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Making a Difference in the communities We Serve

WaFd Bank 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.

Three women stand outdoors holding a large ceremonial WaFd Bank check for $10,000 made out to the Technology Access Foundation, dated February 24, 2026, and noted as a 'Halfcourt Shooting Contest Winner'.

We encourage eligible nonprofits to submit applications that fall into the following categories:

  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. Economic development: Programs that promote economic development and support for small business creation or sustainability, 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. 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.
  4. Permanent, affordable, and sustainable housing: Creation of individual and multifamily housing for LMI populations.
  5. Community revitalization: Programs that stabilize and recover communities by attracting or retaining jobs, businesses, and homes.
  6. Job development: Apprenticeships, job training and employment education programs that enable communities to revitalize their workforce and attract or sustain businesses that provide living wages.

Our Foundation application portal has closed. Applications are accepted January 1st through October 31st of each year. Organizations are eligible to receive donations once per calendar year.

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

Community Giving FAQs