Best Olympia Grants for Nonprofits in Washington

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

Inatai Foundation

Inatai Foundation is a 501(c)(4) serving and accountable to leaders and organizations with bold visions who are building power in racially diverse communities across Washington state. Our vision begins with them: their ideas, solutions, and dreams for transformational change.

As a foundation, we channel the funding, influence, and information we have to the leaders and organizations rooted in and led by the communities we answer to, so they have the resources, power, and opportunity they need to bring their visions to life.

Campaigns, Litigation, Issues & Policy (CLIP) Fund

The Campaigns, Litigation, Issues & Policy (CLIP) Fund supports Washington organizations and coalitions engaging in community-led, issue-based campaigns—both active and forthcoming—that can shape policy for a more just and equitable future.

As a 501(c)(4) organization working to advance equity and racial justice across Washington, we know that this work is inherently political, and we know that there are diverse leaders working to shift the political landscape in every community.

That’s why CLIP funding offers flexible support and partnership that community-led campaigns need to build and exercise their political power. 

Campaigns We Fund

Below are examples of campaign activity that CLIP supports:

• Ballot Measures and Initiaves: Campaigns in support of or opposition to state and local ballot measures and initiatives that impact communities’ power.
• Litigation: Legal actions by local campaigns to protect and create rights and advance power-building efforts of Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, and other communities of color.
• Legislative Advocacy: Ensuring that communities’ expertise is factored into decision-making in Olympia on the policies and issues that matter most to them.
• Grassroots Organizing Around a Campaign: Activating community support around elections, legislative activity, and other pivotal moments that inform and impact policy on specific issues.
• Polling and Research: Advancing campaign strategy by better understanding the perspectives of the electorate and how to educate them about policy issues.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Inspire Olympia's Mission

Providing a reliable source of public funding that sustains a healthy, visible, welcoming, and inclusive nonprofit cultural and science sector, making creative cultural experiences accessible for everyone in Olympia.Impact Funding

Inspire Olympia is a voter-approved initiative to increase access to quality arts, sciences, heritage, and cultural experiences across Olympia by expanding offerings and lowering barriers to participation, especially for youth and underserved populations. This multi-year public investment seeks to strengthen our community’s nonprofit cultural organizations so they can extend inspiring, creative cultural programs to everyone.

Funding is distributed to local cultural organizations through contracts for services with the City of Olympia. Following the application process, contracts are awarded to those who best demonstrate how their arts, culture, heritage, and/or science programs benefit people and communities in Olympia. 

Primary Funding Goals

All applicants for Inspire Olympia funding are encouraged to focus on the way their work supports Inspire Olympia’s funding goals:

• Support public programs in arts, culture, heritage, or science.
• Increase access to these programs and reduce barriers to participation, especially for historically underserved populations.
• Support programming by and for culturally or ethnically specific communities and underrepresented groups.
• Expand access to youth education programs in arts, culture, heritage, and science.
• Support the sustainability of and collaboration among cultural sector organizations.

Comprehensive Funding

Comprehensive Funding is open to eligible Olympia-based non-profit cultural organizations that demonstrate an organizational commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and who provide a variety of public and youth programming throughout the year.

Funding Range: Funding Range: Applicants in this category may request up to 20% of the organization’s total annual budget, based on the average of actual income over the last two completed fiscal years, up to a maximum of $85,000 per year for two years. This funding is meant to help organizations sustain and expand programming aligned with Inspire Olympia funding priorities. Inspire Olympia funds are expected to cover a portion of key cultural services listed in funding contracts.

The Inspire Olympia Comprehensive & Impact Funding initiative aims to enhance access to diverse arts, sciences, and cultural experiences in Olympia. This voter-approved program focuses on lowering participation barriers, particularly for youth and underserved communities. By strengthening local nonprofit cultural organizations, the initiative seeks to deliver inspiring and creative programs for all residents. Funding is allocated through a competitive application process, ensuring that selected projects effectively benefit the community.

The General Operating Support for Large Organizations Grant provides two years of funding to arts organizations in Washington State, aiming to cover day-to-day operational costs. With a focus on equity, funding will be distributed based on priorities that emphasize cultural diversity and community engagement. Eligible organizations can request up to $6,000, distributed in two equal payments. This grant is designed to support the growing creative sector while maintaining accessibility for underserved communities.

The General Operating Support for Midsized Organizations Grant provides two-year funding of up to $12,000 to arts, heritage, and culture organizations in Washington State for general operating expenses. The grant aims to equitably distribute funds while supporting community engagement in the creative economy, emphasizing cultural equity and diversity. Eligible applicants must have a mission focused on art and meet specific criteria, including a minimum operating budget and three years of programming history.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.