Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation Grants

Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation
Last Updated: January 15, 2026

Summary

The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation provides essential funding to nonprofit organizations that improve the lives of economically and socially disadvantaged individuals. Since 1988, the foundation has supported various initiatives, including education, health services, and community programs. It emphasizes direct services with low administrative costs, ensuring that funds have a meaningful impact. Organizations applying must demonstrate a commitment to serving at-risk youth and families, particularly in Montana and select areas where The Washington Companies operate.

Overview

The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation funds direct service non-profit organizations that help improve the quality of people’s lives by providing them with the tools they need to succeed. Since its inception in 1988, it has funded programs for those with special needs, summer camps for cancer-stricken or troubled children and ensured access to theater, arts and music programs by economically disadvantaged youth and their families. It has granted wishes for terminally ill children, awards for science and math fair winners, and funded programs to purchase clothing, school supplies and toys for needy children. The Foundation also has supported rescue missions, food banks, shelters for victims of domestic violence, free mammogram exams for low-income women, and dental screenings and preventive care for underprivileged youth. When making a grant decision, we examine each organization’s financial stability, staffing and facility capacity, and relevant partnerships. Additionally, we assess the capability of an organization to sustain a program into the future and their ability to show measurable impact on the population they serve. Finally, funding is guided toward organizations that support low income, rural, and underserved populations through one of our four main focus areas: Our Four Main Focus: The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation funds organizations that have accurately identified needs consistent with our mission and scope and who have successfully worked to provide programs and services that give youth and economically and socially disadvantaged individuals, families and those with special needs the tools they need to succeed in life. Education Education taps the immeasurable potential of the mind. Reaching children through early childhood education, after-school learning programs, and post-secondary and graduate scholarships helps our young people get the start they deserve. Providing higher education scholarships and funding educational programs helps build a strong educational foundation for future leaders. Health and Human Services Health and Human Services ensures the vitality of the human body and spirit. We target programs that ensure access to basic health care services to the most vulnerable members of our communities, as well as programs that educate our youth about wellness, nutrition, exercise and healthy lifestyles. We also support experiential programs that offer disabled or disadvantaged people opportunities they may not have otherwise. Arts and Culture Arts and Culture represents the innovation and creativity of a society. Through cultural endeavors we help bring people together to share their creative talents, intellects, passions, customs and bold initiatives to explore new ways of doing things. In the areas of theatre, art, and music the Foundation grants have helped organizations reach a broader audience, infused new life into programs and created long-lasting cultural traditions within our communities. Community Service Community Service touches the lives of everyone where they work, play, and live. Despite our individual differences, we are linked by common interests to do more for the places we call home. The Foundation invests in organizations that fortify this connection. When each person is involved in one way or another in the improvement of their community, the community is enhanced.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicants must be: Be a charitable, nonprofit entity – not a private foundation – with tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code, and, where appropriate, under Section 170 (c).The appropriate IRS documentation must be submitted along with your application.Apply for programs that can be categorized in one of the following four areas of giving: Education, Health and Human Services, Arts and Culture, and Community Service.Show an emphasis on providing direct services to economically and socially disadvantaged individuals and families, at-risk youth, and individuals with special needs.Demonstrate that a majority, if not all, of Foundation funds will be used for direct services.Have low administrative costs. Indirect or overhead costs not directly related to the implementation of a grant will not be funded.Show evidence of substantial financial support from the community, constituency groups, or other funding sources prior to applying.Be located within the State of Montana and select communities in states where The Washington Companies operate and are located.NOTE: Canadian applicants, click here for more information.

Ineligibility

The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation RARELY funds capital and equipment campaigns.Applications will not be considered for the following organizations or purposes: Organizations that, in policy or practice, unfairly discriminate against race, ethnic origin, sex, creed, or religionLoans, debt retirement, or operational deficitsIndividuals, unless under an approved educational scholarship programSectarian or religious organizations for religious purposes where the principal activity is for the benefit of their own members or adherentsFraternal organizations or civic organizationsTravel expenses or trips (e.g. major metropolitan areas)Private or public foundations, endowmentsMost capital and equipment campaignsCurriculum development or operational costs of public or private educational institutions or other tax-supported groupsSponsorships including auctions, dinners, tickets, marketing or advertising, or annual fundraising eventsPolitical action or legislative advocacy groups or influencing electionsOrganizations acting on behalf of, but without the authority of, qualified tax-exempt organizationsSports teams, sporting events or facilities, golf scramblesSenior or Capstone events or projects, including Eagle Scout projectsFilm development, production or marketingTo fund graduation, senior, or end of year school activities.To fund overhead or indirect costs not directly related to the implementation of a grant.For social, economic, academic, medical, or scientific research.