Washington grants for Nonprofits

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in the Western United States for projects aimed at preventing the spread of invasive quagga and zebra mussels in aquatic ecosystems.

The Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) offers surplus vanpool vans to not-for-profit organizations and government entities through the Community Van Grant Program. This initiative aims to enhance public transportation options by providing retired vans to organizations that can address community transportation needs unmet by WTA services. Eligible applicants include Whatcom County community organizations with 501(c)(3) status or government organizations. The program is competitive due to the limited availability of vehicles. Selected recipients will receive the vehicle title upon award and must submit performance reports for the first year. Up to eleven retired vanpool vehicles will be available in 2024, with a deadline for applications on August 23, 2024.

The Youth Athletic Facilities program provides grants to buy land and develop or renovate outdoor athletic facilities such as ball fields, courts, swimming pools, mountain bike tracks, and skate parks that serve youth through the age of 18. While the program focuses on youth, RCO strongly encourages grant recipients to design facilities to serve all ages and multiple activities. An athletic facility is an outdoor facility used for playing sports or participating in competitive athletics and excludes playgrounds, tot lots, vacant lots, open or undeveloped fields, and level open space used for non-athletic play. Typical Projects Adding lights to a field to allow evening games Changing an underused tennis court to a high-demand basketball court Changing the field surface, such as installing artificial turf, to allow more games per season or more seasons when the field may be used Expanding a youth-sized softball field to accommodate broader community uses

This funding opportunity supports conservation projects that provide employment and training for young adults and veterans, helping them gain experience in environmental stewardship and resource management on public lands.

Snohomish County is accepting applications for the 2024 Snohomish County Conservation Futures Program (SCCFP) Grants. Donor Name: Snohomish County State: Washington County: Snohomish County (WA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/16/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Snohomish County Conservation Futures Program (the “SCCFP”) was started in 1988 as a mechanism for distributing Conservation Futures Property Tax Funds for the preservation of open space land, farm and agricultural land, and timberland. The purpose of the SCCFP is to acquire interests or rights in real property for the preservation of open space land, farm and agricultural land, and timberland per SCC 4.14.010. A maximum amount of $10,000,000 million dollars may be available for distribution in 2024 for these purposes. Eligible Projects  For proposals to be eligible for consideration and funding, they should conform to the criteria listed below: Snohomish County Conservation Futures Program funding can only be used for the acquisition of real property, easements, covenants, or other contractual rights necessary to protect, preserve, maintain, improve, restore, limit the future use of, or otherwise conserve, selected open space land, farm and agricultural land, and timberland as defined in Chapter RCW 84.34 (“Protected Property”). Other sources of revenue may be used to improve properties acquired with Conservation Futures Program funds, provided the improvements are within the intent of the statute. Proposed acquisitions in urban areas shall be no smaller than 1 acre minimum in an urban area retained in its natural state and open to the public (RCW 84.34.020). Any improvements to the Protected Property shall be limited to those which meet the requirements and intent of RCW 84.34.200-220.  Allowed improvements include, but are not limited to, trails, interpretive centers, viewpoints, picnicking facilities, access, restrooms, and restoration projects.  Certain recreational improvements are prohibited.  Such improvements include, but are not limited to, ball fields, use by motorized vehicles, swimming pools and recreation centers. Project Eligibility Guidelines  All projects will be reviewed to assure that they fall under eligibility guidelines meeting the following criteria: Does the property fall within the definitions of open space, farm and agricultural land, or timberland as defined in RCW 84.34.020? Does the sponsoring agency have a guaranteed plan or program to manage and maintain the property to preserve those characteristics that make the property eligible for Conservation Futures Program funding? Does the proposed project secure property rights in perpetuity, which meet the intents of RCW 84.34.200? Is the proposed property free of any and all encumbrances (e.g. covenants, conditions and restrictions that prohibit public access), which would result in the acquisition not aligning with the intents of RCW 84.34.200? For more information, visit Snohomish County.

