Healthy Environment for All Act Community Capacity Grants

The Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act Community Capacity Grants program is administered by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) as part of its responsibilities under the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act, passed in 2021. This legislation seeks to reduce environmental and health disparities, equitably distribute environmental benefits, and improve public health outcomes across Washington State. DOH is one of seven state agencies tasked with implementing the Act, alongside the Department of Commerce, Department of Agriculture, Department of Transportation, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Ecology, and the Puget Sound Partnership. In addition to its broader environmental justice obligations, the DOH is directed to staff and convene the Environmental Justice Council, engage with communities and Tribes to inform the Environmental Health Disparities Map, and maintain that map to track changes over time. The HEAL Community Capacity Grant program is designed to strengthen the ability of communities most impacted by environmental hazards to participate in state-level environmental justice decision-making. Historically, these communities have been excluded from such processes, which has contributed to persistent disparities. At the same time, they hold essential insights into environmental challenges, cultural and linguistic considerations, and barriers to accessing health resources. The program seeks to support these communities in sharing their perspectives with the Environmental Justice Council, informing updates to the Environmental Health Disparities Map, and advising state agencies on HEAL Act implementation. For the 2025–2027 biennium, DOH offers two funding tracks. The first is project funding, where DOH anticipates awarding five grants of $100,000 each, totaling $500,000. These grants support organizational capacity for engaging in environmental justice work and providing guidance to the Environmental Justice Council and state agencies. The second is pass-through funding, where DOH expects to award two $500,000 grants, totaling $1 million, to organizations that will sub-grant funds to other community-based organizations serving overburdened and vulnerable populations across Washington. Pass-through recipients will work closely with DOH to ensure accountability, transparency, and equity throughout the funding process. Funding under both tracks is intended to build organizational capacity, promote equitable community engagement, and facilitate participation in HEAL activities, including environmental justice assessments, budgeting, and community or Tribal engagement efforts. This grant program is supported through Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, which uses cap-and-invest revenues to reduce climate pollution, create jobs, and improve public health. The application process begins with the release of application materials on August 15, 2025. DOH will host informational webinars in multiple languages, including Spanish and English, on August 26, August 27, and September 9, 2025. Applications must be submitted via email to the Environmental Justice Grants Program by September 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Estimated internal review will take place in October 2025, with notifications of award by November 17, 2025. Grant agreements are expected to begin on January 1, 2026, and the funding period will end on June 30, 2027. Interested organizations may request application materials in languages other than English and can request accommodations, including formal interviews, to supplement their applications. Organizations are encouraged to contact the Environmental Justice Grants Program with questions or to discuss potential project ideas before applying. Information sessions will provide further details on the application process and grant requirements.