Washington Environment Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support for the University of Washington to conduct research on cetacean populations and their interactions with oceanographic conditions in Lower Cook Inlet, Alaska, through passive acoustic monitoring.

The Burien Neighborhood Grants Program supports Burien community members who want to improve the quality of life in Burien. Donor Name: City of Burien State: Washington City: Burien Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Through this program, the City of Burien will provide up to $5,000 of City funding per project which the applicant group matches with local resources of volunteer labor, donated materials, donated professional services, or funds. The goal of the Burien Neighborhood Grants Program is to encourage projects that foster a sense of community and create community improvements for the benefit of all Burien residents. Project Criteria The city fund an array of projects that create community improvements such as: Tree planting – installation of trees and understory plants in community or public space Tree maintenance – watering, mulching, removal of noxious plant species around existing trees Physical improvements – minor park improvements, trailhead enhancement, bus shelter Environmental or sustainability project – composting program, community garden Public amenity—historical marker, bench Community-based public events—such as education events or celebrations to bring neighbors together It encourages people of all ages to apply, including youth groups, neighborhood groups, and informal groups of neighbors. Eligibility Criteria To be eligible, projects must: Be in the city of Burien Include participation from two or more individuals from separate households living within the city limits of Burien Provide a public benefit to the community Have demonstrated neighborhood support in the area Have approval from all adjacent property owners Involve neighborhood residents directly in all phases Have goals that can be accomplished by the end of 2023 Be designed for low maintenance or neighborhood volunteers Be located on publicly accessed property (such as community organizations, public rights-of-way, or parks) Be free and open to all members of the public All projects will be required to have a Neighborhood For more information, visit City of Burien.

The Healthy Environment or All (HEAL) Capacity grant program focuses on enhancing community-led decision making to advancing environmental justice (EJ) and building climate resilience. Donor Name: Washington State Department of Health State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/05/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This funding equips communities most impacted by environmental hazards, including but not limited to Native Nations, Black communities, rural communities, youth, low income, unhoused, disabled, LGBTQ+, and/or other communities most vulnerable to climate impacts, with necessary resources needed to collaborate with state agencies on environmental health decisions. The Legislature required the state Department of Health (DOH) to set this grant program based on the Environmental Justice Council (EJC) Climate Commitment Act (CCA) funding recommendations and budget priorities. These grants are supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. They offer two funding opportunities to support communities in building capacity to engage in HEAL activities. Eligible organizations may apply to one or both of the following: Pass-through funding – They invite community-based organizations to sub-grant funds to other community-based organizations working with overburdened communities and vulnerable populations across Washington State to support equitable community engagement and participation in HEAL activities. Project funding – An organization may apply on its own or in partnership with other organization(s) for funds to build organizational and community capacity to provide guidance and input to: Environmental Justice Council on implementation of the HEAL Act. Department of Health on updates to the environmental health disparities map. State agencies on implementation of the HEAL Act (including environmental justice assessments, budgeting and funding, community, and Tribal engagement). Funding Information Total Amount of Funding: $11.6 million Estimated Funding Range per Award: $250,000 – $1,000,000 Eligibility Criteria This funding is open to eligible organizations in both rural and urban areas. They hope to reach communities across the state through this funding. Tribal organizations and Urban Native led non-profits with 501(c)3 status with service areas in WA state are encouraged to apply for either type of funding. These applications will be scored to account for Tribal sovereignty, data sovereignty, and proprietary traditional knowledge protection. Federally recognized Tribes are eligible to apply for the Tribal Heal Capacity reserved for Tribal governments. Community based organizations with 501(c)3 status are eligible to apply for passthrough funds. Large institutions (i.e. hospitals/community health centers, academic institutions, local health jurisdictions, local government such as city county) are invited to apply in partnership with a 501(c)3 or fiscally sponsored community based organization. It is expected that passthrough fund grantees will spend a reasonable amount of awarded funds on administrative costs associated with establishing and distributing the funds Organizations receiving pass-through funds must also meet the following qualifications: Administrative and fiscal capacity to set up and manage pass-through funding. Capacity to develop and implement a plan for equitably soliciting applications from, selecting, and allocating funding to subgrantee organizations. Demonstrated ability to work equitably with communities and populations across the state, in particular, those most impacted by environmental injustice. Demonstrated ability to collaborate and partner with external organizations with accountability and transparency. For more information, visit Washington State Department of Health.

