During 2012, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation was hard at work to alleviate poverty in Washington state through two key efforts - grants that could be redistributed to worthy causes and solicitations for ideas that could improve student success.

"The Gates Foundation has a long standing commitment to supporting community philanthropy," said director of the Pacific Northwest program David Bley. "These organizations have established networks of nonprofits that serve families and children quickly and efficiently. Local partners know their community needs."

The foundation has already granted $7.5 million to 16 philanthropic organizations that were charged with the responsibility of dispersing them to community groups working to help individuals who need it the most. Blue Mountain Community Foundation, the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, the Greater Everett Community Foundation, the Pride Foundation and United Way of Snohomish were some of the selected re-granting partners.

Organizations that are looking to raise funds through grant opportunities or local campaigns can use nonprofit financial management solutions to improve their chances of success. The software can help program leaders identify potential donors and send out applications with accurate accounting information.