The Re+ Circular Economy Grant Program supports projects that minimize waste, keep materials in use longer, and regenerate natural systems. Donor Name: King County Solid Waste Division (SWD) State: Washington County: King County (WA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/29/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Focus Areas  The success of Re+ relies on both upstream prevention and downstream recycling actions, while also reducing inequities that persist in King County. Recognizing the need for a whole system approach, the Re+ Circular Economy Grant has two focus areas: Prevention and Reuse: This includes projects that reduce materials used or purchased, create infrastructure to use reusable products, increase food rescue, and promote sharing or donating items. Recycling: This includes projects that create or expand markets for recycled material (including organics) currently produced in the King County solid waste system. Grants could also support projects that improve the quality, increase the quantity, or increase the availability of recycling in residential or business communities. Priority materials Projects that address the following materials will be awarded higher points in the evaluation process: Plastic Paper Organics (includes food waste, yard waste, and wood). Funding Information Approximately $2.2 million in grant funding is available for the 2024-25 grant cycle. Minimum request amount: $20,000. Maximum request amount: $300,000. Project Eligibility To be eligible, projects must: Demonstrate an impact on King County’s solid waste system by reducing materials generated or being sent to Cedar Hills Regional Landfill. King County’s solid waste system serves all unincorporated areas and cities, excluding Seattle and Milton. Be implemented in King County and/or support communities in King County, excluding Seattle and Milton. Address materials that are otherwise disposed of, provide a higher use of materials, or focus on waste prevention. Projects that are not eligible include but are not limited to: Routine operation and maintenance costs Collection of garbage or household hazardous waste items Environmental clean-up of illegal activities (i.e. trash and litter cleanup) Environmental compliance remediation Lobbying and attempts to influence legislation Below are examples of projects that may be funded. This list is not all-inclusive. Projects that increase food rescue for human consumption. Projects that increase diverting food scraps for animal consumption. Projects that stimulate demand for reused or recycled materials and products. Projects that increase access to reuse programs or build reuse infrastructure and systems. Projects that increase the collection or processing capacity of recyclable materials. Projects that commercialize technologies to replace materials with recycled content to grow demand for utilizing recycled materials. Projects that research or develop new uses for recycled materials that demonstrate future diversion potential. Projects that increase access to recycling infrastructure. Projects that create or expand markets and supply chains for recycled materials. Who should apply? Nonprofit organizations Fiscally sponsored organizations Businesses Self-employed individuals Tribal governments Universities/colleges. For more information, visit King County Solid Waste Division (SWD).

The Washington State Department of Ecology is seeking applications for its Air Quality VW Electric Vehicle Charging Level 2: Charge Where You Are Funding to help increase level 2 charging access across Washington State where drivers are likely to spend at least one to four hours. Donor Name: Washington State Department of Ecology State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/29/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Goals  Reduce emissions from diesel engines in the state where the 2.0- and 3.0-liter Volkswagen vehicles were, are, or will be operated. Fully mitigate the total, lifetime excess NOx emissions of the subject vehicles. Priorities  Accelerate adoption of electric vehicles, equipment, and vessels. Promote electrification technologies in public transportation fleets. Accelerate fleet turnover to the cleanest vehicles. Achieve substantial additional emission reductions, beyond what would already occur, absent trust funding. Ensure cost-effectiveness. Leverage additional matching funds. Grant awards also align with the state’s objectives under the: Washington Clean Air Act Washington GHG emission reduction limits (70.235 RCW) Washington Fuel Usage Goals for Publicly Owned Vehicles (43.19.648 RCW) Washington State Clean Energy Fund Results Washington Clean Transportation and Healthy Air Goal State and local government vehicle procurement rules (194-28 and 194-29 WAC) Washington Climate Commitment Act Washington’s Healthy Environment for All Act Funding Information $3.52M total available. All projects may be eligible for up to $10,000 per plug at the following percentages based on project category: Full Public Access, Government Owned Property: 80% Full Public Access, Non-Government Owned Property: 80% Multi-Unit/multi-family residential buildings: 60% Workplace/fleet (not publicly accessible): 60% All other use cases (not publicly accessible): 60% Project Period All recipients should complete their projects within one year of grant execution. Eligible Projects Eligible project categories include the following: Full Public Access, Government Owned Property Full Public Access, Non-Government Owned Property Multi-Unit/multi-family residential buildings Workplace/fleet (not publicly accessible)  All other use cases (not publicly accessible) Eligibility Criteria Businesses licensed in Washington State, including but not limited to: Corporations Partnerships Limited liability companies Other legal business entities Non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations Investor-owned utilities and contracted municipal utilities Multi-unit/multi-family residential buildings State, Local, or Tribal governments and related entities in Washington State, including but not limited to: Cities and towns State and local parks Counties Special districts (such as health districts, fire districts, college districts, metropolitan municipal corporations) Port Authorities Public utility districts and municipal utilities Air pollution control authorities For more information, visit Washington State Department of Ecology.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for conservation projects aimed at protecting and recovering threatened and endangered species on public lands in Oregon and Washington, targeting eligible state and local governments, tribal organizations, educational institutions, and nonprofits.

