WaFd Bank Foundation Grants

2 Min Read

Community-Based Funding for Organizations Serving Low- and Moderate-Income Communities

The WaFd Bank Foundation provides direct financial support to community-based nonprofit organizations that primarily serve low- and moderate-income (LMI) individuals and families. Through monthly grantmaking, the Foundation invests in programs that address basic needs, promote financial stability, and strengthen local economic opportunity in communities where WaFd Bank operates.

Organization

WaFd Bank Foundation

Support Type

Charitable grants

Geographic Focus

Communities located near WaFd Bank branches

About the Funder

The WaFd Bank Foundation’s mission is to facilitate direct giving to nonprofits that improve financial stability and quality of life for LMI populations. The Foundation prioritizes locally driven solutions and encourages applications from organizations closely connected to the communities they serve.

Grant Opportunities & Funding Levels

Community Service Micro Grants

💰 $1,000 – $5,000

Supports programs addressing immediate needs and foundational stability, including:

Emergency housing and rental assistance
Utility assistance
Clothing, toiletries, and household items
Food access and nutrition programs
Childcare and crisis services
Basic skills training and independent living support
Social services addressing urgent community needs

Community Impact Grants

💰 $5,000 – $20,000

Supports larger-scale initiatives focused on long-term community stability and economic mobility:

Affordable Housing

Permanent, affordable, and sustainable housing for LMI populations
Single- and multi-family housing development

Economic Development

Small business development programs in LMI areas
Preference for businesses owned by women, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, minority, and immigrant individuals
Businesses with gross revenue of $1 million or less

Community Revitalization

Programs that stabilize neighborhoods
Efforts to attract or retain jobs, businesses, and housing

Job Development

Apprenticeships
Workforce training and employment education
Programs supporting access to living-wage jobs

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, organizations must:

Be a valid 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating for at least 12 calendar months
Primarily serve low- and moderate-income communities or populations
Be located near a WaFd Bank branch
Submit required documentation, including:
- IRS determination letter
- Most recent Form 990
- Audited financial statements (if revenue exceeds $1M)
- Current operating budget
- Project budget
- Board of directors list
- W-9 for fund disbursement
- Letter of support from a WaFd Bank employee (strongly encouraged)

Ineligible Requests

Due to limited funding and giving guidelines, the WaFd Bank Foundation does not fund:

Medical endeavors: research, treatment, uncompensated care, or medical fundraisers
Animal welfare: shelters, humane societies, treatment, or care programs
Arts and culture: unless directly tied to job training or employment for LMI populations
Fundraisers, events, or sponsorships

Timeline & Review

📅 Review Schedule: Applications reviewed monthly
📅 Grant Type: Rolling consideration

Application Process

Eligible organizations must submit an application through the WaFd Bank Foundation’s online portal and include all required documentation.

Apply / Learn More:
➡️ https://www.wafdbank.com/about-us/wafd-bank-foundation

Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit

This grant program is well suited for nonprofits that:

Serve low- and moderate-income populations
Operate near WaFd Bank branches
Focus on housing stability, financial literacy, workforce development, or basic needs
Can demonstrate strong local impact and community connection