If you are considering submitting a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) in our upcoming submission window (July 1 – August 3), we wanted to provide context on grant demand and share tips for strengthening your submission.
The demand for grants continues to be high, and transparency about this is important for your planning. In our most recent submission period, we received more than 350 LOIs and were able to move forward with about a quarter of them. This demand speaks to the strength of the nonprofit sector across the Pacific Northwest, and it also means a well-prepared, well-aligned submission matters more than ever.
Tips for LOI Submission: #
The most competitive LOIs are the ones that show clear alignment with the priorities of their focus area and sector. These priorities are public and there are two ways you can learn more about them:
- First, review our updated Eligibility Guidelines page, where we added a new section B to help you identify which focus area your work falls into. From there, thoroughly read the full eligibility guidelines and priority considerations for your focus area and sector in section D.
- Second, watch these strategic projects eligibility and priorities webinars where we spend dedicated time with each focus area team to help you understand funding priorities and answer questions. There is a general grantmaking webinar that explains general eligibility and process updates for all applicants, as well as a webinar for each of our five focus areas.
Taking the time to review those materials is the most useful thing you can do to ensure your organization and project align with our current priorities, and that your time is well spent.
What’s Changed Since the March 2026 Submission Period #
- In March 2026, we piloted a staggered submission period, with returning applicants having the opportunity to submit one week before new applicants. For our July 2026 cycle, we will not be using this staggered method. All applicants are able to submit beginning July 1st.
- Please note changes to CECS Eligibility for Youth Camps & Clubs (see Part D, Civic Engagement & Community Services section 1.5-1.5.2.1).
- Please note changes to HES Eligibility for Health and Support for People With Disabilities (see Part D, Health & Environmental Stewardship section 1.2 and 5.1-5.7.3).
We know how much time, thought, and care goes into every LOI, and we don’t take that lightly. Thank you for your commitment to serving the common good across our region. We look forward to learning more about your work.
In partnership with you,
Pauline Fong
Chief Program & Impact Officer