Ignite Kirkland Grant Program

Ignite Kirkland Grant Program is sponsored by Kirkland Community Foundation. A trust-based, community-powered grant program supporting nonprofits serving Kirkland, Washington.

Ignite Kirkland • Kirkland Community Foundation Kirkland's Community Giving Campaign Ignite Kirkland is a community-powered, place-based giving campaign hosted by the Kirkland Community Foundation. Each year, KCF curates a digital catalog of local nonprofit projects — from youth programs and arts initiatives to park improvements and mental-health services — and invites residents to explore, learn, and give. Every gift stays in Kirkland.

Every project is vetted. Every dollar strengthens the people and places that make this community home. See the Impact: Stories of Ignite Why Ignite Kirkland Works Gifts stay in Kirkland, strengthening the people and places that define this community.

One catalog spotlights real projects with clear, local impact. Donors can see their results, meet project leaders, and feel their giving at work. Simple, transparent, and neighbor-to-neighbor.

Give Local. Do Good. Right Now.

Ignite Kirkland is how neighbors invest in the place we all call home. Every gift stays in Kirkland and powers visible results you can experience — from youth programs and mental-health supports to parks, arts, and community connection. This year, 37 local nonprofits are counting on our community to help fund projects that make Kirkland stronger.

Browse the catalog, find the causes that move you, and give before the campaign closes on June 8. Explore the 2026 Projects -> Become an Ignite corporate sponsor The generous corporate sponsors in our community multiple the impact we can have in making Kirkland a better place for all. Learn more, and join them !

Welcome to the 2026 Ignite Kirkland Grant Application A program of the Kirkland Community Foundation We’re excited to invite you to apply for the third year of Ignite Kirkland , a trust-based, community-powered grant program from the Kirkland Community Foundation (KCF).

Ignite Kirkland is designed to raise awareness of the needs in our community and to introduce generous, civic-minded people to local causes they care about—so they can make an impact . It’s more than a grant; it’s a platform for connection, storytelling, and shared investment in a stronger, more resilient Kirkland. APPLY HERE .

This opportunity is open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that serve people who live, work, or play in Kirkland . Approved projects will be featured in the Ignite Kirkland online public grant catalog , promoted widely during a two-week giving campaign. Community members will be invited to learn about your work and contribute directly to the projects that move them.

As part of this initiative: Each selected project will participate in a crowdsourced fundraising campaign , hosted in a shared online catalog giving donors a comprehensive view to the issues that our Kirkland Community is facing.

Participating organizations are expected to promote their project and the overall Ignite Kirkland campaign to their networks and audiences Grant funds from KCF will be allocated to incentivize public giving and to fill the needs gaps following the campaign.

Matching funds— made possible in part by generous support from Amazon and other local businesses, and caring individuals— will be available during portions of the public campaign , encouraging donors to amplify their impact.

One application per organization Grant requests: $1,000 – $5,000 Applications due: 7pm PST, April 20, 2026 Public Campaign: June 1 - 8, 2026 Grant Announcements: June 22, 2026 A simple, trust-based application and light-touch reporting process that respects your time Increased visibility for your organization through a widely promoted, community-wide campaign A chance to highlight the issues your organization is addressing and connect with new supporters who care about your cause An opportunity to raise additional funds through public donations and matching incentives , including contributions from KCF and generous support from Amazon Ignite Kirkland is a partnership—between the Foundation, local nonprofits, and the community we all serve.

If you have questions, please reach out to our Grants Team . Let’s ignite something meaningful—together. Neighbors helping Neighbors Your Donation.

Your Community. Your Impact. When you give through Ignite Kirkland, you’re joining a movement that believes generosity is most powerful when it’s close to home.

“Our focus is on place-based giving — philanthropy that starts and stays in Kirkland,” said Carmin Dalziel, Executive Director of the Kirkland Community Foundation. “When you give through the Foundation, you’re part of Kirkland’s story — investing in the people and places that make this community home. Every gift strengthens the Kirkland we love today and builds the one we’ll share tomorrow.

” From housing and mental health to arts, youth, and the environment, your gift supports programs that reflect Kirkland’s shared values of belonging, access, connection, and care. 🔥 Give Local. Do Good.

Right Now. Last year, our community raised $43,000 to support 25 local projects. This year, 37 nonprofits are counting on us to reach $164,000 by November 24 — and we can only do it together.

