Washington Environment Grants

This grant provides federal funding to local agencies, tribes, and nonprofits in Washington to rehabilitate and maintain recreational trails for various outdoor activities, ensuring a sustainable backcountry experience.

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

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.

The Green Transportation Capital Grant Program provides funding to transit authorities for cost-effective capital projects that reduce the carbon intensity of the Washington transportation system. Donor Name: Washington State Department of Transportation State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/12/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: This grant is supported by state funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA) (76.7 percent). 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. Funding Information Historically, they’ve awarded between $12 million and $50 million in state-funded Green Transportation Capital Grants each biennium. Project Period July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027. Eligible Projects Vehicles, equipment, and zero-emission transition plan applications must be two-year projects only. Construction projects may be two or four years. Capital projects and related expenditures may include: Electrification of transit vehicle fleets, including battery and fuel cell-operated electric vehicles. Updating or modifying facilities for fleet electrification and/or hydrogen refueling infrastructure. New facilities that directly and primarily support fleet electrification. Construction of charging and fueling stations to support transit fleet electrification. Necessary upgrades to electrical transmission and distribution systems. In-house staff directly managing a capital construction project. Acquisition of property rights for capital projects.  Eligibility Criteria Any transit agency in Washington state is an eligible applicant. A transit agency is defined as:  City transit system under RCW 35.58.2721 or chapter 35.95A RCW  County public transportation authority under chapter 36.57 RCW  Metropolitan municipal corporation transit system under chapter 36.56 RCW  Public transportation benefit area under chapter 36.57A RCW  Unincorporated transportation benefit area under RCW 36.57.100  Regional transit authority under chapter 81.112 RCW  Special purpose district formed to operate a public transportation system For more information, visit WSDOT.

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 Washington State Department of Ecology has announced the Clean Diesel Program to help schools in Washington reduce toxic and greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fueled school buses by scrapping and replacing old buses with new zero emission buses. Donor Name: Washington State Department of Ecology State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding for this grant solicitation is provided by the Washington State Department of Transportation in support of an early action grant program to provide expedited funding for the replacement of fossil fueled school buses with zero emission school buses (ESHB 2134 2024). This grant opportunity is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-andinvest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Goals  The objectives of this grant program are to:  Reduce diesel pollution and greenhouse gases from Washington’s oldest school buses Reduce diesel pollution and greenhouse gases for economically disadvantaged children Improve air quality in overburdened communities highly impacted by air pollution  Accelerate the transition of Washington’s fossil fueled school bus fleet to zero emissions 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 Approximately $20,000,000 is available for eligible projects.  Funding level 1: Applicants with a FRPL percentage greater than 95% or are a Rural Low-Income LEA Funding up to 100 percent of the replacement cost of a fossil fueled school bus with a new zero emission school bus. There is no limit on the number of buses an applicant may request. Ecology will award up to three (3) bus replacements per applicant per selection round. Up to $75,000 for the cost of charging or fueling infrastructure per replacement bus. Funding level 2: Applicants with a FRPL percentage 50%-94% or is an SLEA Funding up to 115 percent of the difference between zero emission and fossil fueled replacement. There is no limit on the number of buses an applicant may request. Ecology will award up to ten (10) bus replacements per applicant per selection round. Up to $75,000 per replacement bus for the cost of charging or fueling infrastructure. Funding level 3: Applicants with a FRPL percentage below 50%  Funding up to 100 percent of the difference between zero emission and fossil fueled replacement. There is no limit on the number of buses an applicant may request. Ecology will award up to ten (10) bus replacements per applicant per selection round. Up to $50,000 per replacement bus for the cost of charging or fueling infrastructure. Eligible Projects  An eligible project is the scrap and replacement of fossil fueled school buses with new zero emission school buses, including charging or fueling infrastructure needed to charge or fuel the new zero emission school buses. School buses being scrapped must be:  Powered by fossil fuels such as diesel, gasoline, propane autogas, or natural gas.  Owned by the applicant  Licensed, registered, and insured for on-road operation in Washington for at least one (1) year prior to August 15, 2024  Replaced with a new zero emission school bus. Fuel-operated passenger heaters are allowable optional equipment. Eligibility Criteria This solicitation is open to school bus owners that transport students to K-12 schools identified by the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). For more information, visit Washington State Department of Ecology.

