Washington Local Grants

The Wyoming Arts Council’s Creative Fellowships program, established in 1986, honors Wyoming's literary artists whose body of work demonstrates exceptional writing. This program is rooted in supporting artistic excellence within the state, aligning with a mission to foster and recognize literary talent. The program is designed to provide financial support and recognition to deserving writers, thereby contributing to the cultural richness of Wyoming. The primary beneficiaries of this fellowship are Wyoming literary artists who are at least 18 years old, not full-time students, US citizens or legal residents, and have been domiciled in Wyoming for at least 20 months in the past two years. The program specifically targets writers in the categories of Poetry, Creative Nonfiction, and Fiction. The impact goal is to empower these artists, enabling them to continue their craft and contribute to the literary landscape, while also elevating Wyoming's artistic profile. The program prioritizes exceptional writing and artistic merit, as applications are juried by noted authors, literary agents, or writing professionals from outside the state. It focuses on identifying and rewarding literary excellence across three distinct categories. A key focus is also on promoting a sense of community among Wyoming writers, as recipients are expected to share their work at one of the three Wyoming literary conferences. Expected outcomes include the continued production of high-quality literary work by Wyoming artists, increased recognition for these artists, and a more vibrant literary community within the state. Measurable results include the awarding of up to three fellowships annually, with each recipient receiving $5,000 upfront. The program also ensures a spread of awards by stipulating that artists cannot receive the fellowship within a four-year period and are limited to two lifetime awards, promoting wider participation and impact.

This program provides financial assistance to owners of historic buildings, non-profits, and community groups in Ellensburg, WA, to help preserve and restore historic properties and murals.

This grant provides funding to community groups and organizations in Ellensburg for projects that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, enhancing educational and intercultural opportunities while improving access to community resources.

The City of Mukilteo’s Co-Sponsorship Grant process is designed to promote, support, and expand existing and new special events, activities, and programs within the city, as well as to publicize and support economic development initiatives. A key alignment with the city's mission is the support of activities that foster the general health and well-being of the community. This grant primarily functions by waiving facility rental fees for the use of City Facilities, thereby reducing a significant barrier for organizations looking to host beneficial events and programs. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include a broad range of public and private organizations. Specifically, qualifying organizations encompass non-profit volunteer groups, neighborhood groups, educational organizations, public agencies, and chambers of commerce. The ultimate impact goal is to enhance the quality of life for Mukilteo residents through increased access to cultural arts, recreation, youth and adult activities, and improved community safety. Furthermore, the program aims to stimulate economic growth through events and activities that promote job creation and business attraction and retention. The grant program prioritizes projects that are open to the public and offer enhanced opportunities in areas such as culture and arts, recreation, youth or adult activities, and community safety. Another key focus is on projects that promote job growth or promote business attraction and retention within Mukilteo. While the grant is generally open to Mukilteo-based organizations, there are limited exceptions for organizations outside the city that can clearly demonstrate the necessity and direct public benefit of their service to the Mukilteo community. The expected outcomes from this program are multifaceted. By waiving facility rental fees, the City of Mukilteo anticipates an increase in the number and diversity of special events, programs, and activities offered to its residents. Measurable results could include the number of events supported, the estimated attendance at these events, and the reported community engagement. From an economic development perspective, success could be measured by the number of jobs created or retained, and the growth of businesses attributed to grant-supported initiatives. The grant's duration is not specified, but projects must be accomplished by December 31st, 2025, suggesting a focus on near-term impact.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Vancouver for events and programs that promote cultural enrichment, tourism, and community engagement, aiming to attract visitors and enhance the local tourism economy.

The Artist Trust (AT) Endurance Grants (END) program offers unrestricted emergency need-based grants of $2,500 to artists across Washington State. These grants are designed to provide crucial assistance during unforeseen emergencies, crises, or catastrophic events, aligning with Artist Trust's mission to support and sustain artists in their creative endeavors and alleviate immediate financial burdens that could otherwise impede their artistic practice. This program is an integral part of their broader strategy to foster a resilient and vibrant arts community by directly addressing the urgent needs of individual artists. The primary target beneficiaries for these 40 grants are artists who identify with one or more specific communities. These include Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and/or Native, LGBTQIA+, immunocompromised individuals, those with immigrant status, people living with a disability, artists residing outside King County, and/or low-income artists. The impact goal is to provide immediate financial relief and stability, enabling these artists to navigate personal crises without abandoning their artistic pursuits. By focusing on these historically underserved and vulnerable populations, the program aims to promote equity and inclusion within the arts landscape of Washington State. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly on emergency relief and supporting artists from marginalized communities. The grants are explicitly for "unforeseen emergency, crisis, or catastrophic event," emphasizing their role as a safety net. Furthermore, the detailed eligibility criteria, which specifically list various marginalized communities, underscore a strategic focus on addressing systemic inequities. This approach reflects a theory of change where targeted financial support for artists facing acute needs within these communities leads to increased artist retention, well-being, and continued cultural production, ultimately enriching the broader artistic ecosystem. Expected outcomes and measurable results include the successful disbursement of 40 grants to eligible artists, providing immediate financial aid. Success would also be measured by the ability of these artists to continue their artistic practices despite facing emergencies, thereby mitigating potential career disruptions. While not explicitly stated as metrics, the foundation's strategic priorities imply a commitment to fostering diversity and resilience within the arts, with these grants serving as a direct mechanism to achieve those aims by preventing artists from leaving the field due to financial hardship. This direct intervention is intended to strengthen the foundational support for artists who often lack traditional safety nets.

