It’s no secret that many individuals in our communities need support. Across the country, nonprofits have stepped up to meet these challenges, working tirelessly to provide essential services and advocacy. However, one persistent barrier stands in their way: funding. For many small, community-based By and For Organizations—groups led by and for underrepresented populations—accessing financial resources remains a significant challenge. Limited staffing, administrative capacity, and a lack of connections to funding opportunities often hinder their ability to secure the support they need to sustain and expand their work.

Funded through the Washington State Department of Commerce, the Community Reinvestment Project (CRP) Community Outreach Grant Fund was created to address this critical gap. This initiative is dedicated to empowering local organizations by providing targeted funding for programs that drive real, lasting impact in their communities. With a strong emphasis on technical assistance, outreach, and asset-building programming, these grants help bridge the financial divide, ensuring that vital services reach the people who need them most.

The primary mission of the CRP Community Outreach Grant Fund is to equip By and For Organizations with the resources necessary to create meaningful change. Designed with accountability, transparency, and compliance at its core, the fund ensures that local organizations receive equitable and impactful financial support. A total of $400,000 has been allocated for these grants, distributed evenly among participating Local United Ways (LUWs). As of January 2025, $140,623 has already been distributed across six counties, directly fueling initiatives that uplift underrepresented communities.

But the CRP Community Outreach Grant Fund is more than just a financial resource—it is an investment in community-driven growth and empowerment. By channeling support directly to organizations that intimately understand the needs of the populations they serve, this initiative helps build stronger, more resilient communities.

In the coming months, we look forward to highlighting some of the incredible organizations benefiting from this fund—shedding light on their transformative work and the tangible impact these grants have had on their projects. Together, we are fostering a future where every community has the resources and support necessary to thrive.