One of the most common reasons applications fail is applying to a program your organization isn't eligible for. Eligibility requirements vary significantly by funder, program, and even funding cycle. Below is a breakdown of what the major funders in Washington State require.
HRSA — Community Health Center Programs
Federal — Direct Award
Eligible Organization Types
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)
- FQHC Look-Alikes
- Tribal and Urban Indian Health Centers (for specific programs)
Required Registrations
- Active SAM.gov registration with current UEI
- Grants.gov account with Authorized Organization Representative (AOR)
- HRSA Electronic Handbooks (EHBs) registration
Compliance Prerequisites
- Section 330 program requirements (for existing grantees)
- Board composition requirements (51%+ consumer majority)
- Sliding fee discount program in place
SAMHSA — Behavioral Health Programs
Federal — Direct Award & State Pass-Through
Eligible Organization Types
- Community behavioral health agencies
- State-designated mental health/SUD providers
- Tribal behavioral health programs
- Community health centers with integrated behavioral health
Required Registrations
- Active SAM.gov registration with current UEI
- Grants.gov account
- State behavioral health licensure (for pass-through awards)
Compliance Prerequisites
- Evidence-based practice implementation capability
- Data collection and reporting systems (GPRA/NOMS)
- Cultural competency plan
WA Health Care Authority (HCA) — State Awards
State — Pass-Through & Direct
Eligible Organization Types
- Licensed behavioral health agencies in Washington
- Medicaid-enrolled providers
- Certified community behavioral health clinics (CCBHCs)
- Tribal health programs (government-to-government basis)
Required Registrations
- Washington State vendor registration (Statewide Vendor Number)
- State behavioral health agency license (if applicable)
- Active SAM.gov (for federally-funded pass-throughs)
Compliance Prerequisites
- State contract compliance history
- Financial audit (annual or biennial depending on award size)
- Medicaid compliance (if Medicaid-enrolled)
ACF — Community Action & Family Services
Federal — Direct Award & State Pass-Through
Eligible Organization Types
- Designated Community Action Agencies (CAAs)
- Head Start/Early Head Start grantees
- Tribal organizations (for CSBG tribal set-aside)
- State-recognized anti-poverty organizations
Required Registrations
- Active SAM.gov registration with current UEI
- Grants.gov account
- State CAA designation (for CSBG)
Compliance Prerequisites
- CSBG Organizational Standards compliance
- Community Needs Assessment (completed within 3 years)
- Board tripartite structure (for CAAs)
Private Foundations — Pacific Northwest
Foundation — Direct Award
Eligible Organization Types
- 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations
- Tribal governments and organizations
- Government agencies (varies by foundation)
Required Registrations
- IRS determination letter (501(c)(3))
- Washington State charity registration (Secretary of State)
Compliance Prerequisites
- Current 990 filing
- Annual report or financial statements
- Geographic alignment with foundation service area
Not sure if you're eligible?
Our enrichment system can check your SAM.gov registration status, verify your UEI, and flag missing prerequisites automatically when you subscribe to Weave Alerts.