GHF: Sponsorship Requests Grant

The GHF Sponsorship Requests program supports organizations in Washington that focus on health equity and community building. By prioritizing groups led by those they serve, especially marginalized communities, the program aims to foster events that promote racial justice and inclusion. Organizations can apply for sponsorships for a variety of events, ensuring accessibility and community engagement. Applications are accepted year-round, with a 60-day notice required before the event.

NOTE: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and must be received at least 60 days before your gathering.
Events and gatherings are important opportunities for people to come together, and we aim for organizations and leaders working for equity and racial justice to do just that through sponsorships.
We are most likely to support organizations whose leadership reflects the communities they serve. Sponsorships are one way we get to know more about the work of organizations, how they are connected to their communities, and their efforts to bring people together for change.
Deciding Factors for Sponsorships
Throughout our work, we support organizations led by and serving Black, Indigenous, and other people of color; immigrants and refugees; the queer and disability communities; and people who identify with more than one of these groups.
For sponsorships, we consider the following:

• Race/Ethnicity

We evaluate how your event reflects the communities you serve — including your organization’s leadership, the event design, and more—giving preference to culturally specific, multiracial, and cross-racial organizations and events.
Disability/Ability
We prioritize disability-led organizations and those organizing for disabled people to be fully included because we recognize that people with disabilities frequently experience inequities. We also ask applicants to share how a sponsored event will be accessible to all people.
Socioeconomics
We prioritize sponsorships for organizations based in communities experiencing poverty that are led by individuals living with low incomes.
Organization size
We encourage small and mid-size nonprofits to apply and prioritize support for events where sponsorships might have the biggest effect.
Geography
We prioritize areas where philanthropic funding is less common, and our support can go further, recognizing that the bulk of philanthropic funding is concentrated in Western Washington.
We also welcome applications from organizations serving communities along our state’s borders and from tribes for whom Washington is part of their traditional territory.
Sponsorships
Sponsorships are not limited to the examples here, and we welcome your ideas for the events you are hosting that will benefit your organization and community and advance equity and racial justice.
Celebrations and Similar Events
that bring people together based on culture, community, and/or personal identities to build connections and foster collective action.
Staff and Leadership Retreats
with agendas focused on learning and action planning related to systems change or equity efforts.
Professional Development
to equip your staff and/or volunteers with knowledge and skills that deepen their understanding of equity and justice work, further your mission, or serve your community.
Strategic Planning Sessions
that allow your organization to think big-picture and identify key strategies to move your work forward.
Open Houses
that welcome community members and other organizations to tour your space, learn about your work, and connect with your organization and one another.
Fundraisers
to support and strengthen your organization’s long-term agenda.

Eligibility

Not sure if you’re eligible? Here is a checklist: You are a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) organization, tribe, or nonprofit corporation based in Washington or providing services to Washington communities. You are hosting or co-hosting the event. Your organization is reflective of and rooted in the communities you serve. Your event will take place in Washington or serve Washington communities. Your event will take place at least 60 days from the date you apply. You have not received a sponsorship from us in the last calendar year.

Ineligibility

We do not consider applications outside of our service area.We do not sponsor the following types of gatherings:Events hosted by or for the benefit of for-profit organizationsPartisan political events, dinners, or fundraisers, including those marketed as “bipartisan”Events hosted by large institutions or their affiliate association or friends-of groups, such as museums, hospitals and health systems, universities, and grantmaking foundationsClasses that take place over the course of a quarter or semesterScholarships, including traditional educational scholarships or requests to sponsor attendees at eventsFundraisers supporting national associations, including their local chaptersSports teams, matches, leagues, or associated booster or fan groupsSchools, booster clubs, or parent-teacher associations (We will consider community-based organizations hosting events for education equity.)Runs, walks, races, bike rides, etc.Research and data-gathering projects, including focus groups, town halls, or forums designed to solicit one-way feedbackScientific or medical conferencesFarmers markets, car washes, bake sales, block parties or neighborhood walksResource fairs, such as job fairs