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.

The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods (DON) is offering a Starter Fund Grant Program, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, for small community organizations and groups focusing on advancing an equitable and sustainable local food system within Seattle, with eligible activities including food justice initiatives, community organizing, food-related job training, and more.

This funding opportunity supports community-based projects in Ellensburg that enhance and protect surface water quality through education, outreach, and implementation efforts, specifically targeting volunteer groups and non-profits.

This program provides funding to non-profit organizations, civic groups, and neighborhood groups in Ellensburg to address local needs and enhance community capacity through various projects.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations to undertake projects that conserve, preserve, or restore the environment in specific regions of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.

The farmland preservation grant program provides funding to buy development rights on farmlands to ensure they remain available for farming in the future. Grant recipients also may use some of the funding to restore natural functions to improve the land's viability for farming. The program is part of the larger Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program, which was created in 1990 to buy land for outdoor recreation and wildlife conservation, to keep pace with a growing population. In 2005, the state Legislature expanded the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program to include preservation of significant farmland.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community groups and organizations in Ellensburg for improving parks, trails, and recreational facilities to enhance public enjoyment and participation.

The Whidbey Community Foundation is seeking applications for its Community Health Grant Program to improve the quality of life on Whidbey Island. Donor Name: Whidbey Community Foundation State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: A wide range of factors influence how long and how well we live, including: opportunities for education, income and wealth, safe housing, and the right to shape policies and practices that impact our lives and futures.  Applicants may submit a proposal for a Community Health Grant in one of the four following areas: Health Behavior, including alcohol and drug use, diet and exercise, and tobacco use. Clinical Care, including health care access and quality. Social and Economic Factors, including education, employment, income, family and social support and community safety. Physical Environment, including air and water quality, housing, and transit. Funding Information Organizations can request up to $10,000 for a Community Health Grant.  Eligibility Criteria Any organization that operates with a charitable status or for a charitable purpose on Whidbey Island is eligible to apply for a grant. You do not need to have a headquarters or physical presence on Whidbey, so long as services are provided here. Whidbey Community Foundation does not award grants for the following ineligible organizations or purposes: Annual campaign appeals Endowments Individuals Political or lobbying activities Private operating foundations For-profit organizations Scholarships Religious organizations for sacramental or theological purposes For more information, visit Whidbey Community Foundation.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for nonprofit organizations and public agencies to develop, acquire, or rehabilitate affordable housing for low-income households and individuals experiencing homelessness in Vancouver, Washington.

US DOT Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) provides funding to Washington state for tribal, state, and local governments to sustain and enhance hazardous materials-related emergency preparedness. The funding is specifically targeted to increase effectiveness in safely and efficiently handling hazardous materials accidents and incidents and to encourage a comprehensive approach to emergency training and planning by incorporating the unique challenges of responses to transportation situations. The HMEP grant program was established in 1990 by the Hazardous Materials Transportation Uniform Safety Act. In 1993, PHMSA began issuing grants to assist States, Territories, and Native American Tribes to "develop, improve, and carry out emergency plans" within the National Response System and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act of 1986. The HMEP grant program is designed to allow grantees the flexibility to implement training and planning programs that address differing needs for each location based on demographics, emergency response capabilities, commodity flow studies, and hazard analysis. Relevant trainings are found in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 472: Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents publication and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations found in 29 CFR § 1910.120. Governors in each State, or their counterparts within Territories or Tribes, designate an agency to receive the HMEP grant funds. Agencies submit grant applications to PHMSA annually requesting funds for proposed activities. PHMSA reviews and evaluates applications to make certain the proposed activities support the program mission to ensure the safe transportation of hazmat. If approved, PHMSA offers the agency a Notice of Grant Award (NGA) for acceptance and signature. Once executed, the agency may distribute grant funds in accordance with the planned activities identified in the grant application within the State, Territory, or Tribe to Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) and first responder organizations.

