CFSPS: Community Grants Program

The Community Grants Program, offered by the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound, supports diverse nonprofit organizations in Lewis, Mason, and Thurston Counties. With an annual funding pool of approximately $350,000, grants typically range from $1,500 to $7,500 and can be used for various organizational needs. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate local impact. This initiative aims to enhance community well-being across health, environment, and social sectors, fostering collaboration with local partners.

The Community Grants Program aims to strengthen our Lewis, Mason, and Thurston County communities through broad, diverse, and flexible funding. This program supports a wide range of nonprofit organizations contributing to the region's overall social, health, and environmental well-being across a broad range of focus areas.
Program Details
We award around 80 grants annually through our Community Grants programRequested amount may be up to $5,000; awards typically range from $1,500 to $5,000Total awards through this program in 2022 will be approximately $350,000To get an idea of what we fund, view the 2021 Community Grant awards HERE.
Most Grants Will Be Unrestricted
“Unrestricted grants” invest in a grantee’s mission, rather than specific projects or programs. Grantees may use funds as they see fit to reach their goals. This may include salaries, overhead, technology, marketing, and more. To qualify for unrestricted grants, an organization must be based in Thurston, Mason, or Lewis County and meet all other eligibility requirements.
Community Grants Program Objectives
In reviewing grant proposals, the Community Foundation considers the following:
Impact: We support organizations contributing to individual and community well-being across a variety of focus areas including arts and culture, community and civic engagement, environment, animal welfare, health and wellness, basic needs, and economic opportunity.
Geography: We fund organizations that primarily work in our service area or fill unmet needs within our service area.
Accountability: We seek to fund services that are designed appropriately for the communities they serve and prioritize organizations that meaningfully engage the voices, perspectives, and expertise of their program participants.
Community Partnerships: We prioritize organizations that carry out their work in coordination with local community partners.

Eligibility

Eligibility is limited to organizations with up to date 501(c)(3) public charity status or groups fiscally sponsored by an eligible 501(c)(3) organization. In addition to 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsorship:Organizations must demonstrate basic organizational capacity, including reasonable financial health and governance practices, including a minimum of 3 board members.  Organizations must acknowledge 100% of Community Grant funds will be used in Thurston, Mason, and/or Lewis County.Organizations with a regional or statewide geography that can demonstrate a strong, local, community-based presence and meet otherwise unmet needs in our geography may apply. Religious or faith-based organizations whose applications demonstrate programs that meet a critical need in the community, do not require religious participation, and align with the Community Foundation’s nondiscrimination policy may apply. Organizations that offer childcare, including camps, which offer robust or inclusive programming or serve underserved populations may apply.

Ineligibility

Not eligible:Organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disabilities, age, status as a veteran, national origin, or any other protected classesIndividualsPartisan political activitiesReligious organizations when funds would be used in whole or in part to further the organization’s religious purposesNational and statewide organizations that cannot demonstrate a strong community-based local presence in Lewis, Mason, or Thurston CountiesRe-granting organizations, service clubs and service club foundationsSchools, school districts, PTOs, preschools, childcare centers, camps, and sports teams

501(c)(3) public charities or fiscally sponsored organizations benefiting Lewis, Mason and/or Thurston counties, WA, with basic organizational capacity (at least three board members).