Washington Federal Foundation
Accepts applications
Washington Federal Foundation is a private foundation in Seattle, Washington. In tax year 2025 it gave $872,615 in 180 grants; the typical grant was $3,000 and the largest $100,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$872,615
- Number of grants180
- Typical grant$3,000
- Largest grant$100,000
- Assets$1.7 million
- New grantees72%
Giving in 2025 was down from $1.2 million the year before.
72% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.2 million | 250 | $631,145 |
| 2024 | $1.2 million | 265 | $1.5 million |
| 2025 | $872,615 | 180 | $1.7 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Grant Administrator Washington Fede 425 Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98101 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (800) 324-9375, kristi.ellefson@wafd.com |
| What to submit | Applicants should complete a grant application and provide a copy of the IRS letter confirming the organization's exempt status, its mission statement, a copy of the organization's operating and program budget, financial statements, and recently filed form 990 must be submitted. Refer to grant application and the application checklist: https://www.wafdbank.com/about-us/wafd-bank-foundation |
| Deadlines | Applications are accepted january 1 through october 31 each year. |
| Restrictions | Grants are focused on applicants from communities with branches of Washington federal bank |
What Washington Federal Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 10 states, the most to Washington.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | 65 | $264,000 |
| Arizona | 16 | $174,500 |
| Oregon | 32 | $128,545 |
| New Mexico | 15 | $68,570 |
| Idaho | 19 | $61,000 |
| California | 10 | $54,000 |
| Texas | 10 | $51,000 |
| Nevada | 9 | $39,000 |
| Utah | 3 | $17,000 |
| Montana | 1 | $15,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Institute for Better Education | Financial literacy | $100,000 |
| Dallas Children's Advocacy Center | Social services | $25,000 |
| Financial Empowerment Network | Financial literacy | $20,000 |
| Earn to Learn | Financial literacy | $15,000 |
| Mofi - Montana Community Development Corp | Economic development | $15,000 |
| Community Foundation of Lincoln County | Social services | $15,000 |
| United Fund of Globe Miami | Social services | $15,000 |
| Opal Community Land Trust | Community revitalization | $15,000 |
| Holy Cross Outreach | Social services | $15,000 |
| Elijah Family Homes | Social services | $15,000 |
| Elevate Phoenix | Financial literacy | $10,000 |
| Junior Achievement of Southern California | Financial literacy | $10,000 |
| Clearinghouse Cdfi | Financial literacy | $10,000 |
| Santa Fe Community Housing Trust | Financial literacy | $10,000 |
| Junior Achievement of Northern Nevada | Financial literacy | $10,000 |
| Sable House | Social services | $10,000 |
| The Salvation Army Medford | Social services | $10,000 |
| Looking Glass Community Services | Social services | $10,000 |
| First Step House | Job development | $10,000 |
| Rainier Valley Food Bank | Social services | $10,000 |
| Family Promise of Spokane | Social services | $10,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity Seattle King County | Affordable housing | $10,000 |
| Kent Downtown Partnership | Economic development | $10,000 |
| Hills and Rivers Housing Trust | Affordable housing | $8,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln County | Affordable housing | $8,000 |
| Help of Southern Nevada | Job development | $7,500 |
| Hope Builders | Financial literacy | $7,000 |
| Corvallis Neighborhood Housing Services Inc Devnw | Financial literacy | $7,000 |
| Save the Family Foundation of Arizona | Financial literacy | $5,000 |
| Ceres Community Project | Job development | $5,000 |
| Musical Theatre West | Job development | $5,000 |
| The Living Room Center | Social services | $5,000 |
| Sonoma Family Meal | Social services | $5,000 |
| Research and Business Development Center Inc | Financial literacy | $5,000 |
| National Dance Institute of NM | Financial literacy | $5,000 |
| Dreamspring | Economic development | $5,000 |
| New Mexico Vetrans Integration Centers | Financial literacy | $5,000 |
| New Mexico Vetrans Integration Centers | Financial literacy | $5,000 |
| University of Nevada Foundation | Economic development | $5,000 |
| Financial Beginnings Oregon | Financial literacy | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Kristi Ellefson
- Sandra Harrod
- Cathy Cooper
- Blayne Sanden
- Brad Goode
Questions people ask
Does Washington Federal Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: Applications are accepted january 1 through october 31 each year..
How much does Washington Federal Foundation give?
$872,615 in tax year 2025, across 180 grants, with a typical grant of $3,000.
Who runs Washington Federal Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Kristi Ellefson (Director & President), Sandra Harrod (Secretary), Cathy Cooper (Director & Treasurer) and Blayne Sanden (Officer) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does Washington Federal Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly human services, education and community development.