NSGP provides support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack and located within one of the specific UASI-designated eligible urban areas. The program is also designed to promote coordination and collaboration in emergency preparedness activities among public and private community representatives, as well as state and local government agencies. The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) provides funding support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements and activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack. The intent is to integrate nonprofit preparedness activities with broader state and local preparedness efforts. It is also designed to promote coordination and collaboration in emergency preparedness activities among public and private community representatives, as well as state and local government agencies.

The Social Justice Fund NorthWest is pleased to announce the 2024 Base Building Grant, open to grassroots organizations in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and/or Wyoming. Donor Name: Social Justice Fund NorthWest State: Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Focus: Base Building as a community organizing tactic that grows the breadth and depth of people who share a vision for social justice and who develop and execute the organizing strategies to make that vision a reality in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and/or Wyoming. Priority  SJF will prioritize organizations in both the prescreening and final decision process that: Have leadership (at least 51%) from Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities, and/or Conduct most of their work/organizing in reservation communities, and/or rural, small town communities SJF is looking for organizations that fit their community organizing framework AND whose work demonstrates EACH of the following four areas: Collective Power Working with a diverse membership to build collective power Building a critical mass of collective power that can win changes in policy, culture, or institution-building, and defend those wins Widening the Base Building authentic relationships with those in the base who are most affected by the issues the organization works on Bringing new people into the base who are not already engaged in organizing work Using varied methods of recruitment by uplifting differences through tailored communication and outreach Engaging in face-to-face (physical or virtual) conversation and relationship building Leadership Development Provide clear entry points for members to move to leadership positions Clear and accessible programs for political education and meaningful engagement Continual education and agitation Strategy and Long-Term Planning Developing, using, and continually adapting a base building plan which includes goals, timelines, infrastructure, leadership, opportunities for engagement, etc. Organizing strategies with clear goals Structures that hold the leadership accountable to its base Funding Information $100,000 for 2 years ($50,000/yr). Eligibility Criteria Eligible organizations must meet the following criteria: Nonprofit organizations or tribal agencies, or groups sponsored by a nonprofit organization or tribal agencyThis grant can fund: Organizations with 501(c)3 or 501(c)4 status as determined by the IRS Federally recognized American Indian tribal government or agency Organizations that are fiscally sponsored by 501(c)3 or 501(c)4 organizations or by federally recognized tribal governments Unlike their other grants, this grant will not fund organizations which are neither incorporated nor fiscally sponsored Organizations that use community organizing as their primary strategy and do base building as described in the section above: collective power, widening the base, leadership development, and strategy and long-term planning. Organizations that are led by people who are most directly affected by the problems that the organization or project is addressing Organizations that carry out most of their work in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and/or Wyoming. For more information, visit SJF.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Vancouver, Washington, to deliver essential supportive services and rental assistance for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, particularly those in Safe Stay and Safe Park sites.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community organizations and nonprofits in Washington State to deliver low-barrier, trauma-informed homelessness diversion services for individuals at risk of or recently experiencing homelessness, with a focus on equitable service delivery for disproportionately affected communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that assist small businesses, particularly those with five or fewer employees, focusing on underserved communities across Washington.

