Opening Soon!

Purpose

The Community Foundation promotes generosity and advances well-being in the South Puget Sound by stewarding long-term charitable resources that support the evolving needs and opportunities of our communities. We believe that inclusive, engaged communities—where people come together to address local challenges, welcome each other's differences, and collaborate—are essential to creating strong and healthy communities where everyone has access to opportunities to thrive.

The Civic Life & Belonging Grants are a new pilot program designed to support this vision. With this funding, we aim to support efforts to bring people together in new and meaningful ways—especially those who might not normally interact—to strengthen civic life, connection, and belonging.

Why This Matters

Across the country and in our own communities, many people feel isolated, divided, and disconnected. In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy declared social disconnection a public health crisis, linking it to poor health outcomes, declining trust, and weakening democracy. He said,

"At a time when so many people are feeling divided and despondent, our work to build community, could be one of the most important things we do to strengthen our nation.”

Drawing on national research and what we're seeing locally we know that:

• Most people want to connect with others in their communities and work toward something meaningful together
• When people are involved locally, they feel more hopeful and invested in their communities
• Opportunities to come together—across neighborhoods, cultures, and perspectives—can build trust and collaboration

We believe these local efforts to build relationships, create shared experiences, and solve problems together are the foundation of a stronger civic culture and a healthier community

Funding Priorities & Goals

Funding is available for projects in Lewis, Mason, and Thurston counties that help strengthen civic life, connection, and belonging. We’re looking to support new efforts that bring people together—especially those who might not normally interact—help neighbors get to know each other and create opportunities to work on something meaningful. To accomplish this goal, the grant will support projects that focus on one or more of the following:  

• Bring people together across differences to build understanding and connection
• Create new opportunities for civic participation and locally driven solutions
• Celebrate and strengthen a sense of community and shared purpose

Successful initiatives will result in greater connections and better relationships across our community, making it a healthier, more connected place for everyone.

Examples of potential projects include

Efforts to improve or activate shared public spaces—such as community clean-ups, small upgrades, or events that utilize community space and make them more welcoming

• Collaborative public art, murals, or performances that represent diverse community voices
• Dialogues or workshops that bring together people from different perspectives—across age, faith, or lived experience—to build understanding around a shared issue
• Youth-led civic or service projects focused on local challenges
• Community storytelling circles or oral history projects that connect people across generations, cultures, or backgrounds

 Grant Size

• Grant amounts will range from $1,000 – $5,000 per project
• We expect to award up to 15 grant awards averaging around $3,000 each in 2025

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include organizations with a valid IRS determination letter confirming their 501(c)(3) status, Native American tribal agencies, public institutions, religious organizations, and projects with an approved fiscal sponsor. Individuals with project ideas may also be eligible by partnering with one of these entities to carry out a project under the organization’s umbrella.

Grant Guidelines and Selection Criteria. Coming Soon!

Due Dates & Timeline

• July 31: Applications due by 11:59 pm
• August 1 - September 25: Grant Review Period
• Funds awarded by October 31

Questions?

We welcome and encourage questions and feedback regarding this pilot grant opportunity. Community Foundation staff will be available during regular business hours at 360.705.3340.

For specific questions about Civic Life & Belonging Grants please contact Heidi Oehler (she/her), Engagement & Initiatives Officer at heidi@thecommunityfoundation.com.