The Methow Valley Fund Legacy Grant is now accepting applications for this year’s grant cycle. Applications are open December 1, 2025 through January 15, 2026, with awards supporting nonprofit organizations and agencies with programs that address community needs in the Methow Valley. 

This year’s program includes several important updates to improve equitable access and help more organizations meet critical community needs. Eligible nonprofits may now request grant amounts based on their annual expenses from the most recent 12-month period available: 

• Annual expenses under $25,000 — Eligible for $2,000 

• Annual expenses $25,001 – $200,000 — Eligible for $5,000 

• Annual expenses $200,001 – $750,000 — Eligible for $10,000 

• Annual expenses over $750,001 — Eligible for $25,000 

The one-year wait period has been eliminated; organizations can apply each year. No partial grants are awarded, and grant awards must be spent within one year of the award date. 

“The Methow Valley Fund is grateful to the Methow Valley nonprofit leaders for working with us to reshape our grant award levels for 2026,” said Don Linnertz, a Local Advisory Board member of the Methow Valley Fund. “These updates help ensure equity, access, and funding levels that will have a true impact in the organization’s mission and service to the community.” 

If you are a 501(c)(3) public charity headquartered in and serving the Methow Valley, you are eligible and encouraged to apply for unrestricted core operating support. If you are a government agency (excluding schools), tribal agency, faith-based organization, or fiscally sponsored program, you are eligible for program-specific support that meets the Methow Valley Fund’s Grant Guidelines and Policies. School districts, related agencies, and fiscally sponsored programs of governmental agencies are not eligible for the Methow Valley Fund Legacy Grant. Grant requests for the purpose of re-granting funds to other organizations or individuals are not eligible. Limitations and restrictions for all Community Grant Programs apply to this program. 

Site visits will be scheduled in February with Methow Valley Fund Advisors and CFNCW staff to learn more about organizations and their proposals. The Methow Valley Local Advisory Board plays a key role in this grant process by providing leadership, recommending grants that benefit the Methow Valley community, and helping to grow endowment funds that support the valley over the long term.  

The Methow Valley Fund Game Changer Grant program has sunset and is no longer active. Eligible organizations should apply through the annual Methow Valley Fund Legacy Grant program.  

To apply, visit: cfncw.org/methowvalleyfundgrant 

For application or criteria questions, email: Jennifer Short, Director of Community Grants at Jennifer.s@cfncw.org 

Current Advisory Board members of the Methow Valley Legacy Fund: Peter Arneil, Don Linnertz, Jay Lucas, Brad Martin, Nancy Milsteadt, Karen Nichols, Missi Smith, Sara Steele, and Jacob Young. 

The Community Foundation of NCW provides administrative and management support for the Methow Valley Fund Legacy Grant.