The Foundation only gives grants to tax-exempt organizations which include 501(c)(3)s, local non-profit branches of 501(c)(1)s, government agencies, non-profit schools and religious organizations (but only for non-religious purposes) as specified by the IRS code. Applicants must hold, and maintain in good standing, their 501(c)(3) non-profit organization designation by complying with IRS regulations and in particular filing the appropriate annual IRS financial reporting forms. Organizations that have applied for non-profit status, but have not yet received confirmation, may still apply for a grant with the understanding that usually grants cannot be distributed until 501(c)(3) status is active.

Yes. Any organization that wishes to submit a grant application must be registered online with the Foundation. Call (360) 378-1001 to get started, or send us an email at info@sjicf.org.

The process to register your organization profile is initiated by a phone call to the office at (360) 378-1001 to obtain a nonprofit login account and to set up a 15 minute appointment to walk through the data entering process. Registrations MUST be updated at least annually by your organization. A reminder email will be sent in January of each year.

The following information is necessary to complete the required electronic profile:

1. The organization's name (as filed with the IRS) and the common name, (if different);
2. Various contact information including a list of Board members and current staff;
3. The organization mission and description;
4. The date of the most recently filed IRS Form 990 and which 990 form was filed;
5. Last years 990 form;
6. The IRS Letter of Determination of non profit 501c(3) or 501c(1) status.

Click here if you would like to view a profile form.

A portion of the profile (as indicated on the form) is made available to the public through the Foundation website and a portion is confidential to your organization and the Community Foundation. Please call the office at (360) 378-1001 for further details on the use of profile information.

The “private portion” of your nonprofit profile may only be viewed by you and the Foundation under password protection. The Foundation uses industry standard methods to secure information.

You can update your organization’s profile online as needed. And we request that every registered organization review its profile on an annual basis. A reminder email will be sent in January of each year.

Not automatically. When appropriate, this option will be discussed with the organization and projects will only be posted with mutual agreement.  

When a grant request is approved for fund development and is selected to appear on the Foundation website (under “Giving Center’), an account will set up internally in the Foundation to receive online donations from the public as well as grant distribution requests from Foundation fund holders. All monies collected initially become the property of the Foundation and, for grants under $5000, are distributed to the grantee organization by vote of the Foundation Grants Committee. Grants over $5000 are voted on by the Foundation Board of Directors. Donations are aggregated for distribution and checks are issued after Foundation grant approval. The Grants Committee meets monthly and the Board meets quarterly.

• Projects that benefit individuals directly.
• Religious organizations (where the funds would be used to further the organization’s religious purpose).
• Political organizations.
• Any group that discriminates as to race, creed, ethnic group, or gender.
• Travel, conferences or any form of direct financial assistance to individuals.
• Association dues.
• Budget shortfalls or debt retirement.
• Fund raising event costs.