecurity practices. A key priority is the pass-through requirement, mandating that at least 80 percent of federal funds reach local governments, including those in rural areas, to ensure a broad and equitable distribution of resources. The program's focus areas include addressing existing cybersecurity risks and proactively defending against emerging threats to information systems. CISA contributes subject-matter expertise, defining allowable activities that ensure investments are strategic and effective. FEMA oversees eligibility and grant administration, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks. The emphasis on a certified pass-through process underscores a commitment to direct local impact and accountability in fund utilization. Expected outcomes include a significant reduction in successful cyberattacks against state, local, and territorial government systems, leading to improved data security and service reliability. Measurable results will stem from the effective implementation of cybersecurity enhancements and the documented distribution of funds to local entities. The underlying strategic priority is to create a more secure and resilient governmental infrastructure across the nation, operating under a theory of change where targeted federal investment and collaborative management lead to tangible improvements in cybersecurity capabilities at all levels of government, ultimately benefiting the communities they serve.

AgWest Farm Credit's New Producer Grant Program supports new agricultural producers who have two years or less of operational experience or plan to start their operation within two years of applying. The grant aims to alleviate the challenge of lacking start-up funds, celebrating the ingenuity and passion of new producers. Successful applicants will receive a one-time $15,000 grant to support their operation's growth. The grant focuses on applicants within AgWest Farm Credit’s territory who are not current lending customers and are U.S. citizens or lawful residents.

The Washington State Department of Commerce (WSDC) is offering its 2025 Religious and Nonprofit Security Grant, designed to enhance the physical security of nonprofit organizations across all counties in Washington. This grant aligns with the WSDC's mission to support and protect vulnerable community institutions by providing funding for renovations and other security investments. The program's strategic priority is to safeguard organizations that are at risk of physical attacks, threats, or damages due to their mission, ideology, or beliefs, thereby fostering a more secure environment for these groups to operate. The target beneficiaries for this grant include a broad range of nonprofit organizations, with a specific emphasis on religious nonprofits, "by-and-for" organizations, and cultural community centers. The impact goal is to mitigate security risks and improve the safety of these sites. Successful applicants will demonstrate a clear need for security enhancements based on past incidents or credible threats. This proactive approach aims to prevent future attacks and ensure the continuity of services provided by these vital community organizations. The grant prioritizes investments in physical security enhancements, construction or renovation projects, target hardening, preparedness planning, training, and exercises. Applications must explicitly detail how the funding will be utilized for these purposes. A key focus is on tangible improvements that directly address identified security vulnerabilities. Organizations must either own the property or have written permission from the owner to implement the proposed security upgrades, ensuring the long-term impact and sustainability of the investments. The expected outcomes of the grant program include a measurable reduction in security incidents and an increased sense of safety among the beneficiary organizations. By funding critical security measures, the WSDC aims to empower these nonprofits to continue their valuable work without undue fear of harm. The grant's theory of change posits that by investing in physical security and preparedness, organizations will be better equipped to withstand and deter threats, leading to a more resilient and secure nonprofit sector within Washington State.

This funding opportunity supports projects that improve habitats and migration routes for big game species in the western U.S., targeting conservation organizations, state and tribal agencies, and community groups involved in wildlife management.

The Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) offers surplus vanpool vans to not-for-profit organizations and government entities through the Community Van Grant Program. This initiative aims to enhance public transportation options by providing retired vans to organizations that can address community transportation needs unmet by WTA services. Eligible applicants include Whatcom County community organizations with 501(c)(3) status or government organizations. The program is competitive due to the limited availability of vehicles. Selected recipients will receive the vehicle title upon award and must submit performance reports for the first year. Up to eleven retired vanpool vehicles will be available in 2024, with a deadline for applications on August 23, 2024.

The Women's Foundation of Genesee Valley (WFGV) is offering an Immersive Grant Writing Program designed to empower women of color in the fundraising sector. This initiative directly aligns with the foundation's mission to support and enhance the talents of women of color, recognizing a historical disparity where organizations led by people of color are often underfunded and mistrusted with grant funds. By building capacity in grant writing, WFGV aims to address systemic inequities and foster greater financial stability for these organizations. The target beneficiaries for this program are non-profit leaders of color (women) within Monroe County, NY. While not exclusively for Executive Directors, participants' career paths should be focused on fundraising, and each organization is permitted to bring one additional person to the program. The impact goals are to strengthen the fundraising capabilities of these organizations, thereby increasing their access to critical funding and enabling them to expand their reach and effectiveness within the community. The program's primary focus is on capacity building in grant writing, providing the necessary tools and knowledge for women of color to excel in this area. This emphasis reflects WFGV's strategic priority to invest in leadership development and provide practical skills that lead to tangible improvements for non-profit organizations. The underlying theory of change posits that by equipping women of color with advanced grant writing skills, WFGV can directly contribute to greater equity in philanthropic funding and empower these leaders to make a more significant difference in their communities. Expected outcomes include each participating organization being awarded $1,000 towards their first grant-finding activity upon completion of the program. The program itself spans six months and includes ten sessions, offered both in-person and online, indicating a commitment to flexible and accessible learning. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of grant applications submitted, the success rate of these applications, and the overall increase in funding secured by participant organizations following the program. This structured approach ensures that the program's effectiveness can be monitored and evaluated against its stated goals.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that assist small businesses, particularly those with five or fewer employees, focusing on underserved communities across Washington.

This grant provides $100,000 over two years to grassroots organizations in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming that focus on building community power and leadership among diverse groups, with a priority for those led by BIPOC and working in rural or reservation areas.

The Whidbey Community Foundation (WCF) Capacity-Building Grant program is designed to strengthen the organizational effectiveness of nonprofits operating on Whidbey Island. This aligns directly with WCF's mission to support the foundational strength of these organizations, believing that robust internal capacity directly translates to more effective programs and services for the community. The grants are specifically for one-time projects that address an organization's strategic plan to improve management, governance, and administration, rather than funding direct programmatic improvements. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are nonprofits with charitable status or purpose on Whidbey Island. The overarching impact goal is to enhance the overall effectiveness and sustainability of these organizations. By investing in internal capacity, WCF aims to create a ripple effect, where stronger organizations are better equipped to serve their own beneficiaries and achieve their missions more effectively. The program prioritizes projects that contribute to an organization's long-term health and efficiency. Specific areas of focus include evaluation of core programs, staff or board training, assessment and implementation of technology upgrades, various types of planning (HR, succession, fundraising, financial sustainability), merger planning, and the development and implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. Projects that are not eligible include operating costs (other than those related to the capacity-building project), expansion of existing programs, creation of new programs, brick-and-mortar projects, endowment campaigns, pass-through grants, or grants to cover lost funding or budget deficits. Expected outcomes include improved organizational management, enhanced governance structures, and more efficient administrative processes. Measurable results could include, for example, a successfully implemented new technology system, a completed strategic HR plan, or a more diverse and inclusive board following training and policy development. The foundation's strategic priority is rooted in a theory of change that posits by strengthening the internal capacity of its grantees, WCF indirectly but powerfully strengthens the vital programs and services these nonprofits provide to the Whidbey Island community. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, with most falling between $1,000 and $5,000, and the deadline for applications is August 31, 2024.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in South King County that offer emergency shelter services for families experiencing homelessness, focusing on best practices in care and service delivery.

The Washington Emergency Management Division Human Services Program works with Federal, State, and Local partners to support disaster preparedness and recovery for Washington’s individuals, households, and businesses. Programs include: The Individual Assistance Program (IA): IA is the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) program to support individual and business recovery and is authorized through a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration. The IA program has multiple components including cash assistance and crisis counseling, a detailed declaration process and benefits that vary depending on several factors. For more information, please click here. The Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program: SBA disaster loans are available even without a Presidential Disaster Declaration and are a great tool to provide low-interest loans to individuals, families, businesses and organizations that suffer physical or economic loss due to a disaster or other disruption. For more information, please click here. Limited English Proficiency Program: The LEP program supports language accessibility for individuals, families and businesses by working with state and local governments and community organizations to promote preparedness activities in communities around the state. For more information, please click here. Disaster Resilience, Recovery and Restoration: Disaster Recovery includes both pre-disaster recovery planning and post-disaster recovery to re-envision and restore a community. Technical assistance and information is available for local governments, special districts, and organizations. Please click here for more information.

The Art Project Grants for Organizations program, administered by the Iowa Arts Council within the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), offers financial incentives to various nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, schools, governmental agencies, and tribal councils. The program's mission aligns with supporting a wide variety of arts-related activities across Iowa, fostering artistic excellence and ensuring service to Iowans. This initiative is a cornerstone of the Iowa Arts Council's 2022-2026 Strategic Plan, prioritizing projects that advance its goals and contribute to the cultural enrichment of the state. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are organizations and institutions located in Iowa or border communities that can demonstrate a commitment to arts experiences and learning opportunities. The program targets projects that create public value for Iowans through deliberate public engagement and access to project activities. Impact goals include promoting artistic excellence, increasing access to arts, and fostering community engagement through various art forms. Eligible projects range from community events, performances, and exhibitions to festivals or workshops dedicated to arts-related activities, ensuring a broad reach across different artistic disciplines and community settings. Priority is given to projects that not only demonstrate artistic excellence but also align with the strategic goals outlined in the Iowa Arts Council's 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. The program focuses on supporting one-time project expenses incurred and expended during the eligible funding period of July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. This ensures that the funding directly supports new or significantly unique arts initiatives. Furthermore, for annual events or public art projects, applicants must demonstrate uniqueness, change in content from year to year, or broad-based community engagement and programming, respectively, highlighting a focus on dynamic and impactful programming. Expected outcomes include enhanced cultural experiences for Iowans, increased participation in arts activities, and the creation of accessible arts learning opportunities. Measurable results could include the number of individuals reached by projects, the diversity of communities served, the artistic quality of the initiatives, and the alignment of projects with the Iowa Arts Council's strategic plan objectives. The grant amounts, ranging from a minimum request of $2,500 to a maximum of $10,000, are intended to support these project-specific expenses, contributing to the successful implementation and impact of diverse arts programming throughout the state.