KCF: Competitive Grants Program - Foster Care and Family Reconciliation

The KCF: Competitive Grants Program aims to support nonprofit organizations focused on fostering care and family reconciliation for adolescents up to 25 years old. Grants of up to $7,500 annually are available to help youth transition from the foster care system and provide family reconciliation services. Eligible organizations must operate within Kitsap and North Mason Counties, demonstrating measurable outcomes to secure funding for the second year. This initiative is part of the Kitsap Community Foundation's ongoing commitment to supporting local communities.

Note: See archived version here.
To fulfill its mission "as a catalyst for the greater good," the Kitsap Community Foundation established an annual grant-making process. With the support of our donor-advised funds and a number of other investors, KCF distributions have exceeded $33 million since 1993.
These grants, available through the Sound Institute of Family and Children's Services Endowed Fund, may be awarded to nonprofit organizations that serve adolescents and their families. These grants are awarded every two years to nonprofit organizations that have programs that:
Help youth (adolescents up to the age of 25) who have been in the foster care/child welfare system make positive transitions through residential programs, counseling, employment assistance, scholarships, or other supportive services, or:

• Offer residential and non-residential services designed to facilitate family reconciliation for adolescents in conflict with their families.

​Applicants may apply for two-year grants of up to $7,500 each year. If you choose to apply for a two-year grant, the budget you upload must reflect two years of income and expenses. Second-year funding will be contingent upon your program/project's measurable outcomes, submitted report, and the KCF Board of Directors' favorable review of the first year's performance.​

Eligibility

Nonprofit organizations that serve adolescents and their families. KCF supports charitable organizations that benefit Kitsap County & North Mason County. Such evidence may include tax returns, corporate charter and by-laws, financial statements, an IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter, and other evidence of accomplishmentsFaith-based social service, youth, or community programs are eligible if the following conditions are met:
501(c)(3) organization;program/project has a board-approved mission statement and program/project budget separate from the organization's sacramental or theological budget;secular programs or services are available to eligible participants without regard to religious belief or willingness to participate in religious activities; andthe organization ensures that Foundation contributions are not used to support religious activities such as worship or proselytizing.

Ineligibility

General RestrictionsThe Foundation does not award grants to provide or support:Annual campaign appealsCapital campaigns or facility improvementsEndowmentsFor-profit organizationsIndividualsPolitical or lobbying activitiesPrivate operating foundationsReligious organizations for sacramental or theological purposes*Tuition, scholarships, or core operating expenses for (K-12) public schools, charter schools, private schools or universities and colleges.Organizations that discriminate with regard to age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, national origin, religious affiliation, or presence of a disability
Other Eligibility Restrictions
National and regional organizations unable to clearly demonstrate that these funds will be used for operations within Kitsap County and/or North Mason CountyApplications from “start-up” organizations must be pre-screenedOrganizations with an Endowment Fund over $1 million