The Community Forests Program gives communities a way to preserve their working forest heritage. Donor Name: Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The grant program balances the many benefits forests provide – from providing money from use of the land, to safeguarding against climate and other environmental changes, to providing opportunities for recreation, education, and cultural enrichment.  As Washington’s population continues to grow and forestlands are increasingly threatened by development, the Community Forests Program is a valuable tool for preserving working lands for the benefit of Washingtonians now and into the future. Typical Projects Buying land to conserve working forests (required for all projects). On purchased land, projects also may restore forest and habitat health and develop recreational facilities. Funding Information $3 million is available. Eligible Projects Acquisition: Buying forestland Development: Developing recreation facilities, such as trails and trailheads, parking, restrooms, campgrounds, picnic and day-use areas, challenge courses, interpretive displays. Restoration: Restoring forest health or habitats, planting or reforestation, removing or correcting fish barriers All projects must acquire land. Projects may include restoration or development of that land but restoration and development cannot be stand-alone projects. Who May Apply? Cities, counties, and towns Native American tribes Nonprofit nature conservancy organizations Special purpose districts, public development authorities, or other political subdivisions of the state. State agencies (in partnership with one or more of the above groups). For more information, visit WSRCO.

The Ellensburg Arts Commission (EAC) invites artists and organizations to submit a request for funding for art projects FOR 2025 in the City of Ellensburg. Donor Name: Ellensburg Arts Commission State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpsose of the projects that involve community members or organizations in the design, concept, or creation of artwork are enhanced through the support of the EAC. Through project support, artists and organizations are encouraged to apply for project funding on an annual basis. Awards are granted based on budget feasibility, experience of the candidate(s), artistic merit, and public benefit. Grants are part of the annual budget of the EAC and approved by City Council. The funds must be expended for a legitimate municipal purpose (an event or project which benefits the community in accordance with the Arts Commission’s statement of purpose). The transaction must be an equal exchange (a tangible benefit to the community for funds spent). Funds may be spent to commission or purchase artwork for public benefit or to sponsor performances that are open to the public. Projects Support The development of new artwork Arts-related events Interpretation of existing artwork Presentation of new artworks or collection of artworks Funding Information  All artistic disciplines are welcome to apply for grants between $1,000 and $2,500. Eligible Expenses Professional development of an artist (e.g. workshop, conference, residency) Rental or purchase of materials that further the applicant’s project Promotional and marketing materials (i.e. design and printing of posters, flyers, programs, etc.) Who Can Apply ko Elgibility Criteria Applicants MUST: Be an individual artist, group of artists or arts organization in the fields of performing or visual arts Be 18 years of age or older at the time of application Guidelines Incomplete forms will not be considered. The Commission may request one representative from the sponsoring party to give a brief explanation of the project or event at the September 2024 Arts Commission meeting. Grants are designed to provide financial support for arts programs and projects in Ellensburg that merit public funding. Because EAC Grants are supported with public tax dollars, the EAC places a priority on those programs that best reflect the EAC’s mission and core values, and serve the residents of Ellensburg. The Commission invites artists and organizations annually to submit requests for funding. Funding may be awarded for grants between $1,000 (individual artist) and $2,500 (arts organizations). Projects supported include: The development of new artwork Arts-related events Interpretation of existing artwork Presentation of new artworks or collection of artworks Funds disbursed by the City of Ellensburg must meet at least one of the following guidelines: The funds must be expended for a legitimate municipal purpose (an event or project which benefits the community in accordance with the Arts Commission’s statement of purpose). The transaction must be an equal exchange (a tangible benefit to the community for funds spent). Funds may be spent to commission or purchase artwork for public benefit or to sponsor performances that are open to the public. The Commission requires that each sponsored project or event acknowledge the funding by including the Commission logo in publicity and event-related collateral. For more information, visit City of Ellensburg.

