Columbia Basin Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Columbia Basin Foundation supports animal welfare, children and youth, women and girls and human services in Washington.
FUNDING AREAS: Animal welfare, children and youth, women and girls, human services
IP TAKE: This funder is laser-focused on Washington state. Great for grassroots and local efforts, this accessible funder likes to work closely with grantees.
PROFILE: Established in 1996, the Columbia Basin Foundation (CBF) is a community foundation based in Ephrata, Washington. Today, CBF manages over 100 funds with various philanthropic goals . Between nine and 15 directors run the foundation as part of the board of directors serving staggered three-year terms. The foundation aims to "improve the quality of life and shape the future of the Columbia Basin through philanthropy.” CBF funds local efforts for animal welfare, children and youth, women and girls and human services.
The Columbia Basin Foundation has specific issue areas that it focuses on funding in each grant cycle. CBF offers an open grant cycle once per year with accessible opportunities for local groups. The funder also provides emergency relief during times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional interests of CBF include the elderly, mental health, homelessness, food security, first responders, family services, nonprofit sustainability and small businesses. Past grants have gone to humane society organizations, arts groups, cemeteries, historical societies and churches. In addition to grants, CBF also awards scholarships to local students.
Grants range between about $1,000 and $25,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking focuses on the Columbia Basin in Washington state, which includes Grant, Adams and western Lincoln counties. Past local grantees include Coulee City Senter, Yakima Symphony Orchestra and Wags ‘N’ Whiskers.
This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. The grant application system is entirely online, and CBF does not accept paper submissions via mail. In the past, the submission deadline for grants has been March 31. Direct general questions to the staff at info@columbiabasinfoundation.org or 509-754-4596.
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