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WaFd employees presenting Family Promise Spokane a check.
WaFd employees presenting Family Promise Spokane a check.
WaFd employees presenting Family Promise Spokane a check.
WaFd employees presenting Family Promise Spokane a check.
WaFd employees presenting Family Promise Spokane a check.
WaFd employees presenting Family Promise Spokane a check.
WaFd employees presenting Family Promise Spokane a check.
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:

WaFd employees presenting Sisters Habitat for Humanity a check.

Community Service Micro Grants: $1,000-$5,000

Apply Here
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
WaFd employees presenting The Giving Plate a check.

Community Impact Grants: $5,000-$20,000

Apply Here
  1. Permanent, affordable, and sustainable housing: Creation of individual and multi-family housing for LMI populations.
  2. 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.
  3. Community revitalization: Programs that stabilize and recover communities by attracting or retaining jobs, businesses, and homes.
  4. 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.