Puget Sound Riparian Systems Lead Grants

The Puget Sound Riparian Systems Lead Grants program is administered by the Washington State Department of Ecology through its Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program, with funding originating from a cooperative agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency. The program was established to accelerate restoration and protection of riparian systems throughout the Puget Sound region. It is supported through a collaborative partnership that includes the Washington State Conservation Commission, Bonneville Environmental Foundation, and the University of Washington Puget Sound Institute. The initiative is designed to catalyze long-term, sustainable improvements to riparian ecosystems, which are critical to water quality, habitat health, and broader environmental resilience. The purpose of the program is to fund projects that protect, restore, and enhance riparian areas along rivers and streams draining into Puget Sound. These areas are essential for maintaining ecological balance, supporting fish and wildlife habitats, improving water quality, and strengthening climate resilience. The program encourages proposals that align with a long-term vision for riparian system management and that contribute to measurable improvements in ecosystem function. Projects may include planning, outreach, restoration implementation, monitoring, landowner incentives, and permanent habitat protection, reflecting a comprehensive approach to watershed health. Funding is provided on a competitive basis, with approximately three million dollars allocated for the current solicitation cycle. Individual grant awards range from one hundred fifty thousand dollars to six hundred thousand dollars. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for applicants, as matching funds have already been satisfied through the administering agency’s cooperative agreement. Funds must be used for eligible project costs directly tied to riparian restoration and protection activities, and projects must be completed within the program’s allowable timeline, with funds expiring by late 2029. Eligible applicants include local governments such as counties and cities, special purpose districts, federally recognized Tribal governments and organizations, nonprofit organizations with tax-exempt status, and institutions of higher education under certain conditions. State agencies and for-profit entities are not eligible to serve as lead applicants, although they may participate as partners. All proposed projects must be located within the Puget Sound region, specifically within designated water resource inventory areas that drain into Puget Sound. The application process requires submission through the Washington State Department of Ecology’s online grants management system, EAGL. Applicants must complete all required forms, provide supporting documentation such as maps and project descriptions, and ensure that submissions are received by the specified deadline. The program provides pre-application support through webinars, office hours, and direct technical assistance from program staff, encouraging early engagement to strengthen proposals. Applications are evaluated by a review team based on criteria including scope, budget, alignment with program priorities, and potential for long-term impact. For the current funding cycle, applications are open from March 25, 2026, through June 3, 2026, with submissions required by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. Complete applications are reviewed and scored competitively, and selected applicants may be invited to present their proposals before final funding decisions are made. Awards are contingent upon successful negotiation of a grant agreement, including finalized scope, budget, and deliverables. Program staff, including the grant lead, technical lead, and project managers, are available to provide guidance throughout the application process. Applicants may contact designated program representatives via email or phone for assistance with eligibility questions, application preparation, and technical components such as mapping and data requirements. This support structure is intended to ensure that applicants are well-prepared and that funded projects achieve meaningful and lasting environmental outcomes across the Puget Sound region.

Engage program staff early use technical assistance resources ensure complete submissions with detailed mapping and strong alignment to long term riparian goals