Washington Youth & Families Fund (WYFF)

Washington Youth & Families Fund (WYFF)

Status: Active - Currently accepting grants, 20+ years in operation

Geographic Scope: Washington State (26 counties)

Overview:
For more than 20 years, the Washington Youth & Families Fund has been the state's most important resource for driving community-led, equitable solutions to homelessness. By combining public and private dollars, WYFF supports trusted organizations and tribes that know their communities best and can respond quickly and compassionately.

Key Metrics:

$66.675M regranted to date

130 grantees supported

26 counties served

67% of families and youth in program-supported organizations successfully found permanent housing (2024, up from 47% in 2020)

Focus Areas:

Community-led, equitable solutions to homelessness

Support for youth and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness

Innovative strategies including:

- Trauma-informed healing services
- Flexible funding for families
- Health care access
- Holistic coaching for youth transitioning from systems of care
- Tailored support for BIPOC and LGBTQ2S+ youth

Target Population:

Youth and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness

Black, Indigenous, immigrant, and refugee families

BIPOC and LGBTQ2S+ youth

Young people exiting child welfare, juvenile detention, behavioral health facilities, and other systems of care

Approach:

Partnership with trusted providers and tribes

Equity-focused grantmaking using data, research, and lived experience

Peer learning and capacity building support

Flexible, dignity-centered services

Funding Sources: Public (Washington State Legislature and Department of Commerce) and private partners including Aven Foundation, Bank of America, Nayamode, Raikes Foundation, Sea Mar Community Health Centers, United Way of King County, and Ben Bridge Jeweler