Flexible funding for grassroots nonprofits creating impact in Washington State.
Verity Credit Union’s Grants for Growth: Nonprofit Microgrant program supports small, values-aligned nonprofit organizations serving historically excluded communities across Washington and Tribal areas. We offer flexible grants that trust you to decide what your organization needs most — whether that’s stabilizing operations, expanding programs, supporting staff, or deepening your community work.
For the 2026 cycle, Verity will award five $5,000 grants to organizations creating lasting impact in their communities, for a total of $25,000 in funding through the nonprofit track.
This track is part of Verity’s broader Grants for Growth program, which now includes two annual tracks: one for nonprofits and one for microbusinesses.
As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Verity is committed to co-creating generational wealth, advancing racial equity, and building sustainable communities. This grant program reflects those commitments through relationship-based, community-rooted investment.
Watch the recorded webinar from May 6 to learn more about the program, eligibility, and tips for a strong application. Please note: access to the recording requires your full name and email address.
“Being in a rural community, resources are limited...This grant was especially meaningful because it wasn’t disability-specific... It felt like a real example of inclusion." -Shamra Baex, Executive Director, WWVDN, 2025 Nonprofit Recipient
Who Should Apply
This grant is for 501(c)(3) Washington-based nonprofits with:
- Less than $250,000 in total assets
- Are led by or serve historically marginalized communities (e.g., BIPOC, immigrant, LGBTQIA+, low-income, disabled, or justice-impacted)
Fiscal sponsorship is welcome. Past awardees are eligible to reapply if it has been at least 18 months since their last award.
Verity membership is not required.
See our FAQ section below for full eligibility details.
Our Review Approach
We know applying for funding can feel uncertain, especially for small organizations doing powerful work with limited resources. We aim for a process that feels transparent, equitable, and respectful.
See how we review applications in the FAQ below.
Trust-Based and Transparent Processes
At Verity, we believe that those closest to the work know best how to achieve meaningful, sustainable impact in their communities. That’s why our Grants for Growth: Nonprofit Microgrant awards provide flexible funding with very few restrictions — reflecting our trust in grassroots leaders and our commitment to relationship-based, equity-centered support.
Why Flexible Funding Matters
Flexible funding gives recipients broad decision-making power over how to use the money. Rather than being tied to a specific program or expense, these grants allow nonprofit leaders to invest where resources are most critical, whether it’s strengthening day-to-day operations, supporting staff, or seizing an unexpected opportunity.
See our FAQs below for a list of examples from past nonprofit microgrant recipients.
Support Beyond the Grant
Whether or not you receive funding, Verity is here to help your nonprofit grow. Verity's Small Business Team offers financial products and services, including financial health check-ins, business plan reviews, and guidance on values-aligned banking to help strengthen your organization's financial foundation.
Verity's Community Impact team can connect you to future Verity funding opportunities, nonprofit financial wellness resources, workshops, events, and one-on-one support — because we're invested in your mission beyond any single grant cycle.
Grants for Growth Timeline
- Applications open: May 1, 2026
- Applications close: May 31, 2026
- Decision notifications sent: Early July 2026
- Awards disbursed by: Late July 2026
Application Preparation
We value your time, your voice, and your contributions to the communities you serve. The application is:
- Short and story-centered
- Available as an online form
- Reviewed by a diverse committee of Verity staff
- Scored using a transparent, values-based process
- Designed for clarity, not perfection
Applications must be submitted through the online form. This ensures all information is received and reviewed consistently. If you need support or accommodations completing the form, email us at CommunityImpact@veritycu.com and we will work with you.
Final Selection
Applications are open for four weeks and will close on May 31, 2026. Decision notifications will be sent to all applicants in early July 2026. Funds will be disbursed to awardees in late July 2026.
Awardees will be asked to:
- Sign a simple agreement confirming acceptance
- Indicate their preferred payment method
- Submit documentation of their or their fiscal sponsor’s 501(c)(3) status
Your Story, Amplified
We believe that funding is only one way to help your mission thrive. We also want to help your voice carry further so more people can see, support, and celebrate your work.
Selected awardees will have the opportunity to work with Revolution PR, Verity’s public relations partner. We want your visibility to grow, not just your budget. This opportunity is completely optional and tailored to your comfort level. You choose what to share and how your story is told.
Not Selected This Time?
Please know your work is still deeply valued. Unfortunately, limited funding means we can’t award every deserving application. Learn how we can stay connected in our FAQs below.
Not Ready to Apply Yet?
That’s okay. Applications are open through May 31, 2026, and we’d love to stay connected:
Email us at CommunityImpact@veritycu.com
Mailing address: P.O. Box 75974, Seattle, WA 98175
Looking for the Microbusiness track?
