Several regional and national foundations provide significant grant funding for healthcare and community services in Washington State. These awards typically have simpler application processes than federal grants but competitive review.
Premera Blue Cross Foundation
Behavioral health, health equity, and access to care in the Pacific Northwest.
Focus Areas
- Behavioral health integration and access — especially in rural and underserved communities
- Health equity initiatives addressing disparities in care delivery
- Workforce development for behavioral health providers
- Community-based organizations providing direct health services
Details
Premera's foundation focuses heavily on behavioral health access, making it a strong match for behavioral health agencies and integrated care providers in Washington. Grants typically support program delivery rather than capital projects. The foundation issues open RFPs and also makes invited grants based on strategic priorities.
Kaiser Permanente Northwest
Community health, health equity, and workforce development in Washington and Oregon.
Focus Areas
- Community health improvement in Kaiser Permanente service areas
- Health equity and addressing social determinants of health
- Workforce development and pipeline programs for healthcare careers
- Mental and behavioral health access
Details
Kaiser Permanente's community health investments are concentrated in their service areas (primarily the greater Puget Sound region in Washington). Funding supports both direct service delivery and systems-change work. Kaiser also offers sponsorship funding for health-related events and conferences, separate from their grant programs.
Arcora Foundation
Oral health access for underserved communities in Washington State.
Focus Areas
- Expanding access to dental care for low-income and uninsured populations
- School-based dental sealant and prevention programs
- Integration of oral health into primary care settings
- Oral health education and community outreach
Details
Arcora (the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of Washington) is the state's primary foundation funder for oral health. Organizations providing dental services to underserved populations — including FQHCs with dental programs, school-based health centers, and community dental clinics — are strong candidates. Arcora also supports oral health integration into medical settings.
Medina Foundation
Basic human needs, education, and community health in the Puget Sound region.
Focus Areas
- Basic human needs — food security, housing stability, emergency assistance
- Education access and early learning programs
- Community health services for low-income populations
- Capacity building for small to mid-size nonprofits
Details
Medina Foundation focuses on the greater Puget Sound region and prioritizes organizations serving low-income communities. Healthcare organizations are eligible under the basic human needs and community health focus areas. Medina is known for funding smaller organizations that may not qualify for larger foundation grants, making it a good entry point for newer nonprofits.
Norcliffe Foundation
Health, education, social services, and arts in the Pacific Northwest.
Focus Areas
- Health services and health education programs
- Social services for vulnerable populations
- Education initiatives with health components
- Youth-serving organizations
Details
Norcliffe is a broad-based Pacific Northwest foundation that funds across health, education, and social services. Healthcare organizations typically access Norcliffe funding through program-specific grants rather than general operating support. The foundation accepts unsolicited letters of inquiry and has a relatively straightforward application process compared to larger foundations.