Washington Environment Grants

The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) makes funds available to drinking water systems to pay for infrastructure improvements. This program is funded through federal and state money and subject to state laws and additional federal regulations. The program provides: Low-interest construction loans to publicly (municipal) and privately owned drinking water systems. These loans cover capital improvements that increase public health and compliance with drinking water regulations. Construction loan repayments can range from 20 to 30 years. In some cases, partial loan forgiveness is offered. Planning and engineering loans to cover preconstruction work and activities such as water system plans, engineering designs, and cultural reviews. Consolidation Feasibility Study grants allow larger Group A community water systems such as cities, town, counties, public utility districts, and water districts to determine feasibility and capital improvements needed to consolidate smaller or struggling water systems into their service area.

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 City of Kirkland’s Tourism Program is currently accepting applications for the 2025 Event Grant Funding Program. Donor Name: City of Kirkland State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/18/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The goal of this Tourism funding is to attract visitors who come to Kirkland from 50 miles or more. Overnight stays not only improve the tourist environment of Kirkland; their revenues sustain the Tourism Program budget. These funds will be awarded for the marketing or operations of special events and festivals designed to attract tourists to Kirkland and be distributed on a reimbursement basis. The TDC will look supportively at new events, while also giving serious consideration to events with track records for bringing visitors to the City. Funding Information During that time, over $700,000 has been awarded to tourism events and programs. The Kirkland Tourism Development Committee (TDC) has proposed to make at least $60,000 available for 2025.  Eligibility Criteria Washington State Reporting Requirements: In 2013, the Washington Legislature added a provision to the Lodging Tax Statute (RCW 67.28.1816(2)(a)) which requires: Applicants applying for use of revenues in this chapter must provide estimates of how any moneys received will result in increases in the number of people traveling for business or pleasure on a trip At the end of the award period, the legislation requires organizations to report on their success in attracting those visitors. All funds are awarded on a reimbursement basis and will not be awarded until the Tourism Funding Expenditure Report Worksheet and the Tourism Funding Reimbursement Form are submitted. For more information, visit City of Kirkland.

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]

The Land and Water Conservation Fund provides funding to preserve and develop outdoor recreation resources, including parks, trails, and wildlife lands. There are two separate LWCF programs: State Program: Congress created the fund in 1965 with the passage of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act, which authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide financial assistance to states for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas. All communities may compete for funding in this program. Legacy Program: In 2014, Congress established the Land and Water Conservation Fund Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership program, which provides grants to help urban communities with 30,000 or more people buy or develop land to create or reinvigorate public parks and other outdoor recreation spaces. Priority is given to projects in economically disadvantaged areas that lack outdoor recreation opportunities.

This funding opportunity is designed for organizations specializing in invasive species management to develop and implement biosecurity strategies at Wake Island Airfield and surrounding military properties in the Pacific region.

MICC-FSH announces a potential partnering opportunity for the Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) Army Compatible Use Buffer (ACUB) program. The successful applicant(s) will, after coordinating with JBLM encroachment planners and natural resource managers:(a) Negotiate the purchase of easements or fee simple property (perpetual real property interests) from willing landowners to allow for natural resource management, or prevent incompatible development that could adversely impact JBLM and/or,(b) Conduct, assist in, or facilitate natural resource management that will result in off-post conservation credits for species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) that occur on JBLM. Additional species may be listed under the ESA during the period of performance of any agreement awarded under this announcement. Inclusion of any such species will be addressed on a case-by-case basis, and with the mutual agreement of JBLM and award recipient.

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.

This funding program provides financial support to community-based organizations in the Pacific Northwest working to address environmental justice and public health challenges in historically underinvested communities.

The Innovia Foundation is seeking applications for its LaunchNW Rural Grant Program. Donor Name: Innovia Foundation State: Idaho, Washington County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: LaunchNW galvanizes entire communities to ensure that every child finds belonging and travels their best journey from birth to career attainment. The initiative was first implemented in Spokane County. In this second phase, rural communities in the ten eastern Washington counties served by Innovia Foundation can now apply for funding and technical support for LaunchNW in their own communities. By galvanizing local leaders and partnering with every sector of the community, LaunchNW will generate sustainable, measurable change in oegion for generations to come. Funding Information Grants of $30,000 will provide partial support for a community-based LaunchNW Coordinator in the selected communities for two years.  Eligibility Requirements Awards from Innovia Foundation’s competitive grant programs are determined in partnership with local volunteers from throughout the foundation’s service area. This locally-based advisory process ensures that grant opportunities address the changing needs of communities. In order to be eligible, applicants must be a public charity with tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; a federally recognized tribe; or a public entity such as a school district, municipality, or unincorporated group or association. In certain cases, grants can be awarded to non-501(c)(3) organizations for charitable purposes. In all cases, the applicant organization/program must have a clear charitable purpose.  Applicants cannot have any delinquent reports for previous grants awarded through all Innovia Foundation’s grant programs. Some grant programs have specific restrictions. Be sure to read grant guidelines carefully to see if any restrictions apply. Innovia Foundation competitive grants are awarded to organizations providing services within the 20-county region served by the Foundation. (Eastern Washington Counties: Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Lincoln, Spokane, Adams, Whitman, Columbia, Garfield and Asotin. North Idaho Counties: Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, Benewah, Latah, Nez Perce, Lewis, Clearwater, Shoshone and Idaho.) Please note that Innovia Foundation has multiple grant programs. Applying to/receiving grant funding from one Innovia Foundation grant program does not preclude your organization from to applying to any other Innovia Foundation grant program. For more information, visit Innovia Foundation.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and government agencies in Mansfield for innovative projects that improve community services in areas like arts, education, health, and the environment.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, Native American Tribes, and government agencies in Whatcom County for projects that support youth experiencing homelessness and engage young people in environmental initiatives.

