Foster Foundation Grant

The Foster Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Pacific Northwest that align with priority funding issues such as social services, education, medical research, and community engagement. The foundation seeks to cultivate long-term partnerships and is committed to improving community life through various initiatives. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) status and address one of the foundation's priority issues while ensuring that funds are used within the designated geographic reach.

NOTE: We encourage organizations who are approaching us for the first time to follow the For Grant Seekers steps outlined above. By submitting the Organization Information Form, you allow us to review your goals and missions to determine if you qualify for partner status and an invitation to submit a proposal. We will accept and review Organization Form data from January 1 - August 31.
What We Fund
To maximize the impact of our financial support, the Foster Foundation cultivates long-term partnerships with organizations whose work aligns with our priority funding issues. By identifying well run nonprofit programs with the vision and capacity to get things done, we continue to make sound investments in the people, communities and future of the Pacific Northwest.
Priority Areas
Improving community life encompasses not only meeting critical needs such as food, housing, healthcare, education and employment, but also enriching community spirt and well-being through the support of artistic expression, cultural programs and sports/recreational opportunities.
We seek to identify and fund under-resourced opportunities to make a difference in these four areas:

• Social Services/ Human Welfare

We fund emergency and critical human services that support people and families in need. This includes food, emergency/transitional housing, job/life's skills training, counseling and other resources and opportunities that build economic self-reliance.
Education
We support innovative programs that improve literacy, learning and academic success for all ages. Training, tutoring, mentoring and enrichment programs are examples of our outreach in this area.
Medical Research, Treatment & Care
We provide funding for promising medical research to aid in the understanding, treatment and prevention of diseases. The Foundation also supports hospice care as well as HIV/AIDs research and education.
Community Engagement
Foundation grants help sustain arts organizations and programs that express and grow the creative imagination. We also support community sports/recreational programs, centers and activities that promote health, well-being and teamwork.
Geographic Reach
With both family and business roots in the Pacific Northwest, The Foster Foundation takes a regional approach to giving. We target our funding to assist nonprofits engaged in our priority funding concerns within Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska.
We will continue to support existing grantees. But, we desire to learn about and fund other pioneering initiatives and nonprofit programs that address the underserved and disadvantaged segments of this population―especially children, women and seniors.

Eligibility

To be considered for possible funding, your organization must meet all these requirements:

• Have current 501(c)(3) status from the Internal Revenue Service.
• Be located in or serve populations of the Pacific Northwest which includes Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska.
• Address as your mission or project intent one of the Foundation's Priority Issues for funding.

Not have any delinquent final reports due to the Foundation from previous grant cycles.All requests from partner organizations located outside the Pacific Northwest are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Grants to these organizations usually stipulate that any funding must be used within our geographic reach—one or more of the five states within the Pacific Northwest.

Ineligibility

In general, The Foster Foundation will not consider requests for:

• Direct grants, scholarships or loans for the benefit of specific individuals.
• Projects of organizations whose policies or practices discriminate on the basis of race, ethnic origin, sex, creed or sexual orientation.
• Contributions or program support for sectarian or religious organizations whose activities benefit only their members.
• Loans.