Washington Youth Grants

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Benton and Franklin counties, Washington, for innovative projects that address community needs and enhance their mission.

The Community Foundation of NCW is excited to announce the New Legacy Funds Grant Program. Donor Name: Community Foundation of NCW State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This grant program will focus on place-based, community-centered grant distribution to charitable organizations, meeting community needs throughout North Central Washington. This competitive grant program replaces the Regional Impact Grant and is the main source of grant funding from the Foundation for nonprofits throughout NCW. “Foundation have a Local Advisory Board for each Legacy Fund that has received training on how Community Foundation grants are reviewed and evaluated” said Jennifer Short, director of community grants at the foundation. “Each LAB also includes a foundation Trustee and staff to help direct and guide the process. They’re looking forward to including more community members in our grant-making process as they understand their community’s critical needs and enrichment opportunities best.” Focus Areas Arts, Culture, Humanities Community Service/Social Benefit Environmental/Animal Protection Health and Human Services Youth Development Eligibility Criteria  Legacy Fund Grants will provide unrestricted funding to nonprofits by geographic region in Cashmere, Chelan Valley, Methow Valley, Okanogan Valley, Upper Valley, and Wenatchee Valley. These funds have been established by donations from local individuals and families who wanted to create a meaningful legacy to their community. For more information, visit Community Foundation of NCW.

The Ellensburg Community Grant Program offers a water quality focused grant to encourage community-based projects that improve or protect the quality of surface waters. Donor Name: City of Ellensburg State: Washington City: Ellensburg Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funded by the Stormwater Utility, the water quality grant provides funding for community groups to provide outreach, education, assessments, planning, implementation, prevention and control focused on city’s surface water. Water quality is commonly defined by its physical, chemical, biological, and aesthetic (appearance and smell) characteristics. A healthy environment is one in which the water quality supports a rich and varied community of organisms and protects public health. Grant funds are invested in projects that include one or more of the following priorities: Required: Demonstrate improvements in quality of surface waters. Educate a large and/or varied segments of Ellensburg’s population on what water quality is, and what actions they can take to improve or protect it. Educate best practices to reduce/eliminate adverse impacts to water quality. Funding Information A total of $10,000 is available for this grant cycle. Eligibility Criteria Eligible volunteer groups such as youth, seniors, non-profit organizations, educational organizations may apply for funding. Business and governmental partners are encouraged but may not be the applicant. Projects must benefit stormwater quality within the City limits, (i.e., public outreach and education, yard care, litter pick up, etc.). Projects must be within the city limits; if the project is on publicly owned property, an agreement will need to be signed between both parties addressing use of minors as volunteers, hold harmless, etc. Grant funds may not be used for projects that involve or promote the use of alcohol. For more information, visit City of Ellensburg.

The City of Maple Valley is accepting applications from Maple Valley agencies and organizations that provide services and events within the community. Donor Name: City of Maple Valley State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/10/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Applicants will be evaluated in two different categories, Economic/Community Events and Human Services based on the type of services/events they contribute to the City.  Economic/Community Events Economic/Community Events have been separated into two sub-categories: Economic Events and Community Events.  The Economic Development Commission (EDC) will review the applications that are submitted for these sub-categories.  After review, the Commission will determine which organizations or agencies will be recommended to the City’s Finance Committee for grant funding.  The amount of funding to be awarded to each recipient will be based on an established amount allocated for each category or sub-category.  The EDC will inform the City’s Finance Committee of the results of this process.  Economic Event Grant To be eligible as an “Economic Event” grant applicant, the EDC will consider events from organizations which are registered as a non-profit corporation, attract participants and spectators from the region, state, and across the U.S., located outside of Maple Valley, bring significant value to the citizens of Maple Valley, and which serve valid municipal purposes (community participation, economic development).  Examples of previous grant recipients that would likely fall into this category include the Lake Wilderness Triathlon and the Be the Hope Walk. Community Event Grant To be considered a “Community Events” grant applicant, the EDC will consider events from organizations which are registered as a non-profit corporation, attract local participants and spectators, bring significant value to the citizens of Maple Valley, and which serve valid municipal purposes (community participation). Examples of previous grant recipients that would likely fall into this category include the Maple Valley Youth Symphony, the Creative Arts Council, and Maple Valley Days. Human Services The Finance Committee will retain responsibility for the Human Services process which includes reviewing submitted applications, determining which agencies will be recommended for grant funding and the amount of funding to be awarded to each recipient from an established amount allocated for this category. For more information, visit City of Maple.