The City of Bellevue Art and Cultural Facility Grant Program to fund capital projects by arts and cultural organizations in Bellevue, WA Donor Name: City of Bellevue State: Washington City: Bellevue Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/19/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Capital Projects include acquiring property, building new facilities, acquiring specialized equipment and other major building renovations. Facility Maintenance includes preventative maintenance and repairs to help preserve existing arts and cultural facilities. The City of Bellevue’s Art and Cultural Facility Grant Program includes two grant opportunities, one for Capital Projects and another for Facility Maintenance. Public Funding Requires a Public Benefit Washington law requires that individuals or organizations who receive public funding must provide public benefits. Examples of public benefits are: Free or reduced-fare tickets to public performances, exhibitions, workshops, screenings, or readings. Free scholarships to ongoing, fee-based arts education or training programs Accommodating services that expand access to arts and culture to underrepresented groups. Free, electronically accessible materials, including literary publications, audio, or video recordings. Funding Information For Capital Projects, eligible applicants can request any amount up to $499,999 for major building renovations and capital equipment purchases. For projects including land acquisition, existing facility acquisition, or construction of a facility, the request may be higher but must not exceed forty (40) percent of the total estimated project budget. For Facility Maintenance, eligible applicants can request any amount up to $499,999. Project Eligibility  Must be in Bellevue, Washington. Site control in various forms, depending on the project, will be required. For projects above $500,000 (Capital Projects for acquisition and construction), the applicant must attest to owning and operating facility for a minimum of ten (10) years after the application date. For acquisition, site control can include an executed purchase and sale agreement with the owner of the site with a closing date that is not more than twenty-four (24) months from the date of the applicant’s application. For projects below $499,999 (Capital Projects for renovation or capital equipment and Facility Maintenance), the applicant must attest to owning and operating facility for a minimum of five (5) years after the application date. If the applicant does not own the real property on which the subject facility is located, the applicant must attest in the application that the applicant has a long-term lease of at least five (5) additional years at the date of applying with options to review with the landlord, pursuant to which the applicant is responsible for maintenance and repair of the leased premises and attach a copy of such lease. Applications will not be considered for maintenance by landlords who may own a cultural facility leased out to an art or cultural nonprofit. Eligible Capital Projects include design, architectural, and engineering work; building permit fees; archaeological and historical review; construction labor and materials; demolition and site preparation; construction management (from external sources only and does not include grant writers, project managers or employees of the grantee); ADA accessibility or environmental improvements; historical preservation; information technology infrastructure (cables and wiring); acquisition of real property, explicitly purchased as part of a “turn-key,” construction or renovation project, as well as its associated costs (appraisal fees, title opinions, surveying fees, real estate fees, title transfer taxes, easements of record, and legal expenses); capitalized equipment specifically for art and cultural uses such as spring floors, stage lighting, or gallery display equipment, and building furnishings with a ten (10) or more year lifespan. Eligible Facility Maintenance projects include regular maintenance on existing building systems and structures such as a new roof, interior or exterior paint, HVAC, plumbing, elevators, and non-specialized and capitalized equipment replacement such as regular building lighting and flooring. Eligibility Criteria Must be a nonprofit organization in good standing for at least two years. “Good standing” means the nonprofit is financially solvent, current on its filings with the State of Washington and the IRS, has not filed for bankruptcy, and none of its members, directors, or officers have been criminally convicted or debarred from participating in federal contracts. Must attest to having a sustainable long-term financial model that is not dependent on any City funding to sustain the staffing of the applicant’s operations and that is not dependent on City funding to pay the cost of maintaining and repairing the facilities the applicant currently owns or intends to own. Must offer at least one cultural program or service open to the public and serving Bellevue residents. For more information, visit City of Bellevue.

The Community Foundation of NCW is excited to announce the New Legacy Funds Grant Program. Donor Name: Community Foundation of NCW State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This grant program will focus on place-based, community-centered grant distribution to charitable organizations, meeting community needs throughout North Central Washington. This competitive grant program replaces the Regional Impact Grant and is the main source of grant funding from the Foundation for nonprofits throughout NCW. “Foundation have a Local Advisory Board for each Legacy Fund that has received training on how Community Foundation grants are reviewed and evaluated” said Jennifer Short, director of community grants at the foundation. “Each LAB also includes a foundation Trustee and staff to help direct and guide the process. They’re looking forward to including more community members in our grant-making process as they understand their community’s critical needs and enrichment opportunities best.” Focus Areas Arts, Culture, Humanities Community Service/Social Benefit Environmental/Animal Protection Health and Human Services Youth Development Eligibility Criteria  Legacy Fund Grants will provide unrestricted funding to nonprofits by geographic region in Cashmere, Chelan Valley, Methow Valley, Okanogan Valley, Upper Valley, and Wenatchee Valley. These funds have been established by donations from local individuals and families who wanted to create a meaningful legacy to their community. For more information, visit Community Foundation of NCW.

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.

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 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.

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 Ellensburg City Council through the Community Grants Program desires to support community efforts to address community needs and build the capacity of the City of Ellensburg. Donor Name: City of Ellensburg State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Goals Identified by City Council Foster civic engagement and involvement Develop responses and solutions which steward the community’s Health Environment Social network and resiliency Develop programs which support community asset building and provide outreach through education and information programs which support program goals. Grant Period All projects must be completed within two years of award. Eligible Expenses Personnel, professional services, supplies and materials, construction costs, public information and outreach for expenses within the 2024 calendar year. Eligible Location Within the City of Ellensburg Eligibility Criteria Non-profit organizations, civic groups, neighborhood groups. Partnerships among individuals and/or groups will also be considered. For more information, visit City of Ellensburg.

