Washington Energy Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local governments and federally recognized tribes in Washington state to improve the planning and permitting processes for clean energy projects like solar and wind, helping to reduce delays and enhance site readiness.

This program provides funding to electric utilities and energy sector stakeholders in Washington to enhance the resilience and reliability of the electric grid against natural hazards like wildfires and extreme weather.

This funding opportunity supports community organizations, tribal groups, local governments, and ports in reducing air pollution through projects like replacing diesel vehicles and installing electric vehicle charging stations in overburdened areas of King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for a variety of clean energy projects in Washington state, prioritizing initiatives that benefit overburdened communities and enhance grid resilience.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for businesses, nonprofits, and local governments in Washington to install Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations, particularly in areas where vehicles are parked for short durations, to improve air quality and promote clean transportation.

This funding opportunity supports projects that enhance public parks and outdoor recreation in Spokane County, prioritizing initiatives that benefit underserved communities and promote inclusivity.

The Washington State Department of COMMERCE, hereafter called “COMMERCE,” is initiating this Request for Applications (RFA) to fund clean energy projects in Washington through a combination of funding sources. Donor Name: Washington State Department of Commerce State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/14/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Commerce is now accepting applications to support the planning, design, and construction of clean energy projects through a general round which is open to all eligible project types and applicants. Approximately $34 million will be available in the general round to support the following project areas: Electric grid modernization and innovation Innovative large-scale and dual-use solar Solar energy retrofits for public buildings Clean energy project siting and permitting Building, industry, aviation and maritime Decarbonization Clean energy projects that leverage private and federal funding. Project Categories  Large scale solar innovation Planning or a construction project. Planning project must lead to a capital asset. Solar array(s) must have alternating current (AC) nameplate capacity of more than 100 kW at a single site or more than 1 MW across multiple sites Cannot displace critical habitat or productive farmland Dual-use solar Planning or a construction project Must involve commercial, dual-use solar power demonstration Hard to decarbonize and economic development Planning or a construction project. Planning project must lead to a capital asset. Project must achieve one or more of the following goals: Reduce emissions in hard-to-decarbonize sector Bring private investment and federal funding to the state Grid integration and innovation Planning or a construction project Must develop and demonstrate distributed energy resources and non-wire alternatives Must be for electrical grid integration and innovation projects Must do at least one of the following: Support implementation of demand response Improve integration of renewable energy and energy storage Advance community resilience Support implementation of sustainable microgrids Accelerate beneficial load integration and demand management for at least one of the following: Building electrification Equipment electrification Electric vehicle charging Clean energy siting and permitting Planning projects only Must support siting and permitting of clean energy projects through at least one of the following methods: Support pre-development work at sites for clean energy projects Support land use studies Conduct or engage in planning efforts such as planned actions and programmatic environmental impact statements (EIS) Improve permit timeliness and certainty with staff, expertise or databases Solar installations on existing public buildings Construction projects only Must purchase and install solar PV only at an existing public building (must have a certificate of occupancy prior to application). Funding Information The minimum award amount is $50,000, and the maximum award amount for a single award is $3,000,000. Eligibility Criteria  Unless the Applicant is a federally recognized tribe, applicants must 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 an Apparently Successful Contractor. Applicants must be in good standing with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and requirements, including with the Department of Commerce. Applicants must be one of the following entities (please note, not all entities are eligible for all project categories. Associate development organization Federally recognized tribal government For-profit entity Investor-owned, co-operative, or public retail electric utility K-12 school district Local government Non-profit organization Private educational institution or public higher education institution Other academic or research institution State agency Tribes’ contracted service providers. For more information, visit WSDC.

This program supports businesses and organizations in Washington State that are working on innovative projects to reduce waste and promote a circular economy through recycling, reuse, and sustainable practices.

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.

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.

This program provides financial support to non-profit organizations and school districts in Grays Harbor County for initiatives that benefit youth, focusing on creating or enhancing programs for children aged 18 and under.

This funding opportunity provides financial and technical support to small businesses and microenterprises in Vancouver, focusing on those owned by individuals with low to moderate incomes.

The Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership, in collaboration with the City of Kennewick’s Community Development Department, is excited to announce the relaunch of the Downtown Kennewick Façade Improvement Grant Program Donor Name: Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership State: Washington City: Kennewick Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline:  07/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpose of the Façade Improvement Program is to build a cohesive image, promote coordination with improved signage and store graphics, and compliment adjacent building façades. To qualify for assistance the project must be in compliance with City of Kennewick Façade Improvement Program Underwriting Guidelines. Starting work without approval will result in disqualification from the program and denial of requests for reimbursement. Funding Information Up to $25,000 per storefront. Eligible Improvements: Cleaning and painting New awnings, canopies, and signs Gutters and downspouts Exterior wall repairs Building-mounted lighting Door and window repairs and replacements Accessibility improvements Eligibility Criteria Project must be located in the target area. Work must not have been started on the project prior to approved application. Applications will be evaluated for consistency with approved color palette by Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership’s Design Committee. The committee encourages use of color and patterns in a sophisticated, restrained application that places vibrant colors on small areas (building highlights and trim features), and uses softer, more subdued or muted colors for the main building elements. Applications must be accompanied by the required documentation before being reviewed by the Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership. Any signage or awnings paid for by this grant must remain the permanent property of the building or it may be relocated to another building within the Revitalization Area with written approval of the City’s CDBG Coordinator. If the applicant is a tenant of a building, tenant must have at least three (3) years left in lease agreement. For more information, visit Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to tribal governments, nonprofits, and educational institutions for solar energy projects that enhance energy independence and benefit low-to-moderate income communities.