The City of Tacoma is soliciting proposals for its 2025-2026 Neighborhood and Community Services Grant Program. Donor Name: City of Tacoma State: Washington City: Tacoma Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  07/02/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The City is seeking a wide variety of groups to apply for 2025-2026 service contracts, including agencies and organizations that support youth, seniors, people experiencing homelessness, and much more. There are eight service categories that the City is prioritizing for the 2025-2026 funding cycle: Housing Services and Interventions Increase access to permanent, stable housing in order to end the cycle of homelessness. NCS will give priority consideration for applications that address one or more of the following: Address racial disparities through tailored service delivery Collaborative service delivery to holistically transition individuals experiencing homelessness to housing Provide a comprehensive range of supportive services that facilitates housing stability for the following populations at 60% Area Median Income (AMI): Persons who are homeless or at-risk of being homeless, including families with children Unaccompanied homeless youth or young adults Persons with disabilities, including behavioral health disabilities Veterans Senior citizens Domestic violence survivors Services under this department priority may include but are not limited to: Resources for households facing housing crises Integration of culturally competent and trauma-informed practices into programs Expanded services aimed at enhancing life skills and maintaining adequate housing with an emphasis on addressing racial disparities through increased housing stability for marginalized communities Encampment Response Increase access to resources through outreach and address public health and safety concerns. NCS will give priority consideration for applications that address one or more of the following: Address racial disparities through tailored service delivery Collaborative service delivery Trauma-informed, culturally competent service delivery Hours of services include weekends, evenings, and nontraditional working hours Services under this department priority may include but are not limited to: Navigation services that improve access for individuals to access shelter, housing, and/or healthcare services Outreach to people who are living in inhabitable spaces Immediate support to individuals in encampments Long-term solutions that will support individuals towards shelter alternatives and/or directly into stable housing options Domestic Violence Reduction and Prevention Increase best practices and data-informed strategies, that are culturally relevant, to reduce and prevent family and intimate partner violence. NCS will give priority consideration for applications that address one or more of the following: Address racial disparities through tailored service delivery Provide services that reduce family and intimate partner violence Provide trauma-informed, healing-centered services to the whole family Provide best practices and/or data driven strategies in service delivery model Services under this department priority may include but are not limited to: Services that increase access to resources, promote resiliency, and are culturally relevant Prevention and intervention services for the individual and family Licensed Mental and/or Behavioral Health Services, Certified Peer Counselor, or accreditation appropriate for the level of services being offered Support groups, classes, innovative practices that promote healing Building Resilience Against Violence and Exploitation (BRAVE)  Reduce the likelihood at-risk youth will become involved in criminal activity and violent crime. Utilize prevention, intervention, suppression, and collaboration efforts to foster safe neighborhoods and encourage community leadership. NCS will give priority consideration for applications that address one or more of the following: Address racial disparities through tailored service delivery. Focus on the Hilltop, Eastside, West of the Mall, and Hosmer communities, addressing the target age group of 30 years of age and younger Offer culturally responsive services for those under 30 years of age most effected by violence: Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) young men, girls/women, justice-connected youth, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and more (LGBTQ+) youth Provide data-informed strategies in service delivery model Demonstrate collaboration among community-based organizations  Conduct street outreach, when applicable  Demonstrate year-round program delivery, especially outside of school hours Provide individual service plans, goal setting and case management services Services under this department priority may include but are not limited to: Positive youth development opportunities that include one or more of the following: family engagement, education supportive services, financial literacy, mentorship, social and emotional learning opportunities, economic empowerment Crisis intervention services (i.e., Licensed Mental/Behaviors Health and Substance Use Disorder services, or accreditation appropriate for service delivery, Peer Certified Counseling supports, small groups, innovative healing centered programs) Early intervention for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Navigation of basic need resources that remove barriers Innovative programs that promote protective factors and reduce risk factors Mental and behavioral health training Health and Health Care Improve health outcomes and equitable access to healthcare for all Tacoma residents. NCS will give priority consideration for applications that address one or more of the following: Address racial disparities through tailored service delivery Increase equitable access to health care for historically marginalized populations (i.e., BIPOC, LGBTQ+) by utilizing collaborative/coordinated services and system navigation Active engagement in community outreach when applicable Services that increase access to resources, promote health outcomes, and are culturally relevant Services under this department priority may include but are not limited to: Behavioral and/or mental health prevention, intervention, and treatment services Substance use disorder prevention, intervention, and treatment services Licensed Mental and/or Behavioral Health Services, Certified Peer Counselor, or accreditation appropriate for the level of services being offered Prenatal, maternal, and infant supports Transportation resources Navigation of supplemental resources for uninsured, underinsured, and undocumented individuals Mental and behavioral health training Equitable Food Access Increase access to nutritious meals and food options for all Tacoma residents. NCS will give priority consideration for applications that address one or more of the following: Address racial disparities through tailored service delivery Promote equitable access across all socio-economic demographics Active engagement in community outreach Services under this department priority may include but are not limited to: Delivery of nutritious and culturally relevant food Food education (i.e., food safety, nutrition, grocery budgeting and meal planning, etc.) Distribution of meals and essential products Mobile and stationary food banks and food pantries Complementary Services Provide individuals and families access to a continuum of tailored supports to prevent and end homelessness. NCS will give priority consideration for applications that address one or more of the following: – Address racial disparities through tailored service delivery Improve access and collaboration to resources and/or enhancements to Tacoma’s systems and services Services under this department priority may include but are not limited to: Navigation services that improve access for individuals to access shelter, housing, and/or healthcare services Legal services Workforce development programs Detox facilities and mental health, behavioral health, or substance-use treatment services Funding Information $8,000,000 to be split among various projects. The anticipated duration of the contract is up to a two-year period. Eligibility Criteria Respondents must demonstrate: Experience with the population requesting to serve Experience working in and with ethnically and culturally diverse communities Experience with data collection and reporting systems Knowledge of human services issues in the City of Tacoma Agency and/or fiscal agent must have: Washington State and City of Tacoma business license Been in business a minimum of two years Proven evidence-based best practices in programming For more information, visit City of Tacoma.

This grant provides financial support for underprivileged youth in Chelan and Douglas counties to access skating lessons, shows, and related activities, promoting enrichment and skill development.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and public schools in Chelan, Douglas, and Okanogan counties to promote equitable access to high-quality arts and culture for youth and underrepresented communities.

The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods (DON) is offering a Starter Fund Grant Program, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, for small community organizations and groups focusing on advancing an equitable and sustainable local food system within Seattle, with eligible activities including food justice initiatives, community organizing, food-related job training, and more.

The Healthy Environment or All (HEAL) Capacity grant program focuses on enhancing community-led decision making to advancing environmental justice (EJ) and building climate resilience. Donor Name: Washington State Department of Health State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/05/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This funding equips communities most impacted by environmental hazards, including but not limited to Native Nations, Black communities, rural communities, youth, low income, unhoused, disabled, LGBTQ+, and/or other communities most vulnerable to climate impacts, with necessary resources needed to collaborate with state agencies on environmental health decisions. The Legislature required the state Department of Health (DOH) to set this grant program based on the Environmental Justice Council (EJC) Climate Commitment Act (CCA) funding recommendations and budget priorities. These grants are supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. They offer two funding opportunities to support communities in building capacity to engage in HEAL activities. Eligible organizations may apply to one or both of the following: Pass-through funding – They invite community-based organizations to sub-grant funds to other community-based organizations working with overburdened communities and vulnerable populations across Washington State to support equitable community engagement and participation in HEAL activities. Project funding – An organization may apply on its own or in partnership with other organization(s) for funds to build organizational and community capacity to provide guidance and input to: Environmental Justice Council on implementation of the HEAL Act. Department of Health on updates to the environmental health disparities map. State agencies on implementation of the HEAL Act (including environmental justice assessments, budgeting and funding, community, and Tribal engagement). Funding Information Total Amount of Funding: $11.6 million Estimated Funding Range per Award: $250,000 – $1,000,000 Eligibility Criteria This funding is open to eligible organizations in both rural and urban areas. They hope to reach communities across the state through this funding. Tribal organizations and Urban Native led non-profits with 501(c)3 status with service areas in WA state are encouraged to apply for either type of funding. These applications will be scored to account for Tribal sovereignty, data sovereignty, and proprietary traditional knowledge protection. Federally recognized Tribes are eligible to apply for the Tribal Heal Capacity reserved for Tribal governments. Community based organizations with 501(c)3 status are eligible to apply for passthrough funds. Large institutions (i.e. hospitals/community health centers, academic institutions, local health jurisdictions, local government such as city county) are invited to apply in partnership with a 501(c)3 or fiscally sponsored community based organization. It is expected that passthrough fund grantees will spend a reasonable amount of awarded funds on administrative costs associated with establishing and distributing the funds Organizations receiving pass-through funds must also meet the following qualifications: Administrative and fiscal capacity to set up and manage pass-through funding. Capacity to develop and implement a plan for equitably soliciting applications from, selecting, and allocating funding to subgrantee organizations. Demonstrated ability to work equitably with communities and populations across the state, in particular, those most impacted by environmental injustice. Demonstrated ability to collaborate and partner with external organizations with accountability and transparency. For more information, visit Washington State Department of Health.

The 2025 General Fund Grant Program funding requests are now being accepted by the City of Leavenworth. Donor Name: City of Leavenworth State: Washington City: Leavenworth Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding for this program comes from the City of Leavenworth’s General Fund. The General Fund Grant Program provides funding to non-profit organizations that benefit the residents of the Leavenworth community. What can be funded with General Fund Grant Program dollars? Youth and Senior Services – to support non-profits that benefit youth and/or seniors. Activities and/or projects must benefit youth, seniors, and/or the Leavenworth community. Example: Addition of children’s programs in local school(s). Events and Activities – for costs associated with the implementation of the program or service. Example: Food assistance program(s) that benefit the Leavenworth community. Organizational Development and Capacity Building – for costs related to activities including community focused education and program planning. Capital Improvements – for costs activities and/or projects that benefit the Leavenworth community. Funding Information A total of $62,000 is available to non-profit organizations for projects that benefit the residents of the Leavenworth community. Maximum grant request is $5,000 per applicant; not to exceed 50% of program cost. Who may apply? The General Fund Grant Program is open to non-profit organizations only. Applicants may be located within or outside the city limits of Leavenworth. However, General Fund Grant funding shall be used to host projects and/or activities within the city limits of Leavenworth. Maximum grant request is $5,000 per applicant; not to exceed 50% of program cost. An application does not guarantee funding. Funding may be awarded at an amount different than requested. If you qualify for a Lodging Tax grant, do not apply for a General Fund grant for the same project or activity. For more information, visit City of Leavenworth.

The Washington State Department of Commerce is now accepting applications for the 2025-27 Youth Recreational Facilities (YRF) grant program. Donor Name: Washington State Department of Commerce State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/28/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This program awards state grants to Tribes and nonprofit youth oriented organizations to defray eligible capital costs to acquire, construct, or rehabilitate projects that offer recreational opportunities for youth k-12. Approved projects will be reimbursed for 25% of their eligible capital costs for: The acquisition and major new construction, or Renovation of nonresidential youth recreational facilities. Funding Information The maximum grant award for the 2025-2027 biennium is $1,200,000. There is no minimum grant award amount. Eligible Projects  A proposed project must involve the construction, renovation, or acquisition and major renovation of nonresidential youth recreational facilities. These projects must also offer programmatic social and/or educational services on-site. Acquisition of bare land must be accompanied by the construction or renovation of a usable facility to be considered an eligible project. Organizations cannot apply for multiple Capital Programs competitive grants for the same project scope of work. Eligibility Criteria  All applicants must meet the following eligibility standards at the time the application is submitted: Be a Tribe or registered in the state of Washington as a nonprofit organization; Have a legally constituted board of directors; Be dedicated to youth-related activities; Agree to enter the LEED certification process or receive an exemption from Commerce; Agree to pay state prevailing wages as of the date the budget becomes effective; Have control of the project site via ownership or executed long-term lease (15 years) at the time of application — operating agreements will not be accepted as site control. All lease agreements must be recorded with the county of record; and Have made substantial progress in an active capital fundraising campaign dedicated to the project. For more information, visit WSDC.

The Burien Neighborhood Grants Program supports Burien community members who want to improve the quality of life in Burien. Donor Name: City of Burien State: Washington City: Burien Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Through this program, the City of Burien will provide up to $5,000 of City funding per project which the applicant group matches with local resources of volunteer labor, donated materials, donated professional services, or funds. The goal of the Burien Neighborhood Grants Program is to encourage projects that foster a sense of community and create community improvements for the benefit of all Burien residents. Project Criteria The city fund an array of projects that create community improvements such as: Tree planting – installation of trees and understory plants in community or public space Tree maintenance – watering, mulching, removal of noxious plant species around existing trees Physical improvements – minor park improvements, trailhead enhancement, bus shelter Environmental or sustainability project – composting program, community garden Public amenity—historical marker, bench Community-based public events—such as education events or celebrations to bring neighbors together It encourages people of all ages to apply, including youth groups, neighborhood groups, and informal groups of neighbors. Eligibility Criteria To be eligible, projects must: Be in the city of Burien Include participation from two or more individuals from separate households living within the city limits of Burien Provide a public benefit to the community Have demonstrated neighborhood support in the area Have approval from all adjacent property owners Involve neighborhood residents directly in all phases Have goals that can be accomplished by the end of 2023 Be designed for low maintenance or neighborhood volunteers Be located on publicly accessed property (such as community organizations, public rights-of-way, or parks) Be free and open to all members of the public All projects will be required to have a Neighborhood For more information, visit City of Burien.

The City of Vancouver is requesting applications for its Community and Neighborhood Grants. Donor Name: City of Vancouver State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: All Time Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Community and Neighborhood Grants Program supports local efforts to:  Build and strengthen community connections  Encourage partnerships between groups  Empower residents to take meaningful action in their community. Funding Information The grant program offers two levels of funding:  Level One Microgrants Up to $500 to support smaller-scale projects and events such as block parties, picnics, carnivals, cultural and community celebrations, education events, or arts activities. Up to $40,000 is available for Level One Microgrants.  Level Two Grants Up to $10,000 to support larger-scale projects and ongoing programs. These could include after-school, educational or youth sports programs, ongoing arts programs, neighborhood beautification, safety improvements, food assistance programs and any manner of programs aimed at improving equity, accessibility and inclusion in historically underserved parts of Vancouver. Up to $160,000 is available for Level Two Grants.  Uses of funds  Grant funds can be used to pay for:  Materials, supplies or equipment used for an event, project or program  Event rental fees  Insurance policies  Food or nonalcoholic beverages Professional services, such as translation, interpretation, facilitation, design, art, printing, advertising, etc.  Eligibility Criteria  Groups that are working to support community-building within the Vancouver city limits or urban growth area are eligible to apply. Eligible organizations include:  Nonprofits  Community-based organizations  Neighborhood associations  Clubs  Parent-teacher groups such as PTA, PTO and PTSA Groups  Informal groups, partnerships or collaboratives  The following organizations are not eligible to apply:  Government agencies (including county agencies, schools or special districts)  For-profit businesses  Political organizations  Ineligibility  Grant funds cannot be used to pay for:  Purchase of real property  Utility bills  Salaries for staff  Alcohol, marijuana or any illegal substances  Political activities  Fundraising events  Events that cost money to attend. For more information, visit City of Vancouver.

Since 1986, the state’s Housing Trust Fund has invested over $2 billion in capital funding and helped build or preserve more than 58,600 affordable housing units statewide. The Washington Legislature makes biennial appropriations in the capital budget and directs the Department on how to invest the funds. The Housing Trust Fund provides capital financing through loans or grants to affordable housing projects through annual competitive application cycles.For over 25 years the Policy Advisory Team (PAT) has provided recommendations and advice on affordable housing policy for Commerce and the Affordable Housing Advisory Board (AHAB). RCW 43.185A.020 requires Commerce to develop and administer its affordable housing program with advice and input from AHAB. Commerce has made it a priority to make our community feedback more representative of communities most impacted by the housing crisis and discrimination in housing. Incorporating the voices of community members, and particularly centering voices of communities that experience marginalization and discrimination in access to housing, was a priority throughout a consultant-led process, which involved multiple public meetings across 2023. As a result of this process, Commerce recognizes the need to improve engagement holistically, and is presenting a proposal that replaces the current PAT. This proposal focuses on the following strategies to increase transparency of decision making by incorporating input from diverse stakeholders with reasonable timelines, presentations and multiple feedback channels.

The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program utilizes federal funds to support communities in providing street outreach, emergency shelter, rental assistance, and related services. This program provides resources for adults and families with children experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The purpose of the ESG program is to provide homelessness prevention assistance to households who would otherwise become homeless and to provide assistance to rapidly re-house persons who are experiencing homelessness. The funds under this program are intended to target individuals and families who would be homeless but for this assistance. The funds will provide various assistance, including short-term or medium-term Rental Assistance, Housing Search and Placement, and Housing Stability Case Management.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Chelan and Douglas counties to support programs that enhance opportunities and access to beneficial experiences for youth aged 18 and under.

This grant provides funding to non-profit organizations that deliver essential human services to residents of Kent, focusing on community well-being, healthy aging, and stable housing.

This funding opportunity provides up to $1,000 to Seattle schools, PTAs, and community groups to encourage safe walking and biking to school through various programs and events.

The Medina Foundation is a private family foundation working to improve lives by funding human service organizations that provide direct support to Puget Sound residents. We support organizations across our 14 county funding region that are addressing a wide range of human services, including homelessness, youth development, education and economic opportunity. Since our founding in 1947, we have granted over $93 million in grant dollars resulting in countless services and programs that help make lives better.