The Ignite Kirkland 2025 Catalog brings together dozens of inspiring Kirkland-based projects — all in one place. Explore programs that uplift youth, care for parks, build community through art, and bring hope to those who need it most. “When you give locally, you see the results with your own eyes,” said Jonathan Heuer, Board Chair of the Kirkland Community Foundation.

“You meet the people whose lives are touched. You walk past the park that got restored. You see the mural, the class, the celebration that your gift helped make possible.

That’s the power of place-based giving — it’s personal, visible, and lasting. ” Explore the project catalog or support all projects with a single gift . Be Part of Kirkland’s Story When you donate through the Foundation, you’re joining a movement to keep Kirkland connected, creative, and caring.

Whether you’re an individual donor, business sponsor, or donor-advised fund (DAF) holder, your generosity stays rooted here — growing local capacity and community pride. We’ll help you direct your DAF gift to the projects you care about most — quickly and easily. Here's a form to get started on supporting Ignite Kirkland using your DAF.

Boost Days are one of the most exciting parts of Ignite Kirkland 2025 — a way to celebrate generosity and multiply community impact. Each day during the campaign, the Kirkland Community Foundation and our local business partners provide special “boost” funds to help featured nonprofits reach their goals faster.

When a featured organization raises $500 in donations on its Boost Day , the Foundation awards an additional $500 boost — instantly doubling the impact of community giving. When Kirkland gives together, amazing things happen. Share Ignite Kirkland with friends, neighbors, and colleagues who love this city, too — together, we can fund every project.

Find your next favorite cause right now, and spread the word! These Ignite Kirkland projects cover a wide range of vital community services, from enhancing public spaces and supporting youth programs to ensuring our seniors stay engaged and connected. Some examples of recent grants include: Youth Sports Equipment – helping young athletes get the gear they need to participate in team sports.

Community Garden Expansion – providing resources to expand urban gardening spaces that bring our neighbors together. Arts and Culture Programs for Everyone – enriching the lives of our residents with creative outlets and social engagement through a variety of different performing art opportunities Safety & Wellness Initiatives - creating opportunities for skills for women, youth, social service providers and public safety officers.

We need your help! With so much need, your support is crucial in making these projects a reality. Each grant, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, can transform lives and strengthen our community.

Through December 3 (Giving Tuesday), requests will be showcased for a with the hopes of gaining public support. This is a unique opportunity for you to explore and support a variety of organizations and the impactful work they do right here in Kirkland. 100% of your donation will go directly to support the projects you choose.

Together, we can harness the power of community to drive meaningful change. Thanks to the generous support of Amazon and other generous donors, KCF will contribute funds at the end of the campaign to fill the gaps and top off requests as funds are available. Join us in this exciting journey to uplift nonprofits that serve the Kirkland community and make a lasting difference.

Together, we can ignite a brighter future for Kirkland! Thank you for your support! Join our mailing list to stay informed about this campaign.

Frequently asked questions Ignite Kirkland is a community-powered giving campaign hosted by the Kirkland Community Foundation . Each year, local nonprofit projects are featured so residents can explore, give, and see their impact right here in Kirkland. Who organizes Ignite Kirkland?

Ignite Kirkland is managed by the Kirkland Community Foundation , a 501(c)(3) public charity that connects people, ideas, and resources to strengthen the community. What are the Foundation's Impact Funds? Projects that the Foundation supports, typically fall into the five Impact Fund focus areas: Arts & Culture, Parks & Environment, Health & Housing, Learning & Innovation, and Community Connection.

How do I donate to Ignite? Give directly through the 2026 Ignite online catalog. Browse projects, select the ones that inspire you, and donate securely.

You can support one or multiple projects in a single checkout. Is my donation tax deductible? Yes.

The Kirkland Community Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. You’ll automatically receive a tax receipt. What payment methods are accepted?

Credit or debit cards are accepted online. Gifts from Donor Advised Funds (DAFs), employer matches, or mailed checks are also welcome—see details below. Our mailing address is: 603 4th Ave, Suite 500, Kirkland WA 98033.

How do I donate using my Donor Advised Fund (DAF)? We’ll help you direct your gift. Contact us by phone or email, and we’ll apply your pledge to your chosen projects and provide simple instructions for completing your grant.

Can I donate to Ignite anonymously? Yes. Simply choose the “anonymous” option at checkout, and your name will not appear publicly.

My company offers matching gifts—how does that work? Employer matches amplify your impact. If your company’s match arrives before Ignite funds are distributed, it will be added to your chosen project.

