The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington's Focus Grants Program provides place-based support to organizations that are disrupting the cycle of intergenerational poverty in southwest Washington.

Our Focus Grant Program prioritizes investing in organizations working to disrupt the cycle of intergenerational poverty and create pathways for prosperity in the following populations with intersecting identities disproportionally impacted by economic, racial and/or social inequities in our region.

Focus Area:

Basic Human Needs

We fund organizations and programs that fulfill the basic needs of underserved people, families and communities. This includes needs such as food security, rent and utility assistance, affordable housing, physical and mental health, caregiving, domestic violence services and more. By addressing these pressing needs as they arise, people are better able to plan for their futures.

Educational Attainment

We invest in efforts that provide equitable opportunities along the entire educational continuum from cradle to career so that every child enters school ready to learn and is able to achieve their goals for post-secondary success.

Asset Building

We fund efforts to improve the economic health of the people and communities who face the biggest barriers to mobility. These include asset- and wealth-building strategies, employment services, financial planning and credit repair, small business development, homeownership, community livability, economic development and more.

We do not require post-award reports. However, members of the Program Team will be reaching out during the second half of your grant award period to learn about successes and/or challenges your organization is experiencing.