The Richardton Area Community Foundation, an affiliate of the North Dakota Community Foundation, is currently accepting applications for grants to support projects or nonprofit organizations within the Richardton area. Established in 1981, the foundation's core mission is to address the lack of funding for local organizations and foster community development. This grant program is a direct extension of that mission, aiming to provide financial assistance to initiatives that positively impact the residents of the Richardton–Taylor area. The primary target beneficiaries for this grant program are 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax-exempt groups, government agencies, and organizations operating within the Richardton–Taylor area. Groups without 501(c)(3) designation can apply with a fiscal sponsor. Religious organizations are eligible, provided their activities are non-denominational and serve the entire community. The overarching impact goal is to fund projects that offer broad community benefit, addressing various needs and improving the quality of life for a greater number of residents. The foundation prioritizes projects or programs that benefit a greater number of residents and those that demonstrate the applicant will seek or has secured other funding sources. This indicates a strategic focus on initiatives with widespread community reach and a commitment to leveraging diverse funding streams for sustainability. Conversely, low priority is given to requests for multiple-year funding and those for operating funds or day-to-day expenses, suggesting a preference for project-specific funding with clear objectives and a defined timeline. Expected outcomes include the successful implementation of community-benefiting projects and the strengthening of local nonprofit organizations and government agencies. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the provided information, the emphasis on projects benefiting a "greater number of residents" implies that successful applications will demonstrate a quantifiable positive impact on the community. The Advisory Committee retains discretion over funding decisions and extensions, allowing for flexibility and ensuring alignment with the foundation's strategic priorities. The foundation does not fund grants or scholarships for individuals.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community organizations in Seattle that aim to improve digital access and technology skills for underserved populations, helping to close the digital divide.

Water/Sewer Assistance Program for Low-income Households in Washington State, also known as LIHWAP, aims to help low-income households meet their immediate water needs. The program provides one-time assistance per program year to eligible households with incomes at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. LIHWAP is funded by a federal block grant program and assists households in maintaining affordable and dependable utility services to avoid shutoff. The program offers grants of up to $2500, depending on income, household size, type of housing, and heat bill, to pay arrearage/past-due balances directly to the water provider on behalf of eligible households.

This funding opportunity supports organizations in developing storytelling and communication strategies to promote a pilot program that boosts wages for child care workers in King County, ultimately advocating for sustained investment in early childhood care.

The Ellensburg City Council, through its Community Grants Program, aims to bolster community initiatives that address local needs and enhance the City of Ellensburg's capabilities. This program seeks to align with the city's broader mission of fostering a healthy, resilient, and engaged community by supporting projects that contribute to its overall well-being and development. The target beneficiaries for this grant program include non-profit organizations, civic groups, neighborhood groups, and partnerships among individuals and/or groups within the City of Ellensburg. The impact goals are to strengthen community health, environmental stewardship, and social networks, while also promoting civic engagement. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined as fostering civic engagement and involvement, developing solutions that steward the community's health, environment, and social network/resiliency, and creating programs that build community assets and provide outreach through education and information. Expected outcomes include enhanced civic participation, tangible improvements in community health and environmental quality, and a more robust social fabric within Ellensburg. Measurable results would stem from the successful completion of projects within the two-year grant period, demonstrating progress in the identified goal areas. The program implicitly operates under a theory of change that by supporting grassroots efforts and local organizations, the city can achieve sustainable improvements in key community indicators. The foundation's strategic priorities are to empower local groups to address challenges directly and to build the capacity of the city to meet its evolving needs. This is achieved by funding projects that are locally driven and contribute to long-term community benefits. The program's design, which emphasizes broad eligibility and a focus on essential community pillars, reflects a belief that collective action and local innovation are crucial for enduring positive change within the City of Ellensburg.

This funding opportunity is designed to support events and marketing initiatives that promote tourism and increase hotel stays in Liberty Lake, benefiting local businesses and the economy.