Matches received later will support a related Foundation community Impact Fund . What is the timeline for the program? All gifts must be received by 9 PM on June 8, 2026 to count toward this year's Ignite Kirkland campaign.

Who makes Boost Days possible? Amazon, Columbia Bank, and Puget Sound Energy generously sponsor Boost Days to celebrate teamwork and the nonprofits that keep Kirkland thriving. When will boost funds appear for my cause?

Boosts are applied by noon the next business day. You’ll see updates in the campaign catalog shortly after. How are the projects featured in Ignite Kirkland selected?

Projects are reviewed and approved by the Foundation. Each participating organization submits a proposal outlining community benefit, feasibility, and alignment with the Foundation’s Impact Funds.

Funding comes from multiple sources: Public donations made through the Ignite Kirkland catalog (open through June 8, 2026) Boost Day contributions from Foundation partners and sponsors like Amazon, Columbia Bank, and PSE Additional support from the Ignite Kirkland Fund managed by the Foundation When do nonprofits receive their funds? Distributions occur as quickly as possible after the campaign concludes.

How does the Foundation ensure accountability? Every participating organization reports back. Nonprofits confirm that funds are used as intended and share outcomes by the end of the following calendar year.

How will I know the results of the campaign? 100 percent of your gift goes directly to fund our Ignite projects. Your donation stays local and benefits Kirkland.

Once the campaign closes, funds are sent directly to the nonprofit organizations managing the projects you supported through Ignite. I have a question I don't see answered here! Please reach out to us with your question!

Donate to KCF Catalyst Fund KCF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Website support generously provided by Sitetherapy. net " * " indicates required fields Thanks for your interest in joining the Kirkland Charitable Collective!

Submit your info and we'll get back to you with details soon. Spark Something Good - with the Kirkland Community Foundation At the Kirkland Community Foundation, we serve as conveners, catalysts, and collaborators - and we know that new ideas need fuel to catch spark. That’s why we’ve created this space to hear from you.

Whether you’re ready to move forward with a community idea that shows the love in Kirkland, are seeking a small Spark Grant to bring something to life, or feel inspired to support a future project - you’re in the right place. Let us know how you'd like to get involved, and someone from our team will follow up soon. Together, we can spark something good.

Best phone number to reach you * Why are you filling out this form? Check as many as apply.

* To share an idea about a future project that I am planning To request a spark grant (under $100) to make a project a reality To make a financial contribution to be applied to a for the love project To volunteer or offer my skills To find out more about the Kirkland Community Foundation Other (add details below) Please tell us a little more about your idea, the type of projects that would interest you, and/or the skills you’d like to offer, and we’ll follow up soon to discuss.

* Anything else you would like to add? - Stories, dreams or feedback welcome. Community Project Letter of Interest Kirkland Community Foundation has long served as the hub for successful projects inititated by members of our community, including the Save Our Salmon mural and the Waverly Beach Picnic Shelter.

Have an idea for a project? Please complete this form as an initial step in the process, and we'll be in touch! The story behind your idea — Share what inspired you and what you hope to accomplish.

Please include: A description of your project and why it’s important Who will benefit and how it will make a difference Any partners, volunteers, or organizations involved How this project aligns with KCF’s mission and areas of impact Whether there are any time-sensitive elements Let us know what type of support you’re seeking: visibility, fundraising assistance, strategic guidance, or fiscal sponsorship.

If requesting fundraising or fiscal sponsorship, please include an estimated budget or cost of the project. Upload a document (PDF, DOC OR DOCX only) with your projects story here Upload a file or drag and drop. Write in your project's story here (if you didn't upload a document above) Inquire about opening a donor-advised fund Anticipated initial funding amount Thank you for your interest in serving on our board of directors.

We are seeking passionate and dedicated individuals who share a strong commitment to the Kirkland community to join our board of directors. Board members play a vital role in shaping the organization's direction and ensuring its long-term success. Please complete the following form to express your interest in serving on our board.

We are dedicated to the commitment that our board should reflect the diversity of our community. Why are you interested in serving on the KCF board? * What skills and experience do you bring that would be valuable to the board?

* How much time are you able to commit to board service? * What are your areas of particular interest within the organization's work? Have you served on the board of a nonprofit organization before?

* How many years of service? Did you serve on any board committees? Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your interest in serving on the board?

Please reach out to us with any inquiries or comments. We'd love to hear from you.