The Washington State Department of Commerce, hereafter called “COMMERCE,” is initiating this Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit Proposals from those qualified and interested in participating in a project that will serve counties throughout Washington State to weatherize multifamily buildings. Donor Name: Washington State Department of Commerce State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: Commerce is looking for an entity that will act as an additional agency and/or to expand current weatherization agency services with a focus solely on increasing the energy efficiency and lowering the energy burden in multifamily buildings. Commerce is prioritizing service to traditionally hard-to-reach markets, including serving a broader category of homes and underserved regions of Washington State. Funding Information COMMERCE has budgeted an amount not to exceed $7,301,514.13 for this project. West Region Program Operations: $1,343,729 Admin Total Award: $149,303 Total: $1,493,032 East Region Program Operations: $1,950,462 Admin Total Award: $216,718 Total: $2,167,180 Central Region Program Operations: $1,797,622 Admin Total Award: $199,736 Total: $1,997,357 Coastal North Region Program Operations: $1,479,550 Admin Total Award: $164,394 Total: $1,643,945. Funding Period July 10th 2024 – June 30th 2027. Minimum Qualifications Minimum qualifications include: Licensed to do business in the State of Washington or submit a statement of commitment that business will become licensed in Washington within thirty (30) calendar days of being selected as the Apparent Successful Contractor. Two years of experience with weatherizing multifamily buildings. One year of demonstrated experience implementing weatherization, residential energy efficiency measures, and/or health & safety remediation programs for multifamily properties. For more information, visit WSDC.

LIHEAP provides energy assistance to households in Washington through a network of community action agencies and local partners. These local organizations will help determine your eligibility and how much assistance you might receive. If you qualify, your local LIHEAP agency will send a payment directly to your energy utility on behalf of your household. LIHEAP primarily assists households by making an energy assistance grant directly to the energy provider on behalf of the eligible household. LIHEAP may also help repair or replace an unsafe, dysfunctional, and inoperative heating or cooling system in some situations. Households eligible for LIHEAP may also qualify to have their homes made more energy efficient through the Weatherization Program. The amount of money awarded to your household will depend on multiple factors. For example, each household’s size, income and annual heat cost will affect the amount of their LIHEAP grant. You’ll have to schedule a LIHEAP appointment with the provider in your community to find out how much you could receive.

The Washington Department of Commerce, hereafter called “COMMERCE,” is soliciting Proposals from fusion related industry-led clusters or consortia interested in participating in Fusion Cluster development as part of the Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program (ICAP). Donor Name: Washington State Department of Commerce State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: ICAP is an economic development strategy aimed at strengthening industry ecosystems and accelerating economic growth. COMMERCE is seeking proposals for the development of a Fusion Cluster and the development of a legislative report with recommendations on the promotion and development of fusion energy in Washington State. 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 Innovation clusters are pivotal in key industry sectors in Washington State including fusion energy. Washington State has the highest concentration of fusion energy companies anywhere in the world, making now an opportune time to engage in “co-opetition” with one another to solve shared industry-focused problems through the fusion working group. Funding Information Commerce has budgeted an amount not to exceed $242,500 for this project. Commerce is required to award competitively procured service contracts with an initial value less than $150,000 to the highest-ranked responsive and responsible Small or Veteran-Owned Business, unless there was no responsive and responsible Proposal from a Small or Veteran- Owned Business.  Project Period COMMERCE reserves the right to extend the contract for two one-year periods. Eligibility Criteria Minimum qualifications 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 Apparent Successful Contractor. 5 years of experience in/with clean energy and fusion energy 2 years of experience running an innovation or fusion working group Experience with workforce development providers and academic training institutions Experience in engaging in cross-border collaborations and supply chain development At least ten (10) years of experience in/with managing complex multi-stakeholder consensus building projects, and at least two (2) years of experience working specifically within Innovation Cluster Development. At least three (3) years of experience writing legislative reports, and presenting findings in a legislative setting. The Proposer’s Project Manager, the person who would be assigned to manage the day- to day activities under this contract, must have at least three (3) years of experience managing complex multi-stakeholder, consensus-building projects. 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.

The Washington State Department of Commerce hereafter called “COMMERCE,” is initiating this Request for Applications (RFA) to solicit proposals from those qualified and interested in grant funding for retrofitting existing facilities and related projects that achieve energy and operational cost savings. Donor Name: Washington State Department of Commerce State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/25/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information Grant cap increased to $1 million, with minimum project size $100,000. Eligible Activities Eligible activities include, but are not limited to: HVAC replacement/upgrade Other mechanical systems Lighting Insulation Windows Heat pump purchase and installation Geothermal heating systems Campus or district energy efficiency measures. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must be public entities in the state of Washington: Local agencies, including any city, town, county, special district, municipal corporation, agency, port district or authority Public higher education institutions K-12 public school districts State agencies Federally-recognized tribe within Washington For more information, visit Washington State Department of Commerce.

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.

Our Water Quality Combined Funding Program is an integrated funding program for projects that improve and protect water quality throughout the state. The program combines grants and loans from state and federal funding sources. We also provide technical assistance to program applicants to help them navigate this process. We have one combined funding cycle, one application, one competitive rating process, and one list of funding offers. Applicants submit just one application for all of the funding sources under the Water Quality Combined Funding Program. Amount of funding available: Varies based on the state budget — ranges from $100 million to $200 million annually. Grant award limit: Varies depending on funding source and project type. See the current funding year guidelines below for more information. Amount of matching funds required: Depends on the funding source you receive, can be up to 25 percent match required.