Best Head Start Grants in Washington

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs in Washington may be eligible for support from the Creag Foundation. Creag Foundation considers proposals from organizations that have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and are developing new approaches that could include early learning or Head Start-related services.

Early-stage, impact-first education and social impact organizations in Washington can seek up to US $300,000 from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation to scale proven solutions for underserved communities. Focused on bold, scalable models, DRK supports independent nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits whose early learning or Head Start-related programs can grow to reach tens of thousands of people.

Washington early learning and education nonprofits using technology-driven programs can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation for innovative solutions in crisis response, education access, and economic empowerment. Global Impact Cash Grants, up to US $100,000, support organizations serving primarily economically underserved communities, with a focus on scalable, tech-enabled models that improve reach and efficiency of services.

Educational institutions, government programs, and qualifying nonprofits in Washington can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives, including early learning and K-12 programs. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support K-12 academic performance, STEM, and pathways to college and career, which may benefit Head Start and early childhood education efforts.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in the U.S. offering arts, science, or arts education programs, including those serving Washington, can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation for program, capital, and limited general or endowment support. Large, well-established organizations with strong impact, especially in arts education and STEAM for youth, may be competitive applicants.

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.

Nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, and other eligible organizations supporting early learning and related education programs in Washington may be eligible for more than US $50,000 to expand or scale projects. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation supports education, children’s health, and family economic stability initiatives benefiting urban low-income children in the U.S., India, and South Africa.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Preschool and early learning organizations in Washington working with marginalized or vulnerable children may be eligible for education and health-focused support from the Semnani Family Foundation. With a mission to empower disaffected communities worldwide, Semnani Family Foundation provides funding for programs such as children’s health, literacy, disabilities, and broader human and social services, including U.S.-based initiatives.

Washington education and early learning nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust for charitable, scientific, medical, or educational programs serving U.S. communities. Eligible organizations must use awarded funds within the U.S. and be tax-exempt under federal law and, when applicable, California law, which may support Head Start-related initiatives.

Washington early learning and other eligible 501(c)(3) organizations can use this storytelling grant to share the impact of their preservation, education, or wellness work. Washington education and preschool programs may be eligible for significant media or communications support from the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation to highlight their community outcomes.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Washington can use this grant to support their programs. Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides flexible funding that may benefit early learning or family-focused initiatives connected to these priorities.

Washington early education and community organizations can access funding through Georgia-Pacific Foundation for programs in education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and qualified government entities located within 30 miles of a Georgia-Pacific manufacturing community, which may include parts of Washington such as King, Pierce, or Cowlitz counties.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations near TJX locations in Washington can seek funding for basic needs, out-of-school supports for at-risk youth, workforce readiness, and safety from domestic violence. The TJX Foundation supports early learning and youth-serving programs that align with its community mission; applicants must pass an eligibility questionnaire before submitting a Letter of Inquiry.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries working on environmental or human services programs, including early learning efforts in Washington, can apply for Lawrence Foundation’s unrestricted operating or program grants. The foundation provides US $5,000 - US $10,000 awards to U.S.-headquartered groups, with no geographic restrictions and flexibility for reasonable indirect costs.

Preschool and early learning nonprofits in Washington can seek US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support community-based educational programs, including Head Start and similar initiatives. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation funds IRS-qualified U.S. organizations, especially where modest grants can significantly enhance services for young children and their families.

Howard Hughes Medical Institute

More than 70 years ago, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) was founded with a mission to advance basic biomedical research and science education. Today, we invest in exceptional scientists at all career stages, catalyzing breakthroughs, new technologies, and the next generation of transformative clinical therapies. Our pathbreaking science takes place at more than 60 host institutions across the US, and at our Janelia Research Campus.

Cech Fellows Program

The Cech Fellows Program is a paid, nine-week summer research experience empowering the next generation of scientific leaders. 

The Summer Undergraduate Research Program (the Cech Fellows Program) gives undergraduate students in the life sciences the opportunity to conduct hands-on research alongside leading scientists at HHMI laboratories across the US, from universities and research institutions to HHMI’s research campus outside of Washington, DC. Students are matched with HHMI scientists conducting fundamental research that advances our understanding of biology and health.

This immersive program gives students the chance to contribute to real scientific discovery, gain professional mentorship, and explore potential careers in biological and biomedical research.

Gain Hands-On Experience in Research & Lab Work

Through the summer, students will:

• Work full time conducting research and contributing to ongoing projects in an HHMI laboratory
• Learn and practice new techniques and approaches in disciplines such as cell biology, genetics, neuroscience, and more
• Work closely with and be mentored by exceptional scientists, from lab heads to PhD students
• Build critical thinking and communication skills necessary for future research careers

What the Program Offers

Beyond meaningful lab work, the program provides:

• A stipend to support summer travel, housing, and living expenses 
• An opportunity for participants to present their research and connect with a national cohort of peers at an end-of-summer research symposium at HHMl’s research campus outside of Washington, DC 
• An engaging virtual seminar series with HHMI scientists as well as professional development sessions focused on relevant skills building

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s community grants to support hunger relief, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, and local development. Washington organizations working on early learning alongside food access, housing stability, or family economic security may be eligible if they meet documentation and volunteer engagement expectations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Washington working on education, early learning, social services, health care, civic, cultural, or environmental programs can access funding via Dr Scholl Foundation. Grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000 support one-year projects, with most awards going to U.S. applicants through an annual October–March application cycle.

Registered nurses in accredited U.S. graduate nursing programs can apply for the Joan L. Conroy Scholarship to support master’s or doctoral study in nursing education and leadership. Offered nationally by Nurses Educational Funds, this award favors PhD students preparing as nurse educators, with special interest in geriatric nursing and home health care, including Washington applicants.

Head Start, ECEAP, public schools, school districts, educational service districts, government agencies, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Washington can receive US $5,000 - US $15,000 for arts-integrated projects serving PreK–3 students. Washington State Arts Commission supports collaborative, culturally relevant arts learning, with emphasis on distressed counties and sequential in- or out-of-school programming.

Washington 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving early childhood development, family stability, or related community services can access funding through O'Reilly Automotive Foundation for project, general operating, or capital support. U.S.-based organizations serving underserved families with programs in early learning, literacy, health, economic stability, or disaster relief may be eligible if they operate where O’Reilly Auto Parts has a business presence.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations offering safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability programs in Washington can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Giving Program. Grants of US $5,000 - US $30,000 support direct services and capacity-building projects that primarily benefit communities served by Union Pacific, including initiatives that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion for underrepresented populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth and families with education, housing, food security, or environmental programs in Washington may be eligible for the True Inspiration Awards, offering US $30,000 - US $350,000. Chick Fil A Foundation supports initiatives such as early learning enrichment, leadership development, community services, and community gardens across the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and beyond.

Nonprofit organizations working on poverty alleviation, disability services, disaster relief, or other human and social services in Washington and globally can apply for Gupta Family Foundation grants ranging from US $5,000 - US $250,000. With a mission to help disadvantaged people become self-reliant, the foundation prioritizes smaller, non-sectarian organizations, including 501(c)(3)s and qualifying foreign entities.