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
Columbia County
Milton-Freewater
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
If most of this sounds like you and your project,
take the next step and apply for a grant:
APPLY FOR A GRANT
A Simple, Supportive Process
Our Core Grant cycle is designed to be straightforward. We want applicants to feel confident and supported at every stage.
Step 1
BY FEBRUARY 5
LETTER OF INTEREST
To help us understand your project and how it fits our priorities, start with a letter of interest. We will notify you by February 21 if you are invited to submit a full application.
Step 2
BY MARCH 5
FULL APPLICATION
If your letter of interest is approved, you’ll apply online with more detail about your organization, your plan, and your anticipated impact. The questions are clear, and sample documents are available to help you prepare.
Step 3
STARTING MARCH 21
SITE VISIT & REVIEW
Our site visit is simply a conversation. It’s an opportunity to share more about your work, answer questions, and help us understand your goals.
GRANTS ARE AWARDED EACH JUNE
Getting Started Is Quick
New applicants: Create an account to begin.
Returning applicants: Contact us before creating a new profile so we can link your login to your existing organization record.
Once logged in, simply click “Apply” to start your letter of interest or application.
If you need help at any point, we’re happy to walk you through the system.
Helpful Resources
We provide several tools to support you as you prepare:
We’re Here to Help.
We welcome early conversations, whether you want to check eligibility, talk through an idea, or understand the process more clearly.