Washington Business and Commerce Grants

This grant provides funding to various organizations in Washington State to create outdoor education and recreation opportunities for underserved and historically excluded youth.

CDBG General Purpose Grants are available annually through a competitive application process to assist Washington State small cities, towns and counties in carrying out significant community and economic development projects that principally benefit low- and moderate-income persons. The Washington State CDBG Program is funded by the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Examples of eligible General Purpose Grant activities include: Public facilities, such as water, wastewater, streets and sidewalks Community facilities, such as community centers, libraries, food banks and fire stations Local assistance programs such as housing rehabilitation CDBG Program Priorities: Financial need- Prioritizing applicants who do not have viable access to other funds/resources. Funding readiness- Prioritizing applicants who have secured all other funds. Funding efforts- Prioritizing applicants who have pursued other funding. Equity- Prioritizing applicants who have not recently received CDBG funding and who do not have open CDBG contracts for similar activities.

The Mukilteo Department of Recreation and Cultural Services is accepting applications for Co-Sponsorship Facility Use Grants that waive facility rental fees for use of City Facilities. Donor Name: City of Mukilteo State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/29/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpose of the City of Mukilteo’s Co-sponsorship Grant process is to: Promote, support, and expand existing and new Mukilteo special events, activities, and programs. Promote, publicize, and support and/or expand economic development in Mukilteo. Support activities that promote the general health or well-being of those in the community. Eligible Projects Illustrative examples of eligible projects: A special event, program, or activity that is open to the public and offers enhanced opportunities in areas such as culture and arts, recreation, youth or adult activities, and community safety. A special event, program, or activity that promotes job growth; or promotes business attraction and retention. Eligibility Criteria The grant program is open to any public or private organization with demonstrated capacity to accomplish the proposed project by December 31st, 2025 Qualifying organizations can include non-profit volunteer groups, neighborhood groups, educational organizations, public agencies and chamber of commerce. With limited exceptions, organizations/businesses must be based in Mukilteo. Organizations outside the City must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the city, the benefits and necessity of the service provided and the direct public benefit to the community of Mukilteo. For more information, visit City of Mukilteo.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Vancouver for events and programs that promote cultural enrichment, tourism, and community engagement, aiming to attract visitors and enhance the local tourism economy.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community organizations in Seattle that aim to improve digital access and technology skills for underserved populations, helping to close the digital divide.

This funding opportunity is designed to support events and marketing initiatives that promote tourism and increase hotel stays in Liberty Lake, benefiting local businesses and the economy.

The City of Bellingham is seeking proposals for its Tourism Promotion Grants to increase economic activity in the City of Bellingham resulting from Tourists. Donor Name: City of Bellingham State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This is an opportunity to apply for funds to provide seed money for your new event or marketing funds for ongoing events. Ideally, putting heads in beds (hotel stays). Funding is limited to activities which draw tourists to Bellingham. Types of Grant The Start-Up Grant- They offer a Start-up Grant for those events or activities that are three years young. This allows you to utilize funds for more than just marketing. You can put some funds toward eligible operating expenses which are limited to venue rentals (i.e. conference rooms), equipment rentals (i.e. cones, traffic signs, etc.), a portion of rent (must be proportionate to the event), and/or the purchase of goods/supplies with prior approval by the City. For example, payroll, travel, alcohol and equipment expenses are NOT allowed. Final decisions by the City on allowed operational expenses will be identified in the contract, and all expenses must be incurred and paid during the contractual period with appropriate back-up documentation available. The Standard Grant- This grant is for those events or activities who are over three years running. Eligible operational expenses are limited to venue rentals (i.e. conference rooms), equipment rentals (i.e. cones, traffic signs, etc.), a portion of rent (must be proportionate to the event), and/or the purchase of goods/supplies with prior approval by the City. For example, payroll, travel, alcohol and equipment expenses are NOT allowed. Final decisions by the City on allowed operational expenses will be identified in the contract, and all expenses must be incurred and paid during the contractual period with appropriate back-up documentation available.  Funding Information Start-up grants have a maximum of $5,000 funding.  The Standard grant does not have a limit however generally funding amount ranges between $2,500 – $25,000. Marketing Requirements RCW 67.28.080 defines a tourist as people travelling: For business or pleasure staying overnight in paid accommodations, To a place 50 miles or more one way from their place of residence or business or From another country or state outside of their place of residence or their business. For more information, visit City of Bellingham.

The Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Washington Innovation Fund enhances the criminal legal system in Washington state by funding innovative, sustainable, and data-driven practices. Its goals are to improve community safety, foster collaboration, and support victims and those involved in the system. Donor Name: Washington State Department of Commerce State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Washington has a fair and equitable criminal legal system that prioritizes community safety, victim support, cross-sector collaboration, collective accountability, and data informed stewardship of criminal legal system resources. The Edward Byrne Memorial JAG program is the leading federal source of criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. Administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), the JAG Program provides states, territories, tribes, and local governments with critical funding necessary to support a range of criminal legal system improvement and community advancement programs. Purpose Areas The JAG includes nine Purpose Areas to allow for diverse and flexible criminal legal system improvement projects: Planning, Evaluation and Technology Improvement Behavioral Health Prevention and Education Crime Victim Programming, Support and Advocacy Community Safety Enhancement and Law Enforcement Programs/Support Substance Use Treatment and Support Prosecution and Courts Corrections, Community Corrections and Re-Entry State Crisis Intervention Programs (Byrne SCIP). Funding Priorities Organizational or program capacity building New ideas, projects or promising practices Enhancing system and community collaborations Expanding or supplementing existing programs or practices. Funding Information Approximately $1,000,000 dollars of JAG funding will be dedicated to the JAG Innovation Fund each award cycle. JAG Innovation Fund awards will support project proposals with budgets up to $150,000 per project. Funding Period Nov. 1, 2024 – Dec. 31, 2025. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must: Be a unit of local government Be a private community-based or non-profit agency Letter of Support Requirement: If an applicant is not a unit of local government, the applicant must include one or more letter(s) of support from a unit of local government in the jurisdiction where the proposed project will be conducted. This letter of support must explain how the proposed program will benefit the local government agency and jurisdiction. A non-governmental agency applicant must satisfy this requirement in order to be considered responsive and have their proposal evaluated Be licensed to do business in the state of Washington or submit a statement of commitment that it will become licensed in Washington within thirty (30) calendar days of being selected as the Apparent Successful Applicant. Have a Federal Tax ID number/employer identification number (EIN) Meet all applicable licensing and registration requirements (e.g. Washington State Business License (501C3 fillings). For more information, visit WSDC.

The Washington State Arts Commission is offering a non-competitive Tribal Cultural Grant Program, providing funding up to $18,000 per application for Federally-recognized Tribes in Washington State to support and enhance their arts and culture, covering expenses such as artist fees, museum support, rent, travel, materials, administrative costs, and cultural classes.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to neighborhoods, community groups, and local businesses in Marysville, Washington, for projects aimed at beautifying their local areas.