The City of Bellingham's Tourism Promotion Grants program aims to bolster economic activity within the city by attracting tourists. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to stimulate local commerce and development by encouraging visitor stays and expenditures. The program is designed to provide "seed money" for new events or marketing funds for ongoing events, with the overarching goal of increasing hotel stays and drawing more tourists to Bellingham. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are organizations and individuals hosting events or activities that have the potential to attract tourists to Bellingham. The impact goals are centered on increasing economic activity through tourism, specifically by "putting heads in beds" (hotel stays) and encouraging visitor spending. The program prioritizes activities that directly contribute to drawing tourists to the city, making funding contingent on this core objective. The grant program offers two distinct types: the Start-Up Grant and the Standard Grant. The Start-Up Grant is for events or activities that are three years young or less, allowing funds to be used for marketing and eligible operating expenses such as venue rentals, equipment rentals, a portion of rent, and the purchase of goods/supplies with prior approval. The Standard Grant is for events or activities that have been running for over three years, with similar eligible operating expenses. Both grant types explicitly exclude payroll, travel, alcohol, and equipment expenses. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in tourism-related economic activity, particularly in hotel occupancy and local spending. Measurable results would likely be tracked through metrics such as visitor numbers, hotel bookings, and event attendance, all contributing to the city's economic growth. The program's strategic priority is to maximize tourist attraction to Bellingham, and its theory of change is that by providing financial support for new and existing events that draw visitors, the city will experience a direct and positive economic impact from increased tourism.

The City of Maple Valley is offering grants to local agencies and organizations that provide services and events within the community, with a deadline of July 10, 2024. The program aims to support initiatives that contribute to the city's economic development, community engagement, and human services. The grants are categorized into Economic/Community Events and Human Services, reflecting the city's commitment to fostering a vibrant and supportive environment for its residents. The Economic Development Commission (EDC) and the City's Finance Committee are responsible for reviewing applications and allocating funds, ensuring alignment with municipal purposes such as community participation and economic development. The grant program targets non-profit corporations that can demonstrate significant value to the citizens of Maple Valley. For Economic Events, beneficiaries include organizations that attract regional, state, and national participants, bringing economic benefit to the city. Examples like the Lake Wilderness Triathlon and the Be the Hope Walk illustrate the type of events that align with this focus. Community Event grants are intended for organizations that attract local participants and spectators, such as the Maple Valley Youth Symphony and Maple Valley Days, emphasizing local engagement and cultural enrichment. Human Services grants support agencies dedicated to providing essential services to the community. The program prioritizes events and services that serve valid municipal purposes, specifically community participation and economic development. For Economic Events, the focus is on attracting visitors from outside Maple Valley to stimulate the local economy. Community Events prioritize local engagement and enrichment. Human Services grants are aimed at addressing critical community needs through direct services. The evaluation process for Economic/Community Events is managed by the EDC, which recommends organizations to the City’s Finance Committee. The Finance Committee directly oversees the Human Services grant process. Expected outcomes include increased community participation, enhanced economic activity within Maple Valley, and improved access to vital human services. Measurable results for Economic Events could include visitor numbers from outside the city and economic impact assessments. For Community Events, success might be measured by local attendance and resident feedback on community engagement. Human Services grant outcomes would likely be assessed by the number of individuals served and the impact of those services on community well-being. The City of Maple Valley's strategic priority is to invest in its community through initiatives that offer both economic and social returns, thereby strengthening the overall fabric of the city.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to neighborhoods, community groups, and local businesses in Marysville, Washington, for projects aimed at beautifying their local areas.

City of Seattle: Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute Facility Grant (Washington) - The LHPAI Facility Grant supports public projects, opportunities, or events that celebrate and preserve African American and Diaspora performing arts and cultural legacies. It provides up to 40 hours of staffed building use for public arts or cultural events at LHPAI, with no monetary investment. Projects must focus on audience expansion, LHPAI goals, and community impact, serving underserved artists and communities while building community through arts and culture.

This funding opportunity provides up to $5,000 for creative projects that promote community connections and inclusivity among residents in Whatcom County.

This grant provides financial support and exhibition opportunities for emerging and underrepresented artists in King County, WA, to showcase their installation and site-responsive artwork in a Seattle gallery.

This program provides funding to municipalities, park districts, tribes, and nonprofits in Pierce County to preserve open spaces and enhance community recreational areas.

The 2025 Pierce County Historic Preservation Grant Program, funded by Pierce County in Washington, offers $10,000 to $100,000 for projects that preserve and promote the county's historical and cultural heritage, including the protection, rehabilitation, or reconstruction of significant structures or sites, and the preservation or interpretation of historically significant artifacts and documents.