GRANT GUIDELINES
We Fund Community.
Our Approach
Sherwood Trust invests in organizations working to strengthen connection, belonging, and well-being in the Walla Walla Valley. Our vision is a region where everyone feels included and has the opportunity to thrive. We look for projects grounded in collaboration, empathy, equity, and long-term community benefit.
What We Fund
We support nonprofit organizations and public agencies whose work fits clearly within one or more of these categories:
COMMUNITY
Projects that bring people together, strengthen neighborhoods, support local partnerships, or deepen community well-being.
CAPACITY
Investments that help nonprofits grow, adapt, or improve their ability to serve — including staffing, strategic planning, systems improvements, and new initiatives.
CAPITAL
Improvements to buildings, equipment, and other physical assets that make community programs stronger, safer, or more accessible.
If you’re not sure where your project fits,
we’re happy to talk through it with you.
ELIGIBILITY OVERVIEW
Your organization is eligible to apply if:
You are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, a public agency, or a fiscally sponsored project that operates under the umbrella of an existing nonprofit.
Your work serves people in Walla Walla County, Columbia County, or Milton-Freewater.
Your project aligns with our vision, values, and focus areas.
If at least two full grant cycles have passed since previously receiving a Sherwood Core Grant.
NOTE: We do not fund scholarships, door prizes, raffles, or individuals.
Are we a fit?
Use this quick checklist as you get started.
Our project clearly fits one of Sherwood Trust’s three funding areas:
Community Grants: Neighborhood efforts, partnerships, community well-being
Capacity Grants: Organizational growth, planning, staffing and new initiatives
Capital Grants: Building improvements, equipment, physical assets
We serve the correct geographic region:
Walla Walla County, Washington
Columbia County, Washington
Milton-Freewater, Oregon
Our organization is eligible:
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit (or fiscally sponsored by a nonprofit)
A public agency
Our proposed project aligns with Sherwood Trust’s vision and values:
Belonging
Community thriving
Equity
Collaboration
Long-term community benefit
We have a realistic plan and budget:
Clear objectives
A defined timeline
The ability to support the project alongside Sherwood Trust funding