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.

Grant Recipients

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 Arlaskas 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.

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 Michaelin Steiner said the program improves access to essential services like education, employment, housing, and healthcare.

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.

In Skamania County, Washington Gorge Action Programs received funding to continue strengthening collaborations and connections among organizations, leaders, and residents to foster improved health, safety, and economic well-being throughout the Gorge.

Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.