08/28/2026
WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE GENEROSITY OF SMITH-BARBIERI
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2026 SPRING GRANT ANNOUNCEMENT
Over $600,000 awarded to nonprofit organizations supporting our vulnerable neighbors.
Nothing seems to be “business as usual” in our world today. Unprecedented, targeted harmful legislation and deep government budget cuts have created a devastating reality for far too many people. With that in mind, we took a different approach to our grant opening this past spring and prioritized organizations who have been targeted by cruel legislation and/or have been directly impacted by government budget cuts.
We received over 60 applications, and from those organizations alone, government budget cuts totaled over $5,000,000.00.
We can’t fill the entire gap left in the wake of sweeping cuts nor can we immediately change the unjust targeting of people for simply being who they are. Therefore, we did our best to be strategic in funding organizations where we felt the impact will be the most effective and reach as many people in meaningful ways as possible. We will also continue to refuse to be silent and stand as allies with communities who are being cruelly targeted,
including LGBTQ+ persons and our refugee and immigrant neighbors.
Our sincere gratitude to all applicants. Local nonprofits are doing some of the most important and difficult work in this region to ensure vulnerable people who need assistance get it. Deciding grant awards is challenging and something we do not take lightly. We wish we could do more, and appreciate everyone who continues to do their best to make a difference. We see you and appreciate you!
Organizations who were awarded grants this spring are listed below.
Civil Survival
Post incarceration support in Spokane and northern E. Wa counties (heavy emphasis in NE counties).
Community Action Center – Pullman
Food purchases for low barrier food bank - proteins, produce and dairy.
Creole Resources
Build capacity for legal aid - needs attorney who speak Haitian, Creole or French
EWRC – Eastern Washington Refugee Coalition
Emergency services funding (rental assistance, food, medical needs, etc). Member organizations include FEAST World Kitchen, Manzanita House, Global Neighborhood Thrift, Refugee & Immigrant Connections Spokane, International Rescue Committee
Growing Neighbors (current fiscal sponsee)
Operations to support the start and expansion of community tended gardens that are hyper-localized, co-designed, organic and regenerative while providing increase to food access, mentoring, job training, and waste reduction.
Jewels Helping Hands - Aurora Center
Portable shower for Aurora Center (LGBTQ+ center for those experiencing homelessness)
Just One
Basic Needs and food distribution for program that serves at-risk youth living in the Hillyard neighborhood through events, classes, and opportunities that help them build their power and access resources.
International Rescue Committee – IRC-Spokane
Technical cell phone services for those in need, assistance with setup, app education and account setup, available resources, etc.
Mahima International (current fiscal sponsee)
Organizational development funding. Mahima Int’l validates, empowers and equips refugee women to thrive in the Spokane community.
Manzanita House
Bilingual intake specialist to assist refugee and immigrants with legal aid assistance
MiA - Mujeres in Action
Operation support for legal advocate, survivor advocacy, mental health resources programs. MiA supports survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in a culturally responsive way.
Nuestras Raices
Behavioral Health services funding support. Nuestras Raices work with not only individuals, but with the whole family by providing them with high quality services and expertise to address the barriers that prevent them form living a health life in our community.
North Idaho Pride Alliance
Operations for Le***an, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and Two-Spirited (LGBTQIA2S+) people, allies and community groups working together to create a more inclusive North Idaho through networking, educating and advocating.
Odyssey Youth Movement
Basic needs program supporting LGBTQ+ youth (hygiene items, food/snacks, school supplies, gender-affirming apparel, bus passes, etc)
Our Place
Purchase food items (especially protein) and support to keep Saturday program open. Our Place provides low-barrier free emergency relief services for the community.
PEPP – Pre-employment Preparation Program
Operational support to confirm December 2027 cohort and begin 2027 cohorts. PEPP is a pre-apprenticeship preparation and hands-on training program for disenfranchised individuals and those post-incarceration to develop skills and obtain basic certifications to prepare for a career in the trades.
Rural Resources Community Action – Colville
Emergency Client Assistance Program supporting low-income families, disabled individuals, seniors on low and fixed incomes, and residents in danger of losing heat source.
SafeStart - Coeur d'Alene
Safe sleep & car seat safety outreach in rural Idaho (includes supplies - car seats, cribs, etc)
Salish School of Spokane
Operating support - early childhood education in a Salish language setting to support the preservation and revitalization of traditional language and culture for Salish and other Native American people.
SAN - Spokane Aids Network
Food pantry purchases (protein, dairy, produce, etc). SAN serves as a bridge for resources for people living with and impacted by HIV and AIDS.
Shades of Motherhood
Operations & supplies (food boxes, diaper bank, postpartum care supplies, education, etc) for programs that support black maternal health.
Spokane Edible Tree Project
"Glean for Good" and "Farmers Markets Programs" that help to mobilize community members and resources to provide equitable access to healthy food that would otherwise go to waste.
Spokane Helpers Network
Meal delivery program operations for persons experiencing temporary financial setbacks.
Spokane Immigrant Rights Coalition
Community Justice Fund = Emergency legal aid services for immigrants and refugees
Spokane Municipal Therapeutic Courts
Supportive services (bus passes, food, haircuts, clothing, etc)for participants in Community Court, DUI Court, Veteran’s Enhanced Therapeutic Court, Domestic Violence Intervention Court and Mental Health Court.
Spokane PRIDE
Operations and growing trans support program for the organization and hosting of inclusive, queer-centered events throughout the Inland Northwest.
Team Child
Support for free legal services and advocacy for youth in the greater Spokane area who are involved in the juvenile justice system, child welfare, education and mental health systems. By helping youth secure housing, stay in school, and access community-based services, TeamChild addresses systemic barriers and empowers young people to achieve their goals.
The Way To Justice
Grant funding will support direct representation, impact litigation, policy reform, and advocacy work to address the barriers facing individuals who have been negatively impacted by our justice system.
Women's & Children's Free Restaurant
Purchase fresh protein, produce & dairy to support free nutritious meals and groceries to women and children in Spokane County.
MAUI GRANTS
Thanks to a generous gift from our Trustees, a small number of grants are provided to organizations supporting
vulnerable persons in Maui, Hawaii, a place that is
meaningful to our Trustees and many from the Inland Northwest.
ACLU of Hawaii
Fellowship position to support the ACLU's work dismantle systemic injustice and protect the civil liberties for all through legal, political, and educational efforts throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
Roots Reborn
Operational support for this grassroots, multicultural immigrant-justice and disaster-response organization serving migrant and immigrant communities on Maui and beyond.
Share Your Mana
Conference fee support for the organization's continued education while they work to transform the lives of those experiencing homelessness through innovative solutions inspired by the community.