The Community Reinvestment Project (CRP) is a community-designed plan to invest $200 million from the Community Reinvestment Account into communities across Washington State that were disproportionately harmed by the historical design and enforcement of criminal laws and penalties for drug possession (otherwise known as the “war on drugs”). Donor Name: Spokane Workforce Council (SWC) State: Washington County: Spokane County (WA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/07/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: SWC is seeking proposals from organizations that provide services to one or more of these groups (Black, tribal, or Latine) to increase access of these focus populations to workforce system resources, specifically the EcSA program and Career Accelerator Incentives. Additionally, the goal is to foster stronger relationships, include voice of the customer in program design, provide more culturally specific services, and increase cultural competence in line with the equity mission. The Accelerating Community Connections grant opportunity is for organizations that provide services to one or more of these groups (Black, Indigenous, or Latine) to increase access of these focus populations to workforce system resources, specifically the EcSA program and Career Accelerator Incentives. Funded through the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Community Reinvestment Project, the Accelerating Community Connections grant aims to rectify historical injustices, including those from the “War on Drugs” by working with “By-and-For” organizations to help them connect the local Black, tribal, and Latine communities with workforce development resources. Funding Information Organizations may apply for up to $30,000. Allowable Costs Funding can be used broadly and creatively for this project, including covering personnel costs, occupancy costs, outreach activities, travel and training, supplies, and more. Direct client costs such as support services to remove barriers (for example, gas vouchers or bus passes) are also allowable. Contracts will be cost reimbursement contracts, so organizations must have the ability to incur costs and submit monthly invoices for reimbursement. No funds available under this RFP shall be used for investment in revolving loan funds, capitalization of business, investment in contract bidding resource centers or similar activities, or foreign travel. Eligibility Criteria  Applicant organizations must: Provide services in Spokane County (there is not a requirement to be headquartered in Spokane County, as long as services are provided in Spokane County). Either: Be registered as a By-and-For organization with the Washington State Department of Commerce or Be a federally recognized tribe in Washington or Have the ability to become registered as a By-and-For organization by July 1, 2024. As defined by the Office of Equity, to qualify as “By-and-For” for the CRP, an organization must: Be a part of, rooted in, and defined by the identity of the Black, Latine, and/or tribal community. Have leadership and staff who belong to the Black, Latine, and/or tribal community. Build trust, advocate, respond, and solve problems specific to Black, Latine, and/or tribal community. Have roots in their communities as change agents and providers of community services (services can include, but are not limited to, social services, employment support, community programming, educational support, etc.). Invest in and work with community members to improve their quality of life. Faith-based organizations are eligible. For more information, visit SWC.

This grant provides financial support and exhibition opportunities for emerging and underrepresented artists in King County, WA, to showcase their installation and site-responsive artwork in a Seattle gallery.

The Washington State Department of Commerce is initiating a Request for Applications (RFA) to solicit proposals from those qualified and interested in grant funding for the Low-Income Home Rehabilitation Grant Program. Donor Name: Washington State Department of Commerce State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/23/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The State of Washington Department of Commerce will accept applications from entities interested in providing home repair services. The grant provides funding to low-income households located in rural areas to address health, safety, and durability issues in existing housing. It will provide home repair and improvement services to individuals who own and reside permanently in single-family residential structures. Homeowners who are senior citizens, people with disabilities, families with children five years old and younger, and veterans must receive priority. Funding Information The maximum amount allowed for this contract year will be $500,000 for each successful applicant. Grant Period November 1, 2024, – July 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria Rehabilitation agencies eligible to apply according to the definition set forth in RCW 43.330.480: Approved Commerce grantee Tribal Nation Public Service Company Municipality Public Utility District Mutual or Cooperative Other entity that bears the responsibility for rehabilitating residences under this chapter and has been approved by the department. Minimum qualifications for applicants include: Licensed to do business in Washington or submit a statement of commitment that it will become licensed in Washington within thirty (30) calendar days of being selected as the Apparently Successful Applicant. (except tribal entities) Two years of experience in home renovation-related programs such as housing rehabilitation and/or weatherization in the last five years. Two years of experience in providing services through low-income programs related to home repair in the last five years. For more information, visit WSDC.

This initiative provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments in coal-impacted communities to develop and scale innovative economic projects that create job opportunities and foster local economic transformation.

