School's Out Washington
School's Out Washington (SOWA) is a Washington state nonprofit that strengthens the ecosystem of expanded learning programs through advocacy, professional learning, quality improvement, and grants. The site lists team and board pages, contact information, recent news and events (2026), and a Form 990, indicating it is the organization's official website.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A Washington-based organization running expanded learning, after-school, or youth-development programs (including school districts, parks/recreation departments, and community-based youth providers) with capacity to manage grants in the mid-five-figure to low-six-figure range.
Good Fit
- • Organization operates in Washington state (local or state-level programs).
- • Programs align with expanded learning, after-school enrichment, youth development, or refugee/immigrant student supports (BSK/RSIP priorities seen in grants).
- • Ability to partner with school districts or public agencies.
- • Capacity to manage awards in the $25k–$300k range (many grants fall in this band).
- • Existing connections or repeat funding relationships with regional funders or networks.
Geography
Observed giving is heavily Washington-centric: about 98% of 2023 grant dollars stayed in WA and grants were concentrated in two states with the foundation based in Washington.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 76 distinct recipients (and 196 distinct recipients the prior year), with a mix of government, school districts, and independent charities and both returning and new grantees, indicating a broad recipient set for this funder.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of new entrants exists (14 new recipients in 2023, about 18%), which indicates unfamiliar applicants can break into the portfolio even though no formal application instructions were found.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
