






Making a Difference in the communities We Serve
Washington Federal Foundation
The WaFd Bank Foundation's purpose is to facilitate direct giving to community-based nonprofits that primarily serve the needs of people with low- and-moderate incomes.
We encourage eligible nonprofits to submit applications that fall into the following categories:
We direct our monthly contributions to these primary areas:

Community Service Micro Grants: $1,000-$5,000
Apply Here
- Social services and basic needs: Emergency housing and rental assistance, utility assistance, clothing, toiletries, household items, food and nutrition programs, basic skills training and independent living, childcare, crisis programs, and social services.
- Financial literacy: Budgeting, understanding of basic finances, first time home buyers, small business startups, getting out of debt, understanding and building credit, identifying scams and fraud, etc.

Community Impact Grants: $5,000-$20,000
Apply Here
- Permanent, affordable, and sustainable housing: Creation of individual and multi-family housing for LMI populations.
- Economic development: Programs that promote economic development for businesses (primarily small business) that target LMI geo areas, size eligibility and gross revenue of $1million or less. Preference is given to businesses owned by women, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, minority and immigrant individuals.
- Community revitalization: Programs that stabilize and recover communities by attracting or retaining jobs, businesses, and homes.
- Job development: Apprenticeships, job training and employment education programs that enable communities to revitalize their workforce and attract businesses that provide living wages.
To be eligible your organization must:
- Be a valid nonprofit organization operating for at least 12 calendar months
- Primarily service low- and moderate-income communities or populations
- Be located near a WaFd Bank branch
- Submit the following paperwork and documentation along with program narrative:
- IRS determination letter
- Copy of most current 990
- Audited financial statements (for organizations over $1million in revenue)
- Current annual operating budget
- Budget for project
- List of board of directors
- Letter of support from WaFd Bank employee (strongly encouraged)
- W9 with accounts payable listed for fund disbursement
Due to limited funding and giving guidelines, we do not fund the following categories:
- Medical endeavors: Fundraisers, research, treatment, uncompensated care and medical related events
- Animal welfare: Animal shelters, humane societies, treatment, care, etc.
- The Arts: Museums, theaters, opera, ballet, dance, festivals, concerts, showings, etc. unless directly tied to training or employment for LMI populations
- Other: Fundraisers, events, sponsorships
Frequently Asked Questions
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Still can't find what you are looking for? Contact your local branch or call us 24/7 at 800-324-9375.