Apply for a grant

NW Children’s Foundation has a two-step application process:

Step One: Interested agencies submit a Letter of Inquiry. We only accept one LOI per applicant per year.

Step Two: A screening committee reviews the Letters of Inquiry and informs agencies whether they have been selected to participate in the full application and review process. Selected agencies then submit a full Grant Application.

NW Children’s Foundation Board members thoroughly review the written materials and arrange for a site visit before making final granting decisions.

We welcome applications for both general operating and program support. Our funding priorities focus on children, youth and families who are in the foster care system, and/or experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, abuse, neglect, and other trauma. Our priorities also include funding prevention services that reduce risk factors and promote protective factors to ensure well-being and stability for all children and families.

We are interested in hearing how the intensity, duration and frequency of your program/intervention will prevent and treat the negative impacts of trauma.

Due to funding limitations, we prioritize programs that are responsive to populations already experiencing trauma or who have demonstrated risks which lead to a higher likelihood of potentially experiencing traumatic experiences like homelessness, abuse, and neglect.

• A grant applicant must qualify as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization.
• We are primarily a direct-service funder. Your organization must serve children and youth (ages birth to 24) and families in Western Washington. Our grants predominantly support programs in King, Snohomish, Pierce, and Kitsap counties.
• Grants will not be considered for individuals or political candidates.
• We do not fund organizations that proselytize, require religious activities in their programs, or exclude individuals based on religious beliefs.
• Other programs we do not fund include:
  • Career training for unskilled parents
  • Substance abuse treatment for parents with no children’s component
  • Stand-alone programs that primarily provide food, clothing, household items or direct medical/dental services in support of families experiencing risk factors like homelessness/poverty (e.g. furniture, diapers etc).
  • Campership
  • Leadership Training
  • Scholarships 
  • Stand-Alone Prevention Programs (ex. dating violence, pregnancy, substance abuse)

If you have questions about your program’s eligibility, contact us at office@nwcf.org.

NWCF grants generally range from $5,000 to $20,000.