Community Foundation Awards $719,000 To SW Washington Nonprofits, Opens Next Funding Cycle (Photo) - 07/15/26
The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington awarded $719,000 in Focus Grants to 15 nonprofits during the program’s first round of 2026 funding. Applications for the second grantmaking cycle are now open with a submission deadline of Monday, August 31. The local grantmaking organization expects to distribute approximately $460,000 in this upcoming round of funding.
This competitive grant program offers funding for nonprofits that are expanding prosperity for residents in Clark, Cowlitz and Skamania Counties. Program officer Ursula Arlauskas explained this includes three distinct yet intersecting impact areas: educational attainment, basic human needs and asset building. A diverse, community grants committee with local knowledge and expertise helps guide the program's grantmaking decisions. In the first funding cycle, the committee saw an increase in requests to support immigrant communities, educational programming and wraparound services.
“We’ve seen an increasing number of requests for immediate needs that are bubbling up across southwest Washington,” Arlauskas said. “From immigration to healthcare, a large segment of our community is feeling more insecure, and nonprofits are stepping up every day to address these systemic challenges.”
One grant invested in Ethnic Support Council, allowing the Longview-based nonprofit to continue its free translation services for immigrants, refugees and local service providers. Executive director Michalyn Steiner said the program improves access to essential services like education, employment, housing and healthcare. This year, her team also stood up an emergency food program that delivered more than 1,000 food and hygiene kits to immigrant families who are afraid to leave their homes. Steiner also shared that the organization is on track to purchase a building this fall, where it will construct a commercial kitchen for culturally specific cooking classes and a food entrepreneurship program. Through these programs, Ethnic Support Council helps its clients remain safe, create new opportunities and build financial security.
Another award is helping Free Clinic of Southwest Washington deliver medical care to underserved patients at a time when insurance premiums are rising due to the expiration of enhanced federal premium tax credits. According to data from the Washington Health Benefit Exchange, total enrollment across Clark County decreased by 11 percent (2,340 residents) this year. This trend is expected to continue in coming years, especially for low-income, immigrant and refugee populations. Project Access maintains partnerships with physicians, hospitals and ancillary providers, allowing patients who are uninsured and ineligible for Medicaid to access a coordinated system of donated specialty care. Ultimately, the program helps remove financial, language and immigration barriers so more residents can access healthy lives.
In Skamania County, Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) received funding to continue and expand its free civic and community engagement programs. These include culturally responsive and community-led activities, like weekly Zumba classes, monthly Native arts and culture events, and regular Know Your Rights and Community Resilience trainings and support. In addition, community feedback has led to expanded family emergency planning and legal support services, which 30 families accessed in the first six months of operation. Through workshops and ongoing community engagement efforts like these, WAGAP is strengthening collaborations and connections among organizations, leaders and residents to foster improved health, safety and economic well-being throughout the Gorge.
Arlauskas explained that $2.9 million in requests came in during the first Focus Grant cycle. The Community Foundation was only able to fulfill 24 percent of the funding needs. The organization's ability to fulfill these requests is dependent on donations to the Community Giving Fund, which can be made online at cfsww.org/grow. Gifts to this fund are pooled together and invested for growth over time. Every year, a portion of the funds are distributed as Focus Grants after a thorough analysis of every request in relation to documented community needs.
“Our process ensures that every dollar is directed toward the most pressing needs and incredible nonprofits that are doing the hard work of keeping our neighbors safe and secure," Arlauskas said. "This grant program has been built by the collective generosity of local people, and that kind of support matters even more as federal funding and social safety net programs shrink.”
A full list of recent grantees and the current application are posted online at cfsww.org/focus-grants. Additional questions about the grant process can be emailed to grants@cfsww.org.
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About the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington
Established in 1984, the Community Foundation helps residents create a flourishing and just southwest Washington by fostering impactful giving, trusted partnerships and civic engagement. Its team of experts has partnered with local donors and professional advisors to establish more than 380 charitable funds. Collectively, these funds expand opportunities every year by providing grants for nonprofits and scholarships for students. Find out how you can become a part of its giving community at cfsww.org.
