Grant Guidelines

Eligible Categories

Organizations must meet certain criteria to be considered for a Washington Foundation grant. Please note: The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation rarely funds capital and equipment campaigns.

Applicants must be:

1. A charitable, nonprofit entity, not a private foundation, with tax exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code, and where appropriate, under Section 170 (c).
2. Non-profit organizations applying for support must have the appropriate IRS documentation at the time a full application is submitted.
3. Organizations applying for support for programs that can be categorized in one of the following four areas of giving: Education, Health and Human Services, Arts and Culture, Community Service
4. The Foundation places particular emphasis on those organizations and programs that provide a direct service to economically and socially disadvantaged youth and their families, at-risk or troubled youth, and individuals with special needs.
5. Preference is given to applicants who are able to demonstrate that a majority, if not all, of Foundation funds will be used for direct services. The Foundation prefers giving to organizations with no or low administrative costs.
6. The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation prefers that organizations show evidence of substantial financial support from their community, constituency groups or other funding sources prior to applying.
7. Geographically, the Foundation primarily serves our operating areas within the State of Montana and select communities in states where The Washington Companies are located.
8. Grants denied cannot be resubmitted in the same calendar year without the prior authorization of the Executive Director of the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation.

Ineligible Categories

Applications will not be considered for the following organizations or purposes:

1. To organizations that, in policy or practice, unfairly discriminate against race, ethnic origin, sex, creed, or religion.
2. To fund loans, debt retirement or operational deficits.
3. To individuals, unless under an approved educational scholarship program.
4. To sectarian or religious organizations for religious purposes where the principal activity is for the benefit of their own members or adherents.
5. To fraternal organizations or civic organizations unless their programs are available to members of the community as a whole.
6. For travel expenses or trips.
7. To private or public foundations.
8. To most capital and equipment campaigns.
9. For curriculum development or operational costs of public educational institutions or other tax-supported groups
10. For sponsorships including auctions, dinners, tickets, advertising, or annual fundraising events.
11. For political action or legislative advocacy groups or influencing elections.
12. To organizations acting on behalf of, but without the authority of, qualified tax-exempt organizations.