[Community Foundation for Southwest Washington](https://www.cfsww.org)

April 3, 2026 (Cycle 1) | August 31, 2026 (Cycle 2)

Typical awards: $25,000–$50,000 per cycle; general operating support; limited multi-year awards possible.

Supports organizations in southwest Washington working to disrupt intergenerational poverty and drive systemic, community-led change.

--- ## Description Focus Grants from the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington provide responsive, general operating support to organizations that are disrupting the cycle of intergenerational poverty in Clark, Cowlitz, and Skamania Counties. The program prioritizes efforts addressing root causes of poverty, advancing equity, and uplifting leadership from within impacted communities. Funding is directed toward initiatives in three intersecting impact areas: basic human needs, educational attainment, and asset building. The grantmaking process is guided by a commitment to equity, transparency, and community-driven impact. --- ## Due Dates - April 3, 2026: Focus Grants Cycle 1 full application submission deadline (extended) — submit by 11:59 PM America/Los_Angeles - August 31, 2026: Focus Grants Cycle 2 full application submission deadline — submit by 11:59 PM --- ## Funding Amount - Typical award range: $25,000–$50,000 per grant cycle. - Grants are unrestricted general operating support. - Limited multi-year awards may be available; applicants interested in multi-year funding should contact the Program Team before applying. --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - Nonprofit organizations, fiscally sponsored projects, government and tribal agencies, churches, school districts, and other public entities. - Projects or programs must serve Clark, Cowlitz, or Skamania Counties in southwest Washington. - Organizations headquartered outside the region may apply if their project specifically serves southwest Washington; a region-specific budget is required. - Organizations must not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, citizenship status, creed, religion, age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status. Priority is given to organizations serving populations disproportionately impacted by economic, racial, and social inequities, including but not limited to: - Black, Indigenous, Latina/o/x, Native Hawaiian, Pasifika, and other communities of color - Immigrants and refugees - Foster youth - People living with disabilities or behavioral health issues - People who are unhoused or living on low incomes - LGBTQ2S+ individuals - Rural and distressed communities - Survivors of violence and trafficking --- ## Application Process 1. **Review Guidelines**: Applicants are encouraged to read the [Grantseeker's Guidebook](https://cdn.sanity.io/files/ld2fdvl9/production/0c2011eeacc635375d8acff471ac087919d3f202.pdf) and [Grant Framework](https://www.cfsww.org/grant-framework). 2. **Prepare Application**: Preview the application [here](https://cdn.sanity.io/files/ld2fdvl9/production/e6cf973613658fd5ac8372aa3d9c0468cc91c2d3.pdf). 3. **Submit Online**: Apply through the [online portal](https://goapply2.akoyago.com/cfsww.grants) by the appropriate cycle deadline. 4. **Required Documents**: - Organizational budget (current fiscal year) - Statement of Activities (Profit & Loss/Income Statement) - Balance Sheet (most recent fiscal year) - For organizations outside the region: southwest Washington-specific program/project budget - Fiscal sponsorship agreement, if applicable 5. **Review Process**: Applications are vetted for completeness and alignment, then reviewed by the Community Grants Committee. Applicants are typically notified of decisions 8–10 weeks after the deadline. 6. **Reporting**: No formal reporting is required, but informal check-ins will occur during the grant period. --- ## Additional Information - All Focus Grants are awarded as operating dollars. - If an organization is awarded a grant in Cycle 1, it must wait until the next calendar year to reapply; if declined, it may reapply in Cycle 2. - Applications may be considered for other Community Foundation funding streams. - Feedback on unfunded applications is available upon request. - Multi-year funding is limited; contact the Program Team if interested. --- ## External Links - [Focus Grants Program Page](https://www.cfsww.org/grant-programs/focus-grants) - [Grantseeker's Guidebook (PDF)](https://cdn.sanity.io/files/ld2fdvl9/production/0c2011eeacc635375d8acff471ac087919d3f202.pdf) - [Grant Framework](https://www.cfsww.org/grant-framework) - [Preview Application (PDF)](https://cdn.sanity.io/files/ld2fdvl9/production/e6cf973613658fd5ac8372aa3d9c0468cc91c2d3.pdf) - [Apply Online](https://goapply2.akoyago.com/cfsww.grants) - [Equity Statement](https://www.cfsww.org/commitment-to-equity) - [Contact Page](https://www.cfsww.org/contact-us) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | |--------------------|-----------------------|-----------------------------|-----------------| | Esra Khalil | Senior Program Officer | esra@cfsww.org | (360) 952-4308 | | Ursula Arlauskas | Program Officer | ursula@cfsww.org | (360) 952-4305 | | General Inquiries | — | grants@cfsww.org | (360) 694-2550 | 610 Esther Street, Suite 201 Vancouver, WA 98660 ---

Focus Grants

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