How to Apply

Northwest Children's Fund invites social service organizations aligned our mission to apply for funding. NWCF's mission is to end the cycle of child abuse and neglect by supporting programs for at-risk youth and their families. Our funding is focused on prevention and early-intervention programs in three specific areas: Healing Abused Children, Strengthening Fragile Families and Helping At-Risk Youth.

In 2008-09, NWCF distributed over $720,000 in more than 60 grants ranging in size from $3,000 to $30,000.

Grant Application Process:
NWCF has a two-step application process

1. Interested agencies submit a Letter of Inquiry. Submission of a Letter of Inquiry does not ensure that an agency will participate in the full application process. NWCF reviews the Letters of Inquiry and informs agencies whether they have been selected to participate in the full application and review process. Five hard copies of the Letter of Inquiry should be submitted. Click here for more details.


2. Selected agencies then submit a Completed Application and Required Attachments. NWCF Board Members review the applications and, in most cases, arrange for an interview and site visit before making final granting decisions. Three hard copies of the application materials should be submitted. Click here for more details.

Grant Application Timeline:

	Winter 2009-10 Grant Cycle
	Letters of Inquiry due at NWCF Office	October 16, 2009
	NWCF responds to Letters of Inquiry	October 23, 2009
	Applications & Supporting Materials due at NWCF	November 13, 2009
	NWCF site visits, interviews, file reviews	Through January 15, 2010
	NWCF informs applicant of grantmaking decisions	February 1, 2010
	Grant funds distributed	February 2010
	Spring 2010 Grant Cycle
	Letters of Inquiry due at NWCF Office	January 22, 2010
	NWCF responds to Letters of Inquiry	February 12, 2010
	Applications & Supporting Materials due at NWCF	March 12, 2010
	NWCF site visits, interviews and file reviews	Through May 21, 2010
	NWCF informs applicant of grantmaking decisions	June 11, 2010
	Grant funds distributed	June & July 2010

Grant Eligibility Requirements:

• A grant applicant must qualify as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization.


• The project must serve children and families of Washington State. Our grants predominantly support programs in King, Snohomish, Pierce and Kitsap counties.


• Grants will not be considered for individuals, political candidates or religious purposes.

General Grant Guidelines:

• Grant requests should reflect actual need for a single year, and should not exceed $50,000.


• Grants are made for a one-year period. NWCF does not fund the same program twice in the same fiscal year (August through July). See grant timeline above.


• NWCF supports a variety of program needs, and will consider grant requests for (a) General Operating Support or (b) Specific Programs or Needs (new or ongoing). NWCF will not consider grant requests for the following Specific Programs or Needs: land acquisition, new construction, office equipment, fundraising costs, debt retirement, endowments or scholarships.


• NWCF generally does not fund programs or agencies primarily devoted to providing food, clothing, or direct medical and dental services.


• Grant proposals should identify the target population, and address how it will benefit from the services provided. Program implementation and evaluation, additional funding sources, and coordination with other service providers should also be discussed.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us.