If you’re running a small business or nonprofit in Washington State and could use some extra cash (and honestly, who couldn’t?), listen up.
Verity Credit Union just opened applications for its Grants for Growth program, and they’re giving away $50,000 in unrestricted funding. No strings attached. No jumping through bureaucratic hoops. Just real money for organizations doing real work in their communities.
This isn’t some new experimental thing, either. Verity’s been doing this for years. In 2025 alone, they awarded grants to 16 organizations across the region. Now they’re back for another round, and the application window runs through the entire month of May—which, fitting enough, happens to be Small Business Month.
Who Can Apply?
Verity’s splitting the $50,000 pot between two categories, with five grants of $5,000 each going to microbusinesses and nonprofits that fit their criteria. Here’s the breakdown:
Microbusiness Grants
If you’re running a small operation—we’re talking under $1 million in annual revenue, fewer than 10 employees, and you’ve been in business for less than five years—you’re in the game. Verity’s especially looking to support businesses owned by BIPOC, women, LGBTQ+, and veteran entrepreneurs.
Nonprofit Grants
Grassroots 501(c)(3) organizations with assets under $250,000 are eligible here. The focus is on groups led by or serving historically marginalized communities, particularly those working in social justice, environmental justice, equity, or financial wellness.
The best part? This is unrestricted funding. That means you can spend it however you actually need to—no complicated reporting requirements about how you allocated every dollar. Need it for payroll? Great. Marketing? Go for it. Keeping the lights on? Nobody’s judging.
Why Verity’s Doing This
Verity Credit Union isn’t your typical financial institution. This Seattle-based credit union (managing about $735 million in assets) has built its reputation on socially responsible banking and supporting underserved communities. They’re not just writing checks and calling it a day, either.
“The businesses and nonprofits we fund through Grants for Growth are the heartbeat of their communities,” said Tonita Webb, Verity’s CEO. “When a microbusiness expands, when a grassroots nonprofit deepens its reach, the whole community feels it. Verity is honored to play a part in that, and deeply committed to continuing this work for years to come.”
Grant recipients also get access to ongoing support beyond the initial funding—think financial coaching, increased visibility, connections to business loans, and relationships with actual humans at the credit union who can help you navigate whatever comes next.
How to Apply
Here’s the good news: Verity intentionally designed this process to be straightforward. Unlike those traditional grant applications that read like you need a law degree to understand them, this one’s meant to be welcoming and accessible. You don’t even need to be a Verity member to apply. And if you’ve applied before? Apply again. Previous applicants are absolutely welcome.
Applications are open from May 1st through May 31, 2026. A review committee at Verity will evaluate submissions based on alignment with their values, potential community impact, and financial need. In a world where small organizations often struggle to access capital and resources, $5,000 in flexible funding could be exactly what you need to take things to the next level.
Related:
Verity Credit Union Unveils Grants for Growth to Empower Community Changemakers
Verity CU launches PWR to turn lived experience into generational wealth