Community Sustaining Fund Grant

Community Sustaining Fund Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Community Sustaining Fund (CSF) of Thurston County
Amount: Up to US $1,500
Last Updated: January 16, 2026

Summary

The Community Sustaining Fund Grant supports innovative projects that strengthen communities and the environment in Thurston County. With over 36 years of experience, the fund has awarded more than $125,000 to over 200 local organizations and individuals. CSF prioritizes grants for grassroots initiatives that promote social justice, community building, and environmental sustainability. This program embodies a commitment to diversity, equity, and community-driven solutions, fostering a vibrant and resilient local ecosystem.

Overview

Background For 36 years the Community Sustaining Fund has provided micro grants to individuals and organizations who are working to strengthen the fabric of people, communities, and environment in Thurston County! Three decades of CSF volunteers have fundraised and distributed over $125,000 to more than 200 organizations and individuals. The CSF has seeded the start up and continuation of many projects that moved the needle for positive change in our communities. From the beginnings of the Olympia Food Co-Op to events like Love Our Local Fest, it is our great honor and privilege to support the people and ideas that make our communities thrive! Mission Originally founded by members of the Olympia Food Co -op , our organizations share these commitments in our mission statements: Ecological balanceEconomic and social justiceDevelopment of local community - based resources Community Sustaining Fund Would you like to make a conscientious contribution to making Thurston County a better place to live? For 28 years, the Community Sustaining Fund has been making micro grants to individuals and organizations that work to strengthen the fabric of our people, communities, and our environment in Thurston County through innovative projects and initiatives. Our organization is committed to the principles of consensus-based decision making, cultural diversity, community building, sustainability, and the creation of a more just and equitable world of ecological and economic balance and personal and social responsibility. General Grant Criteria The Community Sustaining Fund (CSF) provides grant support for progressive, community-oriented projects across all of Thurston County. Our highest goal is to support the start-up of long-term organizations and programs that align with topics and guidelines listed below. Depending upon available funds in the grant round, secondary priority is given to already established organizations/programs and/or projects that have a brief timeline of completion, but still align with all other grant criteria. Grants are awarded by CSF for organizational needs such as start-up funding, public outreach, training, equipment, and special projects. CSF realizes that most applicants will neither be involved in all of these activities, nor fit all the criteria listed below. Hence, the CSF treats all applications as case-specific and unique. CSF Seeks To Fund Groups Working In The Following Areas: Social Justice (people >> people)- Youth, Gender Equity, Disarmament, Gay & Lesbian, Foreign Affairs, Racial Equity, Domestic Violence, Native Peoples, Elderly, Parenting & Child Care, Civil Liberties Community Building (people >> society)- Education, Economics, Communication, Arts & Culture, Health Care, Transportation, Housing & Homelessness, Grassroots Democracy, Unemployed, Underemployed & Working Poor, Labor Issues, Spirituality, Sustainability Environment (society >> environment)- Environmental Defense, Agriculture, Animal Rights, Land Use Planning, Forestry, Energy, Water Quality, Waste & Recycling, Environmental Racism, Endangered Species

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. CSF awards fund ing to individuals & organizations within Thurston County .CSF Considers applications whichAre developed and led by residents of Thurston County for activities in Thurston CountyOperate in a democratic, nondiscriminatory manner which is responsive to the constituency servedActively pursue cultural diversity in group compositionActively work toward a more just and equitable world of ecological and economic balance and personal and social responsibility

Ineligibility

CSF will generally not fund:Direct social service projects that are, or can be, funded by traditional funding sources (i.e., government agencies, United Way, major foundations, etc.)One-time artistic or cultural events that do NOT include community organizing or development as part of the workOngoing organizational operating costs but you can request one-time operating (bridge) funding