This funding opportunity supports projects that improve habitats and migration routes for big game species in the western U.S., targeting conservation organizations, state and tribal agencies, and community groups involved in wildlife management.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is seeking proposals for the 2024 Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund to advance pollinator conservation. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The goal of the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund) is to protect, conserve, and increase habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators.  The most competitive projects will demonstrate clear benefits to both monarch butterfly and additional at-risk native insect pollinator species (i.e., federally listed, candidate, or proposed native insect pollinator species). Special consideration will be given to projects benefiting rusty patched bumble bee, Franklin’s bumble bee, Karner blue butterfly, Dakota skipper, Poweshiek skipperling, and Mitchell’s satyr. Categories Grants will be awarded in two categories:  Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands Funding in this category will support implementation of technical assistance to increase the number of private landowners voluntarily engaged in monarch butterfly and pollinator conservation practices on private working lands. Up to $2 million is expected to be available for grants ranging from $150,000 to $500,000. Funding will be awarded for projects up to three years in length following finalization of the grant agreement. This category aims to support conservation planning and practice design with private landowners to advance voluntary conservation efforts on working lands that align with NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife frameworks or initiatives, and especially increase Working Lands for Wildlife participation among farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. The 2024 Pollinator Fund RFP will support projects that: Direct staff resources to help agricultural producers design and implement conservation practices. Increase Farm Bill program participation and conservation practice implementation among agricultural producers, especially farmers and ranchers in the Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories. Funding in this category will support the following two strategies: Hiring additional staff or contractors, based on demonstrated need, including staff to assist private landowners and NRCS with developing pollinator habitat management plans and implementation of new and existing NRCS financial assistance contracts. Targeting outreach to landowners and other partners to prioritize, plan, and deliver financial assistance available through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and other Farm Bill programs to improve pollinator habitat and support at-risk pollinator species. Habitat Improvement Funding in this category will support on-the-ground work to increase the quality, quantity, and connectivity of habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators. Up to $3.1 million is expected to be available for grants ranging from $200,000 to $300,000. Funding will be awarded for projects up to two years in length following finalization of the grant agreement. Applicants in this category should define a step-by-step restoration plan including site preparation, equipment used, planting techniques, size of the project area, description of target native plant community, and maintenance plan (e.g., prescribed burning, mowing, grazing schedules). Projects proposed to benefit other at-risk native insect pollinators should specify habitat needs for those species and how the proposed work will support their breeding, nectaring, nesting, or other habitat needs. Funding in this category will support the following two strategies: Restore and enhance pollinator habitat, with an emphasis on regionally appropriate milkweed and a diversity of native nectar plants. Increase native seed and seedling supply, with an emphasis on improving the sustainability and affordability of regionally appropriate, local ecotypes. Program Priorities  All proposals must specifically address how the proposed project will directly and measurably contribute to the accomplishment of the Pollinator Fund’s goals as outlined in NFWF’s Monarch Butterfly Business Plan. As such, all proposals must provide the number of acres restored or enhanced as a result of the project. Proposals must include plans to restore or enhance a minimum of 100 acres in California or 500 acres in all other eligible states. Acres may be counted from multiple sites; the sites do not need to be contiguous. Since 2015, successful proposals have included a median of 960 acres and an average of 2,120 acres restored or enhanced.  Funding Information The Pollinator Fund will award up to $5.1 million in grants in 2024: up to $2 million for Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands and up to $3.1 million for Habitat Improvement. Funding is provided by Bayer Crop Science, Danone North America, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and U.S. Forest Service (USFS).  Geographical Areas  Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands  Grant funding will be awarded in the following eligible states: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. Within eligible states, priority will be given to projects located in the North Core, South Core, West Core, and Overwintering Monarch Conservation Units. Projects are restricted to private working lands. Habitat Improvement Grant funding will be awarded in the following eligible states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Within eligible states, priority will be given to projects located in the North Core, South Core, West Core, and Overwintering Monarch Conservation Units. West of the Rocky Mountains, priority will be given to projects on or adjacent to the following: monarch butterfly overwintering sites, BLM lands, and USFS lands. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible and Ineligible Entities: Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c) organizations, U.S. federal government agencies, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, tribal governments and organizations, and educational institutions. Ineligible applicants include businesses, unincorporated individuals, and international organizations. For more information, visit NFWF.

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 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.

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.