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.

The Ellensburg Community Grant Program offers a water quality focused grant to encourage community-based projects that improve or protect the quality of surface waters. Donor Name: City of Ellensburg State: Washington City: Ellensburg Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funded by the Stormwater Utility, the water quality grant provides funding for community groups to provide outreach, education, assessments, planning, implementation, prevention and control focused on city’s surface water. Water quality is commonly defined by its physical, chemical, biological, and aesthetic (appearance and smell) characteristics. A healthy environment is one in which the water quality supports a rich and varied community of organisms and protects public health. Grant funds are invested in projects that include one or more of the following priorities: Required: Demonstrate improvements in quality of surface waters. Educate a large and/or varied segments of Ellensburg’s population on what water quality is, and what actions they can take to improve or protect it. Educate best practices to reduce/eliminate adverse impacts to water quality. Funding Information A total of $10,000 is available for this grant cycle. Eligibility Criteria Eligible volunteer groups such as youth, seniors, non-profit organizations, educational organizations may apply for funding. Business and governmental partners are encouraged but may not be the applicant. Projects must benefit stormwater quality within the City limits, (i.e., public outreach and education, yard care, litter pick up, etc.). Projects must be within the city limits; if the project is on publicly owned property, an agreement will need to be signed between both parties addressing use of minors as volunteers, hold harmless, etc. Grant funds may not be used for projects that involve or promote the use of alcohol. For more information, visit City of Ellensburg.

This grant provides financial support to medical research and social service organizations in the Puget Sound area, focusing on projects that improve health, education, and humanitarian services for low-income individuals and vulnerable populations.

Applicants are invited to apply for the Tourism and Cultural Investment Grant Program. Donor Name: City of Spokane State: Washington City: Spokane Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  07/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Spokane Tourism and Cultural Investment grants are aimed at enhancing Spokane’s tourism and cultural environment. Projects that receive funds should promote cultural diversity, support various forms of cultural investment, and create new opportunities for tourism and cultural enrichment. Cultural activities can include sports, arts, street/park festivals, film, culinary, and music. Funding Information These grants will be available in allocations of $5,000 to $10,000. Eligibility Criteria Organizations, including non-profit agencies, for-profit agencies, and public agencies are eligible to apply and use the funds for projects, programs, events, and facilities that promote tourism and cultural investment. For more information, visit City of Spokane.

The Artist Trust (AT) Endurance Grants (END) are unrestricted emergency need-based grants of $2,500 to artists working in all disciplines across Washington State to assist with an unforeseen emergency, crisis, or catastrophic event. Donor Name: Artist Trust State: Washington County: King County (WA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/29/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: These 40 grants will fund artists who identify with one or more of the following communities: Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and/or Native, LGBTQIA+, immunocompromised, with immigrant status, have or are living with a disability, residing outside King County, and/or low income. Funding for this program comes in part from a grant from the CERF+ Artist Readiness Program (CARP) with support through the Mellon Foundation, their individual donors, and the Artist Trust Board of Trustees. Disciplinary Categories Literary Arts Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, Experimental/ Hybrid Works, Poetry, Graphic Novels, Zines. Media Arts Animation, Film, Immersive Audio & Video Works, Podcasts, Screenplays, Teleplays, Video, VR & Webbased Art. Performing Arts Music, Music Composition, Dance, Costume Design, Set Design, Sound Design, Theater, Playwriting, Spoken Word or Storytelling, Traditional/Folk Performance, Performance Art. Visual Arts Drawing, Illustration, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Installation, Interactive Installation & Sculpture, Environmental Design, Digital Arts, Traditional/Folk Art, Craft. Eligibility Criteria The 2024 Artist Trust Endurance Grants are open to artists residing in Washington State working in all disciplines. This grant is also open to 2024 Artist Trust recipients of other awards. Recipients of the 2024 Artist Trust Endurance Grants are still eligible for other Artist Trust grants of the same year. Applicants must be: An artist practicing in one or more of their disciplinary categories 18 years of age or older by application deadline and payment (payment will be made in October 2023) Individual artists who are the originators of works of art Identifying with one or more of the following communities: Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and/or Native, LGBTQIA+, immunocompromised, with immigrant status, having or are living with a disability, residing outside King County, and/or low income AND Applicants must not be: Current graduate or undergraduate students enrolled at the time of both the application deadline and payment (payment will be made October 2023) Applying as cultural organizers, curators, or applying on behalf of a company, nonprofit, organization, fiscal sponsorship, or community group Current AT staff, Board of Trustees, END panelists, or their family For more information, visit Artist Trust.

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.

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.