Forest Foundation: Special Events & Camps Grant

Forest Foundation: Special Events & Camps Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Forest Foundation (WA)
Last Updated: February 12, 2026

Summary

The Forest Foundation supports nonprofits in Southwest Washington, focusing on Tacoma and Pierce County. They prioritize community engagement and initiatives that strengthen local quality of life. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) entities based in Washington or Oregon, with funding aimed at projects promoting self-sufficiency, youth development, environmental stewardship, and cultural enrichment. Specific capital project guidelines are in place, excluding proposals for new construction or lobbying efforts.

Overview

NOTE: Pre-Proposal - If you determine that your organization is eligible for Foundation support and there is a strong match between your organization’s efforts and the Foundation’s charitable giving interests, you may submit Stage One request.Full Proposal - If your Stage One request is approved, you will be notified by the Foundation and provided with the link and instructions for preparing a Stage Two request. Mission The Forest Foundation is committed to strengthening and enriching the quality of life in Southwest Washington, with a particular emphasis on Tacoma and Pierce County. The Foundation pursues its mission by supporting well-managed nonprofit organizations and citizen initiatives that achieve measurable, high-quality results. Values The Foundation strives to honor the following while carrying out its mission: We value honesty, integrity and respect in all our relationships. We value the power of community-based leadership. We value community-strengthening brought about by individuals who have a strong connection and commitment to where they live. We value investing Foundation resources in organizations that:Demonstrate programmatic and fiscal accountability, transparency and strength. Develop and implement innovative solutions. Regularly engage in planning and evaluation. Develop and maintain strategic alliances that support the mission. Are governed by diverse leaders whose expertise is skillfully managed and employed. Forest Foundation Grant Program Areas Children and Youth Development: The Foundation supports efforts that promote the safety, security and physical and emotional health of children and youth. Attention is given to efforts which decrease social isolation and promote a sense of hope among those dealing with hardships or trauma.Community and Environment:The Foundation supports strategies that engage people as the fundamental stewards of the natural environment. We favor restoration and conservation efforts with a particular emphasis on organizations and projects that engage diverse stakeholders and promote volunteerism.Community Building and Development:The Foundation envisions communities that are vibrant, diverse and benefit from active and engaged citizens. We support civic engagement that strengthens neighborhoods and communities by promoting community-based self determination, volunteerism and service.Culture and the Arts:The Foundation believes in the power of culture and the arts to promote community and economic development. We support well-managed organizations and efforts that are responsive to the communities they serve and offer high-quality, relevant and accessible cultural and artistic experiences.Self-Sufficiency:The Foundation recognizes that the path toward greater levels of self-sufficiency is influenced by many factors and supported by a range of assistance: from ensuring the availability of basic needs, such as food and shelter, to skill-building that leads to wage progression, personal savings and financial stabilization. Support is offered for efforts that improve and/or increase access to such assistance, and especially for efforts that empower families to recognize their own power to influence and improve their condition.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The Foundation will make grants to organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and are not “private foundations” as defined under Section 509(a) of the Code. The Foundation’s emphasis will be to support proposals from agencies based in Washington and Oregon and projects that occur within the same geographic boundary.Grants outside of Pierce County will be made for capital projects only.The Foundation supports organizations and efforts in the following Washington State counties: Clallam, Cowlitz, Clark, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Skamania, Thurston and Wahkiakum. The Foundation accepts proposals seeking grants for smaller capital items and equipment used to support ongoing operations and/or efforts to improve organizational effectiveness.

Ineligibility

At this time the foundation does not accept requests for new facility construction.Please note that the Foundation generally will not favor proposals seeking funds for annual appeals, debt retirement, endowments, individuals, private or operating foundations, school-related tours, or the production of films, videos or publications. The Foundation does not fund lobbying efforts or efforts to influence elections or legislation.