Grants for Growth also includes a Microbusiness track for eligible community-rooted microbusinesses in Washington State.
-
FAQs
Eligibility
Who is eligible to apply?
- Registered as a 501(c)(3) or have a fiscal sponsor
- Based in Washington State
- Total assets of $250,000 or less
- Led by or serve historically marginalized communities (e.g., BIPOC, immigrant, LGBTQIA+, low-income, disabled, justice-impacted)
- Community-rooted and focused on equity, inclusion, and economic well-being
Who is not eligible?
- Organizations with assets over $250,000
- For-profit entities (LLCs, sole proprietorships, etc.)
- Political campaigns, lobbying entities, or partisan programs
- Houses of worship or religious services
- Organizations outside of Washington State
- Any group that discriminates based on race, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, faith, or other protected identities
Do I need to be a Verity member to apply?
No. Membership is not required to apply or receive funding. If selected, you may be invited to explore additional opportunities to connect, or access support, but membership is not a condition of the award.
Can past recipients reapply?
Yes—past awardees are eligible to reapply if it has been at least 18 months since their last grant.
Grant DetailsHow much funding is available?
Verity will award:
- Five $5,000 grants
- $25,000 total available through the nonprofit track
What can the grant be used for?
All grants offer flexible funding—you decide how to use the funds. So, anything that supports your growth and sustainability, such as:
- Staff time or stipends
- Rent, utilities, or space use
- Program expansion or pilot projects
- Strategic planning or operations
- Community events or leadership development
What is the timeline for the 2026 grant cycle?
- Applications open: May 1, 2026
- Applications close: May 31, 2026
- Decision notifications sent: Early July 2026
- Awards disbursed by: Late July 2026
Examples from Past Microgrant Recipients:
- Covering rent and utilities to keep community spaces open and accessible
- Paying stipends for community organizers and program staff
- Purchasing technology and equipment to improve service
- Funding strategic planning and leadership development
- Expanding a pilot program into a permanent community offering
- Building a financial cushion to weather unexpected funding gaps
Application ProcessHow do I apply?
Applications must be submitted through the online form. This ensures all information is received and reviewed consistently. If you need support completing the form, email us at CommunityImpact@veritycu.com, and we will work with you.
How are applications reviewed?
A diverse panel of Verity staff and trusted community partners reviews applications using a values-based scoring rubric. We prioritize:
- Leadership rooted in community: lived experience, strong relationships, or deep knowledge of the community you serve
- Community-defined needs: responding to what your community has named as important
- Support for economic well-being: helping people grow income, access housing, reduce financial stress, or build long-term stability
- Thoughtful use of funds: a clear idea of how this grant supports your mission, even if plans are still evolving
- Commitment to equity and systems change: challenging barriers, reducing harm, or explaining more equitable opportunities
- Alignment with Verity’s values: advancing generational wealth and building thriving, inclusive and sustainable communities
Tips for completing the application
- There are no trick questions. Be honest, specific, and mission-driven.
- Share what growth looks like for you — there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
- Use the optional question at the end to tell us anything else you want us to know.
What happens after I apply?
We have streamlined our review and decision-making process. After applications close, all submissions will be reviewed through Verity’s values-based review process.
- Decision notifications will be sent to all applicants in early July 2026
- Selected applicants will sign a short agreement and submit 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsor verification
- Funds will be delivered in late July 2026
Additional Support for AwardeesIs there support beyond the grant?
Yes! Awardees are invited to partner with Revolution PR, Verity’s public relations partner. This includes:
- Writing a press release or media advisory
- Preparing content for your website, newsletter, or social media
- Pitching your story to local media outlets
- Exploring other storytelling ideas that reflect your mission
This support is entirely optional and customized to your comfort level.
If You’re Not SelectedWhat if I don’t receive a grant?
Your work is still deeply valued and we want to stay connected. If not selected, you may be invited to:
- Receive updates about new opportunities
- Join workshops, coaching sessions, or resource referrals
- Explore Verity’s financial well-being programs
- Connect with our Small Business Development team that supports nonprofits
General QuestionsHow did you hear about Grants for Growth?
We’ll ask this in the application—it helps us improve outreach and build better relationships with the people and organizations you trust.
Still have questions?Email us anytime at CommunityImpact@veritycu.com
Award Disclosure: Grant awards are subject to the discretion of Verity Credit Union and compliance with its obligations under the Community Development Financial Institutions Equitable Recovery Program (ERP). While Grants for Growth funding is intended to be flexible and broadly applicable, Verity Credit Union may request a brief impact summary following the award, and certain activity is prohibited under the ERP, which may result in denial or a written agreement to comply with ERP terms. Verity Credit Union is an equal opportunity provider and encourages all eligible nonprofits that meet the stated criteria to apply.
We Support the People, Not Just the Project
Join Us