The City of Arlington is accepting applications from public and non-profit agencies for projects that promote economic development and tourism in the City. Donor Name: City of Arlington State: Washington City: Arlington Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/28/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information $175,000 is available for grants. Funding will be awarded proportionally based on the total number of points. The highest scoring applications will receive a higher proportionate share of the total amount of grant funding to be awarded. Uses of funds Lodging taxes can be used for: Tourism marketing Marketing and operations of special events and festivals Operations of tourism-related facilities owned by non-profit organizations Operations and capital expenditures of tourism related facilities owned by municipalities. Application Requirements  All Applicants: Completed Application Two letters of recommendation; each letter should explain the writer’s relationship to the project and/or sponsor, the writer’s qualifications for commenting on the project, and the writer’s opinion of the benefits of the proposed project. Copy of meeting minutes from the Board of Directors authorizing the submission of this application for Lodging Tax Funds. This does not apply to government agencies if the project/event is budgeted. A minimum 25% match (of total project costs) is required to be eligible to receive funding. Completed W-9. For more information, visit City of Arlington.

The Public Works Board (Board) Broadband program is authorized by state statute (RCW 43.155.160). Its purpose is to loan and grant funding to promote the expansion of broadband access to unserved populations in rural and urban communities across the state. $2 million per project loan/grant award limit with a 50% match. Projects in financially distressed areas and Indian country may receive up to 90% of the total project cost for a total not to exceed $5 million.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking grant proposals from applicants interested in conducting projects that will benefit some of Washington’s most imperiled wildlife. The Wildlife Diversity Grant Program aims to support recovery actions for a suite of Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) that are state-listed or candidates for listing. Grant funding can also be awarded for projects aimed at collecting data and information on species abundance, distribution, and habitat associations with priority for those whose habitats are under significant threat of incompatible development, land use, or resource management. Funding for the Wildlife Diversity Grant program comes from a significant investment by the state legislature to restore and protect biodiversity in Washington, and the Department expects this funding to be available in future biennia to continue this grant program. Priority Activities for Funding Priority activities include: Implementing recovery and conservation actions for eligible Washington endangered, threatened, sensitive, and candidate species that directly and measurably benefit species populations. These projects contribute to increased species abundance, distribution, population health, or clear abatement of direct threats. Collecting data and information on the abundance, distribution, habitat associations, or natural history of eligible state endangered, threatened, sensitive, and candidate species, with additional priority given toward species whose habitat is under significant pressure from development, land use, or resource management (i.e., shrubsteppe, eastside forest, prairies, and oak woodlands). Completing direct actionable steps toward achieving increased populations of eligible species (e.g., conservation translocation feasibility studies) or baseline data collection (e.g., developing survey protocols or assessing habitat use) for eligible species. Ineligible activities include habitat restoration, conservation easements, land acquisition, outreach and education, and projects that primarily target benefits for species outside the WDFW Wildlife Diversity Division’s scope of responsibility, including fish, aquatic invertebrates, wolves, and harvested wildlife. Review the grant opportunity announcement for more details on priority, eligible, and ineligible activities for inclusion in grant proposals, including a list of eligible species. How to apply Grant applicants must email their complete proposal to [email protected] no later than 11:59 pm on May 5, 2024. Please refer to the grant announcement for instructions on the required application components and their formats. Agency contact info Questions and communications concerning this grant opportunity may be directed to: Jenna Judge Wildlife Diversity Assistant Division Manager Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife [email protected]

This funding opportunity provides financial support for youth sports and activity scholarships, as well as equipment purchases, to organizations serving low to middle-income families in Spokane, particularly those from historically marginalized communities.

This grant provides $100,000 over two years to grassroots organizations in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming that focus on building community power and leadership among diverse groups, with a priority for those led by BIPOC and working in rural or reservation areas.