On June 2nd, our membership gathered to celebrate these four outstanding organizations that made it to the final round for our 2025 grants. Member votes were tallied, grant allocations were announced, and partnerships were set in motion.

This year, to honor our pledge with the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project and maximize our support during these challenging times, we chose to release funds from our reserves in order to grant a record $230,000. Our goal is to ensure our grantee partners receive the critical support they need to thrive. This remarkable milestone was made possible by our growing membership, additional funding from generous donors, and our commitment to prioritizing impactful, trust-based giving – especially in a climate where many nonprofits are facing funding cuts and increased financial pressures.

Dignity for Divas is a women-led nonprofit that supports unhoused women and recently housed women and children in the Puget Sound region through its Keep the Key Initiative, providing holistic services aimed at restoring dignity and self sufficiency. The organization serves over 15,000 individuals annually, focusing on marginalized populations, particularly women of color and survivors of domestic violence, by addressing immediate survival needs and fostering long-term empowerment through workshops, housing support, and community engagement. By integrating direct services with advocacy and systemic change efforts, Dignity for Divas aims to disrupt cycles of homelessness and poverty, ultimately contributing to broader community resilience and economic stability.

Afghan Advantage (AA+) is a women-led nonprofit organization founded in 2023 that focuses on empowering Afghan women and girls in Washington through culturally specific literacy and life skills programs. Serving a growing population of Afghan newcomers, AA+ provides essential resources and support to help them achieve self-reliance, confidence, and community engagement, addressing barriers such as low literacy and social isolation. By fostering communication and leadership, AA+ creates meaningful connections that enable participants to navigate their new environment and contribute positively to their communities.

Auto Repair Transformation (A.R.T.) is dedicated to closing the equity gap in the automotive repair industry by empowering marginalized communities, including BIPOC, women, LGBTQIA, and low-income individuals, through education, advocacy, and accessible services. The organization offers various programs, such as apprenticeships and community workshops, aimed at providing skills, knowledge, and resources to help these individuals thrive in the industry while addressing systemic barriers they face. By fostering an inclusive and equitable environment, A.R.T. not only supports the professional development of its participants but also works to create a safer and more reliable transportation landscape for the communities it serves.

Resource Equity Association (REA) is dedicated to closing the racial wealth gap by providing Black and Indigenous homeowners in the Greater Seattle Area with resources, financial tools, and advocacy support to preserve and grow their wealth through homeownership. By offering programs like the Housing Navigator Program, REA empowers these communities to navigate housing challenges, access financial education, and develop sustainable wealth-building strategies, directly addressing systemic barriers to homeownership. Since its founding in 2022, REA has made a significant impact by helping homeowners secure grants, avoid displacement, and create pathways for intergenerational wealth, fostering economic stability and community resilience.

Mason County Climate Justice

Mason County Climate Justice (MCCJ) is a community-based nonprofit in Mason County, WA, focused on climate justice and serving diverse, underserved populations, including Tribal and BIPOC communities. Founded in 2018, MCCJ engages in initiatives such as building community food forests, youth leadership development, and protecting legacy forests to promote environmental sustainability and social equity. Through its programs, MCCJ impacts over 1,000 people annually by fostering local food security, advocating for policy changes, and empowering youth to take active roles in their communities.

Learn more: Grant Review Team PDF + www.masoncountyclimatejustice.org

Para Los Niños

Para Los Niños (PLN) is a grassroots organization dedicated to supporting Latino immigrant and refugee families in South King County, focusing on fostering academic and life success through community involvement. By providing culturally relevant programs that include early learning, academic support, healthcare access, and leadership development, PLN empowers families to advocate for their children's education and well-being. Since its inception in 2003, PLN has positively impacted over 25,000 families, building strong community connections and transforming educational experiences for Latino children.

Learn more:  Grant Review Team PDF + www.plnwa.org

Refugee Artisan Initiative

Refugee Artisan Initiative (RAI) is a Seattle-based non-profit that empowers refugee and immigrant women by providing them with training, mentorship, and job opportunities in designing and manufacturing upcycled products. Since its inception in 2017, RAI has helped over 50 women achieve economic stability, generating more than $1.4 million in earned income while diverting over 100,000 pounds of waste from landfills. By fostering financial independence and community support, RAI creates a positive ripple effect that benefits not only the artisans but also their families and the broader community.

Learn more:  Grant Review Team PDF + www.refugeesarts.org

Surge Reproductive Justice

Surge Reproductive Justice (SRJ) focuses on addressing systemic health inequities faced by Black women and gender diverse people of Color in King County, particularly in perinatal health and mental well-being. By engaging the community in organizing and participatory research, SRJ co-creates culturally responsive healthcare solutions and advocates for policy changes that improve health outcomes and reduce maternal mortality rates. Their initiatives, such as the Black Perinatal Health Campaign and the Doulas For All Coalition, empower individuals to navigate healthcare systems and challenge medical racism, fostering a future of equitable and dignified care.

Learn more:  Grant Review Team PDF + www.surgereprojustice.org