Grants

A core mission of The Community Foundation is to provide service to communities through responsive and proactive grantmaking.  Grants are awarded to address critical community needs, and to improve the quality of life in our communities.

When considering grant applications, Foundation Board of Directors considers these broad goals, as well as the specific grantmaking priorities of The Community Foundation.

The Community Foundation manages several discretionary funds that award grants to nonprofit organizations for a broad range of programs and projects.  Our Board of Directors continually looks for effective ways to stretch Foundation dollars in order to address the charitable needs in the three-county region we serve in Southwest Washington; Clark, Cowlitz and Skamania counties.


Scholarships

Since 1984, the Community Foundation’s scholarship program has awarded more than $1 million to students to help them reach their educational goals.  The Community Foundation currently manages 32 scholarship funds, which provide continuing educational opportunities to well more than 140 students each year. 

Each individual scholarship fund is unique.  They may be designated for students graduating from either a specific high school, for employees or children of employees of specific businesses, or for students pursuing a specific career path.


Eligibility
Grant applications are accepted from organizations located in areas served by the Community Foundation and as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and from public agencies.  Nonprofit organizations or community groups who do not have 501(c)(3) status may apply for grant awards if another organization acts as a fiscal agent.

Specific questions about grants and scholarship programs, forms or deadlines should be directed to the Program Officer.  Staff are available during regular office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.