The City of Bellingham is seeking proposals from parties interested in and capable of producing a special event or a unique public experience, “signature event.” Donor Name: City of Bellingham State: Washington County: Whatcom County (WA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: Goals The Tourism Commission has the following goals for the program yet recognizes each proposal may not satisfy every goal.  Creates a meaningful artistic and cultural impact on local community and the visitors that attend.Celebrates the indoor food, restaurant, arts and culture scene that Bellingham has to offer. Prioritizes diversity, equity and inclusivity and supports BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and other historically marginalized communities. Integrates new and up & coming talent into the line-up. Provides a unique distinctive Pacific Northwest experience. For example, the event should not re-create what’s happening in Seattle.  Attracts a significant number of tourists, with an emphasis on the Canadian visitor and yields a strong likelihood of overnight stays Generates numerous secondary economic benefits. Promotes walkability, the food and restaurant scene, and highlights or incorporates, where appropriate, businesses, history, area attractions, other events and environmental stewardship.  Creates a long-lasting positive impression of the event and of Bellingham/Whatcom County.  Becomes self-sustaining after a few years – specifically, significant City funding is not required for longer than three years. Funding Information The anticipated commitment is up to three years for purposes of providing seed money necessary to launch a new event. Up to $100,000 is available for the first year and approximately $70,000 is available for the two following years for one or more signature events.  Eligible Expenses Marketing and operational expenses are eligible. Marketing expenses includes activities designed to increase tourism, including but not limited to advertising, publicizing, or otherwise distributing information for the purpose of attracting and welcoming tourists; developing strategies to expand tourism and funding marketing of special events and festivals designed to attract tourists. Operation includes, but is not limited to, typical expenses associated with managing and operating an event such as supplies, equipment rentals, venue costs etc. For more information, visit City of Bellingham.

This grant provides funding to cities, counties, and public utility districts in Washington to improve water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure for affordable housing projects that include at least 25% affordable units.

This grant provides funding to organizations and event planners for innovative projects that attract visitors to Snohomish, particularly those that encourage overnight stays and boost the local economy during the off-season.

The Pacific Coast Coalition is offering a grant of over $1 million for dairy processors in selected states to fund projects that diversify dairy product markets, promote business development, and encourage innovative use of regionally produced milk, with funds potentially used for planning, training, equipment, product development, and co-packing capabilities.

The Washington State Department of Commerce, is initiating a Solicitation of Applications from industry-led consortia interested in participating in the a new accelerated cohort of the Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program. Donor Name: Washington State Department of Commerce State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program Cohort 2.5, administered by Washington State Department of Commerce, aims to assist organizations with growing cluster operations, driving innovation in key sectors around the state, and attracting talent and capital. Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program is an economic development strategy to strengthen industry ecosystems and accelerate economic development. The goal is to expand the program over the coming decade to: Establish Washington as a global leader in key industry sectors Support tech transfer and commercialization Accelerate new start-ups and scale-ups Grow businesses Create high-value jobs throughout Washington Increase export opportunities Increase and support diversity, equity, and inclusion in business ownership and workforce Funding Information COMMERCE intends to award no more than 10 applications between $50,000 – $150,000. Project Period The period of performance of any contract resulting from this application is tentatively scheduled to begin on or about September 1, 2024 and to end on December 31, 2024. Eligibility Criteria Industry-led consortia/clusters that have a demonstrated commitment to building out a successful cluster. Cluster must have academic membership, and must submit a letter of commitment from a major university or community college within the state. Cluster must have equal to or over $500,000 thousand of demonstrated investment, which may include potential future investment via large federal opportunities. Funding will be prioritized for clusters whom are industry- led. Other Minimum qualifications include: Licensed to do business in the State of Washington or submit a statement of commitment that it will become licensed in Washington within thirty (30) calendar days of being selected as an Apparently Successful Contractor. Must have an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) or submit a statement of commitment that it will become licensed in Washington within thirty (30) calendar days of being selected as an Apparently Successful Contractor. Demonstrated experience working in Washington State and with communities, businesses, and other Washington State organizations Demonstrated project management experience Demonstrated stakeholder convening and management experience Demonstrated experience working with stakeholders in the industry the cluster will focus on For more information, visit Department of Commerce.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government agencies for projects that promote tourism and related activities in Centralia, Washington.