The Department of Commerce, in collaboration with the Puget Sound National Estuary Program and the Stormwater and Habitat strategic initiative leads, is offering salmon recovery planning grants to local governments and tribes. Donor Name: Washington State Department of Commerce State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/03/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: These funds aim to advance the Governor’s statewide salmon recovery strategy and align with the Puget Sound National Estuary Partnership’s investment priorities. Funding Information Grants are available to cities and counties, fully and partially planned under the Growth Management Act and federally recognized tribes. They encourage applications that seek to protect and restore salmon habitat with long-range planning objectives. Approximately $3.2 million in funding is available, including: $2.2 million available to communities statewide $1 million available to communities in the Puget Sound Up to $2 million in additional funding will be provided and administered by the Habitat Strategic Initiative Lead at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). These funds will layer with the Commerce-administered grant to promote monitoring and adaptive management practices that will improve implementation, consistency, and effectiveness of permitting for critical areas protection in the Puget Sound. These funds may be requested as part of the joint application. Period of Performance July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027. Eligibility Criteria  Grants are available to towns, cities, and counties both fully and partially planning under the Growth Management Act, and federally recognized tribes in Washington State. For more information, visit WSDC.

We offer post-cleanup grants to local governments who independently clean up contamination under the Voluntary Cleanup Program. The purpose of Independent Remedial Action Grants (IRAGs) is to encourage and expedite cleanups and decrease the associated costs of cleanup for ratepayers and taxpayers. IRAGs are grants offered to local governments that independently clean up contamination under the Washington State Department of Ecology’s (Ecology) Voluntary Cleanup Program. These grants encourage and expedite cleanups, and decrease the associated costs of cleanup for ratepayers and taxpayers. Local governments are welcome to apply for this funding if they have 1) completed an independent cleanup through the Voluntary Cleanup Program, and 2) have received a determination of No Further Action from Ecology. IRAGs are just one of several “remedial action” grants and loans provided to local governments by Ecology. The grants and loans are used to investigate and clean up contaminated sites under Washington state’s environmental cleanup law, the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA).

This funding opportunity provides financial support to states and U.S. territories with high seismic risk to improve earthquake safety through mitigation, preparedness, and educational initiatives.

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 Wildlife and Recreation Program provides funding for a broad range of land conservation efforts, from conserving natural areas near big cities to protecting the most pristine and unique collections of plants in the state, including some of last remaining plant species in the world. 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: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program was envisioned as a way for the state to accomplish two goals: acquire valuable recreation and habitat lands before they were lost to other uses and develop recreation areas for a growing population. This landmark legislation passed in 1990 and the grant program’s continued funding have come about through the support of governors, the Legislature, and groups such as the many organizations comprising the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition. Funding Information Critical Habitat: None Natural Areas: None Riparian Protection: Minimum request of $25,000, no cap. State Lands Restoration and Enhancement: Minimum request of $25,000. Maximum request of $1 million for a single-site project and $500,000 for a multi-site project. Urban Wildlife Habitat: None. Eligible Projects Land Acquisition Acquisition includes the purchase of perpetual interest in real property or non-perpetual interests such as leases and easements. Acquisition of non-perpetual interests must be for at least 50 years and may not be revocable at will. Incidental costs related to acquisition are eligible. The Riparian Protection Category provides funds for acquisition of lease extensions under the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, which must be for a minimum of 25 years. Development Benches, tables Interpretive kiosks, signs Paths, roads, parking Restrooms Viewing shelters The Critical Habitat, State Lands Restoration and Enhancement, and Urban Wildlife Habitat Categories also allow for habitat creation and enhancement. The Riparian Protection Category allows for site stewardship plans. Restoration and Enhancement Animal watering stations Ecological restoration Estuary and shoreline restoration Fencing, gates,and signs In-stream habitat such as bank stabilization, channel reconfiguration, and woody materials placement In-stream passage improvements Habitat enhancement such as native plantings and invasive plant removal Removal of structures like bulkheads, dikes, levees, tide gates, and impervious surfaces Site augmentation to establish restoration elements Transplanting and re-vegetation Upland stewardship. Who May Apply? Critical Habitat, Riparian Protection, and Urban Wildlife Habitat Categories Cities, counties, towns Federally recognized Indian tribes Nonprofit nature conservancies Special purpose districts, port districts, or other political subdivisions of the state that provide services to less than the entire state State agencies (Department of Enterprise Services, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission) Natural Areas Category Nonprofit nature conservancies State agencies (Department of Enterprise Services, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission) State Lands Restoration and Enhancement Category State agencies (Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission). For more information, visit WSRCO.

This grant provides funding for full-time graduate students in the Western U.S. to collaborate with their academic advisors and local producers on projects that promote sustainable agriculture through research and education.

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

The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program provides funding for a broad range of land conservation efforts, from conserving natural areas near big cities to protecting the most pristine and unique collections of plants in the state, including some of last remaining plant species in the world. The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program was envisioned as a way for the state to accomplish two goals: acquire valuable recreation and habitat lands before they were lost to other uses and develop recreation areas for a growing population. This landmark legislation passed in 1990 and the grant program's continued funding have come about through the support of governors, the Legislature, and groups such as the many organizations comprising the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition.