Washington Infrastructure Grants

The Whidbey Community Foundation's Community Health Grant Program aims to enhance the quality of life on Whidbey Island by addressing various factors that influence health and well-being. This grant program directly aligns with the foundation's mission to support the community's health and vitality by focusing on the underlying determinants of health. The foundation understands that health is influenced by a broad spectrum of factors, from individual behaviors to broader societal and environmental conditions, and seeks to fund initiatives that create a comprehensive positive impact. The program targets organizations that operate with a charitable status or for a charitable purpose on Whidbey Island, with the ultimate goal of benefiting all residents by improving their health and overall living conditions. The impact goals are centered around fostering a healthier community by addressing disparities and promoting equitable access to resources that contribute to well-being. By supporting a diverse range of projects, the foundation anticipates measurable improvements in the health behavior, clinical care access, social and economic stability, and physical environment for those living on Whidbey Island. The Community Health Grant Program prioritizes four key areas for funding: Health Behavior (including alcohol and drug use, diet and exercise, and tobacco use), Clinical Care (health care access and quality), Social and Economic Factors (education, employment, income, family and social support, and community safety), and Physical Environment (air and water quality, housing, and transit). These areas reflect the foundation's strategic priorities, recognizing that an integrated approach across these domains is essential for creating sustainable health improvements. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in these interconnected areas, they can collectively empower individuals and strengthen community systems, leading to a healthier, more resilient Whidbey Island. Organizations can request up to $10,000 for a Community Health Grant, emphasizing accessible funding for local initiatives. While the grant duration is not explicitly mentioned, the focus is on supporting projects that can demonstrate meaningful progress within their operational scope. The expected outcomes include a reduction in negative health behaviors, improved access to quality healthcare services, enhanced social and economic stability for vulnerable populations, and a healthier physical environment for all residents. The foundation encourages applicants to propose initiatives that will yield tangible and measurable results, contributing to the overall health and vitality of Whidbey Island.

The Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) is offering Practicing Artist Grants through its Artists 360 program, aiming to elevate and energize practicing artists in greater Northwest Arkansas. This initiative aligns with M-AAA's mission to support creative practices and career advancement by providing financial assistance, professional development, and networking opportunities. The grants specifically target artists who have demonstrated artistic excellence, an active creative practice for at least three years, and a desire to evolve their careers, fostering a dynamic regional artist network. The primary beneficiaries are practicing artists residing in specific Arkansas counties: Benton, Carroll, Crawford, Sebastian, or Washington. The program aims to address challenges artists face, such as funding for equipment, studio space, child care, and professional development. The expected impact includes the continued development of creative practices, enhanced entrepreneurial skills, and stronger connections within the regional artistic community. This contributes to the overall vibrancy and sustainability of the arts in the region, reflecting M-AAA's strategic priority of investing in individual artists as a cornerstone of a thriving cultural landscape. The program prioritizes artists who show a deep commitment to their work and a motivation to continue and further evolve their practice. A key focus is on "Program Readiness," which assesses an artist's desire to advance their career, engage in strategic management, and share their work within a peer learning environment. The "Impact of Funding on Practice" criteria ensures that the grants directly address an artist's previous challenges and future aspirations, linking financial support to tangible improvements and growth. Expected outcomes include artists utilizing the $1,000 to $10,000 grants for various needs, such as equipment, travel, and professional services. Fellows are also expected to actively participate in peer-based learning experiences, including an in-person retreat and ongoing discussions, leading to developed entrepreneurship skills and an expanded network. The program anticipates awarding fifteen practice-based grants annually, contributing to a balanced cohort that represents diverse perspectives, disciplines, and experiences, ultimately strengthening the artistic ecosystem of Northwest Arkansas.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for organizations in Washington state to implement projects that improve access to culturally appropriate dental care, promote healthy food access, and encourage water consumption while reducing sugary beverage intake, particularly for underserved communities.

This scholarship provides financial assistance to LGBTQ+ students from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, or Washington who demonstrate leadership and face systemic barriers to education, prioritizing those in marginalized communities.

This grant provides funding for arts projects and programs that enhance the cultural landscape of Issaquah, supporting local artists and organizations while promoting inclusive and diverse arts experiences for the community.

The City of Renton is offering a grant for projects promoting tourism and cultural activities in Renton, Washington, with funds to be used for marketing and promotional purposes, specifically targeting audiences 50 miles away or more, and is open to nonprofits and municipalities with a focus on overnight stays, economic benefit, and diversity.

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.

This grant provides financial support to organizations in Washington that create arts programs for military personnel, veterans, and their families.

The Building Communities Fund Program, administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce (WSMA), offers state grants to nonprofit, community-based organizations and Tribes. The program's core mission is to support the acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of nonresidential community and social service centers. Approved projects can receive reimbursement for 25% or more of their eligible capital costs, with the possibility of reduced nonstate match requirements under exceptional circumstances. This grant program aligns with a foundational mission of strengthening community infrastructure and enhancing service delivery, particularly in underserved areas within Washington State. The program specifically targets projects that will deliver services through social service and multipurpose community centers. A key focus is on facilities serving BIPOC and rural communities, as well as those located in "distressed communities" or serving a substantial number of low-income or disadvantaged persons. The impact goals are centered on improving access to essential services and resources for vulnerable populations, fostering community well-being, and addressing disparities in service provision across the state. By investing in these crucial community hubs, the program aims to create lasting positive change. Priorities for the Building Communities Fund include supporting nonresidential facilities that directly contribute to community service. Projects must be non-complete at the time of application, demonstrating an active need for state funds. Furthermore, applicants are expected to have made progress in a capital fundraising campaign, indicating a broader commitment to the project's success. The emphasis on LEED certification or an exemption from Commerce, along with the requirement to pay state prevailing wages, underscores a commitment to sustainable development and fair labor practices. These priorities reflect a strategic approach to ensuring that grant funds are utilized effectively and responsibly, leading to high-quality, impactful community assets. Expected outcomes of the program include a significant increase in the number of acquired, constructed, or rehabilitated nonresidential community and social service centers throughout Washington State. Measurable results would encompass the square footage of new or improved facilities, the number of individuals served by these centers, and the types of services offered. The program's strategic priorities are to enhance community resilience, reduce inequities, and provide vital resources to those who need them most. The underlying theory of change posits that by providing capital funding for essential community infrastructure, the state can empower local organizations to deliver more effective and comprehensive social services, ultimately leading to stronger, healthier, and more equitable communities.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is offering the 2024 Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund) to advance pollinator conservation. The core mission of this fund is to protect, conserve, and increase habitat for the monarch butterfly and other native insect pollinators. This aligns with NFWF’s broader Monarch Butterfly Business Plan, indicating a strategic, long-term commitment to these species. The fund aims to support both technical assistance for private working lands and direct habitat improvement projects. The target beneficiaries of this grant program include monarch butterflies and other at-risk native insect pollinator species, such as the rusty patched bumble bee, Franklin’s bumble bee, Karner blue butterfly, Dakota skipper, Poweshiek skipperling, and Mitchell’s satyr. The program also indirectly benefits private landowners, farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners, especially those in Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories, by providing resources and incentives for conservation practices on their lands. The overall impact goal is to significantly enhance the quality, quantity, and connectivity of pollinator habitat across eligible states. The Pollinator Fund has two main categories of focus. The first is Technical Assistance for Private Working Lands, which prioritizes increasing voluntary engagement of private landowners in conservation practices through staff resources and targeted outreach for Farm Bill programs like CSP and EQIP. The second category, Habitat Improvement, focuses on on-the-ground restoration and enhancement of pollinator habitat, emphasizing regionally appropriate milkweed and diverse native nectar plants, as well as increasing the supply of native seeds and seedlings. These priorities align with NFWF's strategic goal of fostering sustainable ecosystems through direct habitat restoration and incentivizing private land stewardship. Expected outcomes and measurable results are central to this program. All proposals must demonstrate how they will directly and measurably contribute to the Pollinator Fund's goals, specifically by providing the number of acres restored or enhanced. A minimum of 100 acres in California or 500 acres in all other eligible states must be restored or enhanced. Historically, successful projects have averaged 2,120 acres, indicating a substantial scale for expected impact. The program's theory of change posits that by providing financial assistance and technical support, and by focusing on key geographical areas and species, NFWF can effectively reverse declines in monarch and other native pollinator populations, thereby contributing to broader ecosystem health and biodiversity. The total funding of up to $5.1 million in 2024, contributed by a diverse group of partners, underscores the collaborative and impactful nature of this strategic initiative.

The City of Walla Walla’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program aims to expand opportunities for low- and moderate-income citizens within the City of Walla Walla. This program aligns with a mission to improve community well-being through various initiatives. The funding amount is approximately $58,000, with individual grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, and a grant duration of one year. The 2025-2026 Program Year will run from April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026. The deadline for applications is September 6, 2024. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are low- and moderate-income persons residing in the City of Walla Walla. The program's impact goals are focused on addressing critical community needs in housing, public services, public facilities, neighborhood improvements, and economic development. All projects and programs funded through this grant must principally benefit these individuals. The program prioritizes a range of eligible activities designed to achieve its goals. These include housing rehabilitation, acquisition of real property, demolition, and utilities for housing projects. It also supports the construction, reconstruction, or installation of public facilities and infrastructure, such as parks, playgrounds, streets, sidewalks, and public buildings (excluding those for general government conduct). Furthermore, the grant focuses on public services like mental healthcare, substance abuse treatment, health care, childcare, transportation, youth programs, employment assistance, crime prevention, and fair housing counseling. Expected outcomes include improved living conditions through housing initiatives, enhanced public spaces and infrastructure, and increased access to vital public services for low- and moderate-income residents. The measurable results will be evaluated by the direct impact of these projects and programs on the target population, ensuring they meet a National Objective of serving low- and moderate-income individuals or areas. The foundation's strategic priority is to foster a more equitable and supportive community in Walla Walla, operating under the theory of change that by investing in these key areas, the overall quality of life and opportunities for vulnerable populations will significantly improve. Eligibility criteria for the CDBG program extend to nonprofits, for-profits, and government entities. Applicants must demonstrate that their proposed activities meet a National Objective, which specifically means serving low- and moderate-income individuals or areas. Additionally, the activities themselves must be eligible under CDBG guidelines. For more comprehensive information, interested parties are encouraged to visit the City of Walla Walla’s official website.

The Washington State Department of Ecology's Air Quality VW Electric Vehicle Charging Level 2: Charge Where You Are Funding aims to expand Level 2 EV charging access throughout Washington State. This initiative aligns with the state's broader mission to reduce emissions, particularly from diesel engines, and to fully mitigate excess NOx emissions from Volkswagen vehicles. The program supports the state's clean air and climate goals, including those outlined in the Washington Clean Air Act, Washington GHG emission reduction limits (70.235 RCW), and the Washington Climate Commitment Act, demonstrating a clear strategic priority on environmental protection and sustainable transportation. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are diverse, encompassing businesses, non-profit organizations, investor-owned and municipal utilities, multi-unit/multi-family residential buildings, and various state, local, and tribal government entities in Washington State. The program seeks to impact these groups by increasing the availability of EV charging infrastructure where drivers typically spend one to four hours, thereby encouraging electric vehicle adoption. The impact goals are directly tied to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality across the state, contributing to a healthier environment for all. The program's priorities are multifaceted, focusing on accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles, equipment, and vessels, promoting electrification technologies in public transportation fleets, and accelerating fleet turnover to cleaner vehicles. Other key priorities include achieving substantial additional emission reductions beyond what would naturally occur, ensuring cost-effectiveness in project implementation, and leveraging additional matching funds to maximize the program's reach and impact. These priorities reflect a strategic theory of change that by investing in accessible charging infrastructure and supporting electrification, the state can drive a significant shift towards cleaner transportation and achieve its environmental objectives. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a reduction in emissions from diesel engines, full mitigation of total, lifetime excess NOx emissions from specific Volkswagen vehicles, and a quantifiable increase in Level 2 EV charging access across the state. The program anticipates projects being completed within one year of grant execution. With a total of $3.52 million available, and projects eligible for up to $10,000 per plug at varying percentages based on project category, the grant aims to catalyze a significant expansion of charging infrastructure, contributing directly to the state’s objectives under the Washington State Clean Energy Fund and the Washington Clean Transportation and Healthy Air Goal.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to federally recognized Indian Tribes in the western U.S. to address immediate drought challenges and improve water resource management.

The Social Justice Fund NorthWest (SJF) is offering the 2024 Base Building Grant, aimed at strengthening grassroots organizations in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. This grant directly aligns with SJF's mission to foster social justice by investing in community organizing as a primary strategy. The program focuses on "Base Building," defined as a tactic that expands the number and engagement of people who share a vision for social justice and actively work to achieve it through organized strategies. This approach underscores SJF's strategic priority of empowering communities to drive systemic change. The grant targets organizations committed to community organizing and led by those most directly affected by the issues they address. Specifically, SJF prioritizes organizations with at least 51% leadership from Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities, or those working predominantly in reservation, rural, or small-town communities. The impact goals are to build collective power, widen the base of engaged individuals, develop strong leadership within communities, and implement effective long-term strategies. The expected outcomes include a critical mass of collective power capable of winning and defending policy, cultural, or institutional changes, as well as a diverse and actively engaged membership. SJF's community organizing framework emphasizes four key areas: Collective Power, Widening the Base, Leadership Development, and Strategy and Long-Term Planning. Under Collective Power, the focus is on building a diverse membership and achieving policy or cultural wins. Widening the Base involves fostering authentic relationships with those most affected, recruiting new people, and using varied, tailored communication methods, including face-to-face engagement. Leadership Development ensures clear entry points to leadership, accessible political education, and continuous engagement and agitation. Finally, Strategy and Long-Term Planning requires organizations to develop and adapt a comprehensive base-building plan with clear goals, timelines, infrastructure, and accountability structures. The grant, providing $100,000 over two years ($50,000 annually), is open to nonprofit organizations, tribal agencies, or fiscally sponsored groups with 501(c)3 or 501(c)4 status, or federally recognized American Indian tribal governments. This funding mechanism directly supports SJF's theory of change, which posits that sustained investment in community-led organizing, focused on these core elements, will lead to meaningful and lasting social justice outcomes in the specified regions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for youth sports and activity scholarships, as well as equipment purchases, to organizations serving low to middle-income families in Spokane, particularly those from historically marginalized communities.

The Washington State Department of Commerce is offering a grant program aimed at supporting the construction of affordable housing near transit. This initiative aligns with the department's mission of building communities and addressing housing needs within the state. The program makes $12.5 million in state funds available through a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) issued by the Multifamily Housing Unit (MHU). The program's evolution, particularly with changes from the 2024 Legislature, underscores a strategic adaptation to expand eligibility and ensure more projects can benefit from the funding. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are applicants involved in affordable housing projects, specifically those that applied to certain past funding rounds (HFU-2021-02, HFU-2021.05, HFU-2021-06, MHU-2022-02, MHU-2022-04, MHU-2023-01, MHU-2023-02, MHU-2023-03). The impact goal is to increase the availability of affordable housing, particularly in transit-oriented development (TOD) areas. The initial allocation strategy involved Cohort 1 for streamlined applications to "lookback" projects and Cohort 2 for supplemental applications from eligible 2023 applicants. A key priority and focus of this grant program is to fund projects that contribute to affordable housing near transit. Legislative changes in 2024 further refined these priorities by reducing the minimum number of units required and expanding the definition of TOD, thereby broadening the scope of eligible projects. This strategic shift demonstrates the department's commitment to making the grant more accessible and effective in addressing the state's housing challenges. The NOFA is specifically released for Cohort 1 and 2 applicants, indicating a targeted approach to support existing projects or those with prior engagement with the department's funding rounds. The expected outcomes of this grant program include the successful construction or development of affordable housing units near transit hubs across Washington State. Measurable results would involve the number of projects funded, the total number of affordable housing units created or preserved, and the geographic distribution of these projects. The maximum TOD award per project is $5 million, which provides significant financial support to achieve these outcomes. The department's theory of change appears to be that by strategically investing in affordable housing near transit, they can foster more sustainable and accessible communities, reduce commuting burdens, and enhance the quality of life for residents.

The Whidbey Community Foundation (WCF) Capacity-Building Grant program is designed to strengthen the organizational effectiveness of nonprofits operating on Whidbey Island. This aligns directly with WCF's mission to support the foundational strength of these organizations, believing that robust internal capacity directly translates to more effective programs and services for the community. The grants are specifically for one-time projects that address an organization's strategic plan to improve management, governance, and administration, rather than funding direct programmatic improvements. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are nonprofits with charitable status or purpose on Whidbey Island. The overarching impact goal is to enhance the overall effectiveness and sustainability of these organizations. By investing in internal capacity, WCF aims to create a ripple effect, where stronger organizations are better equipped to serve their own beneficiaries and achieve their missions more effectively. The program prioritizes projects that contribute to an organization's long-term health and efficiency. Specific areas of focus include evaluation of core programs, staff or board training, assessment and implementation of technology upgrades, various types of planning (HR, succession, fundraising, financial sustainability), merger planning, and the development and implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. Projects that are not eligible include operating costs (other than those related to the capacity-building project), expansion of existing programs, creation of new programs, brick-and-mortar projects, endowment campaigns, pass-through grants, or grants to cover lost funding or budget deficits. Expected outcomes include improved organizational management, enhanced governance structures, and more efficient administrative processes. Measurable results could include, for example, a successfully implemented new technology system, a completed strategic HR plan, or a more diverse and inclusive board following training and policy development. The foundation's strategic priority is rooted in a theory of change that posits by strengthening the internal capacity of its grantees, WCF indirectly but powerfully strengthens the vital programs and services these nonprofits provide to the Whidbey Island community. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, with most falling between $1,000 and $5,000, and the deadline for applications is August 31, 2024.

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 City of Tacoma's Grit City Trees Program aims to foster happy and healthy neighborhoods by facilitating community tree planting. This initiative aligns with a broader mission of environmental stewardship and community well-being, enhancing green spaces within the city. The program, which has evolved since 1993 and was revitalized in 2016, focuses on equitable access to trees and the knowledge required for their successful long-term growth. The primary beneficiaries of the Grit City Trees Program are Tacoma property owners with eligible right-of-way planting opportunities, as well as neighborhood groups and individuals in designated Priority Planting Areas. The impact goals include increasing the urban tree canopy, improving neighborhood aesthetics and air quality, and educating residents on proper tree care. By providing free trees, supporting materials, and expert guidance, the program empowers residents to actively participate in greening their communities. The program prioritizes proper tree placement and selection, guidance on right-of-way planting, and educational resources on long-term care and maintenance. It also supplies essential materials like tree stakes, ties, compost (TAGRO), and watering supplies to ensure the trees thrive, especially during dry months. Delivery of up to 150 trees is offered, with priority given to Neighborhood Groups and individual applicants in Priority Planting Areas. Remaining applicants can pick up materials from the City’s plant holding facility. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the number of healthy street trees across Tacoma, particularly in underserved areas. The program anticipates enhanced community engagement in urban forestry, leading to more sustainable and aesthetically pleasing neighborhoods. Through application and planting assistance, and the submittal of planting permits, the City of Tacoma aims to remove barriers to tree planting and simplify the process for residents, ultimately contributing to a greener and more resilient urban environment.