Guidelines

Guidelines.

Funding Areas

The foundation makes grants in the following areas:

Arts & Culture
Environment & Community
Education
Healthcare & Research
Social Services & Basic Needs

Grant Amounts

The Norcliffe Foundation provides support to a wide variety of organizations and projects. Grant size depends on the scope of the project and the capacity of the organization.

Nearly 60% of the grants we make are $15,000 or less.

Things to consider when determining the appropriate amount to request:

What is the gift range already committed or pending from other funders and foundations? The Norcliffe Foundation is most interested in joining a community of funders and is rarely the largest donor to a project.
Is there a history of funding from The Norcliffe Foundation and what is the range for those grants?
When applying for a large capital project, The Norcliffe Foundation will consider requests of up to 10% of the campaign private philanthropy goal.

Funding Types

Funding types include:

Capacity Building
Capital and Infrastructure
General Operating
Program Support

The Foundation does not make grants to organizations for deficit financing or debt reduction.

Grant Timeline

There are no specific deadlines. We accept requests on a rolling basis, year-round. Since the review process entails careful study, an applicant should allow up to six months for a decision.

New Sit-Out Timeline!!
If your organization is not awarded a grant, please wait one year from the decision date before submitting a new application.

If you receive a grant payment after May 31, 2025 through the Standard Application process, please wait two years from the date of final payment before submitting a new application.

If you receive a grant payment after May 31, 2025 through the Special Application process, we ask that you wait four years from the date of final payment before submitting a new application.

Regional Focus

Organizations operating within the following eleven Puget Sound counties of Washington State are welcome to submit an application:

Island
Jefferson
King
Kitsap
Mason
Pierce
San Juan
Skagit
Snohomish
Thurston
Whatcom

Eligibility Quiz

Click here to determine if your organization is eligible to apply for funding from The Norcliffe Foundation.