Washington State Business and Professional Women's Foundation

Washington State Business and Professional Women's Foundation invests in women’s education in Washington through a structured scholarship program that combines statewide eligibility standards with named general and designated funds. Its scholarship work for the 2026-2027 cycle centers on helping women pursue retraining, continuing education, and postsecondary study at accredited schools in Washington State, including online accredited programs accepted as a Washington State education institution. The foundation frames this mission with the statement, “Rather than a handout, we give a helping hand.” The foundation serves a defined applicant population. General and designated scholarship applicants must be female students, U.S. citizens, Washington State residents for one or more years, officially accepted into an eligible program, able to demonstrate scholastic ability, and in need of financial assistance. Applications require an official transcript and complete supporting documentation, and the main scholarship deadline is May 1, 2026. The organization also maintains a member scholarship program for BPW/WA members in good standing, with quarterly deadlines of March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31, and funding not to exceed a total of $500 per quarter. Its portfolio includes multiple named awards that show both statewide reach and targeted local priorities. General scholarships include the Mature Woman Educational Scholarship, Single Parent Scholarship, BPW/WA Past President Memorial Scholarship, Lulu Fairbanks Memorial Scholarship, and Doris Groth Troxel Memorial Scholarship, with awards ranging from $2,000 to $3,000. Designated funds extend support to specific communities and circumstances, including South King County, South Seattle College, the Greater Puget Sound area, and Wenatchee. Examples include the Emerald City BPW Foundation Scholarship for women in King, Kitsap, Pierce, or Snohomish counties and the Wenatchee BPW Mature Woman Scholarship for women entering postsecondary professional courses or technical training. Across these programs, the foundation emphasizes educational advancement for women at different life stages, including mature students, single parents, and women returning to school.