Washington Workforce Development Grants

The Washington Emergency Management Division Human Services Program works with Federal, State, and Local partners to support disaster preparedness and recovery for Washington’s individuals, households, and businesses. Programs include: The Individual Assistance Program (IA): IA is the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) program to support individual and business recovery and is authorized through a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration. The IA program has multiple components including cash assistance and crisis counseling, a detailed declaration process and benefits that vary depending on several factors. For more information, please click here. The Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Program: SBA disaster loans are available even without a Presidential Disaster Declaration and are a great tool to provide low-interest loans to individuals, families, businesses and organizations that suffer physical or economic loss due to a disaster or other disruption. For more information, please click here. Limited English Proficiency Program: The LEP program supports language accessibility for individuals, families and businesses by working with state and local governments and community organizations to promote preparedness activities in communities around the state. For more information, please click here. Disaster Resilience, Recovery and Restoration: Disaster Recovery includes both pre-disaster recovery planning and post-disaster recovery to re-envision and restore a community. Technical assistance and information is available for local governments, special districts, and organizations. Please click here for more information.

Medina Foundation Grant Program in Washington funds organizations that support positive pathways for youth, stabilization for families and individuals, and economic opportunities. The foundation prioritizes programs that help youth achieve positive outcomes, ensure basic needs are met, stabilize individuals and families, and provide economic opportunities such as job training, entrepreneurship, and financial education.

This funding opportunity supports industry-led partnerships in Washington State to develop innovation clusters that promote economic growth while addressing climate sustainability and public health.

Our grantees work to build on the entrepreneurial spirit, strong community ties, and untapped potential within Native nations, communities of color, rural communities, and other resilient communities who have fewer opportunities to thrive on their own terms. We envision strong, vibrant communities where people are connected to good jobs and have the financial capability to build their assets and provide a secure future for their families and communities. A Need to Close the Opportunity Gaps Our economic system doesn’t work for everyone. It widens income and opportunity gaps, restrains economic mobility, and traps people and communities in a cycle of poverty and injustice. A disproportionate number of Native Americans, people of color, refugees, immigrants, and rural Americans are living in crisis—or just a paycheck away from it. Nationally, six in 10 families of color don’t have the cash on hand to cover basic expenses—like rent, medical emergencies, or the need to fix a car—for three months.

The Washington Department of Commerce, hereafter called “COMMERCE,” is soliciting Proposals from fusion related industry-led clusters or consortia interested in participating in Fusion Cluster development as part of the Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program (ICAP). Donor Name: Washington State Department of Commerce State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: ICAP is an economic development strategy aimed at strengthening industry ecosystems and accelerating economic growth. COMMERCE is seeking proposals for the development of a Fusion Cluster and the development of a legislative report with recommendations on the promotion and development of fusion energy in Washington State. The goal is to expand the program over the coming decade to: Establish Washington as a global leader in key industry sectors Support tech transfer and commercialization Accelerate new start-ups and scale-ups Grow businesses Create high-value jobs throughout Washington Increase export opportunities Increase and support diversity, equity, and inclusion in business ownership and  workforce Innovation clusters are pivotal in key industry sectors in Washington State including fusion energy. Washington State has the highest concentration of fusion energy companies anywhere in the world, making now an opportune time to engage in “co-opetition” with one another to solve shared industry-focused problems through the fusion working group. Funding Information Commerce has budgeted an amount not to exceed $242,500 for this project. Commerce is required to award competitively procured service contracts with an initial value less than $150,000 to the highest-ranked responsive and responsible Small or Veteran-Owned Business, unless there was no responsive and responsible Proposal from a Small or Veteran- Owned Business.  Project Period COMMERCE reserves the right to extend the contract for two one-year periods. Eligibility Criteria Minimum qualifications include: Licensed to do business in Washington or submit a statement of commitment that it will become licensed in Washington within thirty (30) calendar days of being selected as the Apparent Successful Contractor. 5 years of experience in/with clean energy and fusion energy 2 years of experience running an innovation or fusion working group Experience with workforce development providers and academic training institutions Experience in engaging in cross-border collaborations and supply chain development At least ten (10) years of experience in/with managing complex multi-stakeholder consensus building projects, and at least two (2) years of experience working specifically within Innovation Cluster Development. At least three (3) years of experience writing legislative reports, and presenting findings in a legislative setting. The Proposer’s Project Manager, the person who would be assigned to manage the day- to day activities under this contract, must have at least three (3) years of experience managing complex multi-stakeholder, consensus-building projects. Demonstrated experience working in Washington State and with communities, businesses, and other Washington State organizations Demonstrated project management experience Demonstrated stakeholder convening and management experience Demonstrated experience working with stakeholders in the industry the cluster will focus on For more information, visit Department of Commerce.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that assist migrant and seasonal farmworkers with employment services, training, and housing solutions.

Innovia Foundation launched the Community Heart & Soul® Program to help rural communities throughout its 20-county service area BUILD COMMUNITY through a resident-driven process and TAKE ACTION on what matters most to its residents. Donor Name: Innovia Foundation State: Idaho, Washington County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Hundreds of communities across the country have implemented the program and experienced outcomes such as: Increased participation in local community-decision making Increased volunteerism Increased investment in community-supported programs and activities Increased economic development and downtown revitalization Community endowment funds Community Heart & Soul is a unique approach to community planning and development designed to increase participation and engage residents in shaping the future of their communities in a way that upholds the unique character of each place. Community Heart & Soul is based on three powerful principles: Involve Everyone, Focus On What Matters Most, And Play The Long Game. Funding Information Innovia will award up to ten $30,000 grants to support community-based project coordinators and actions in the selected communities for up to two years. Communities must provide a $10,000 local match. Grant Period October 1, 2024 – August 31, 2026. 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.

The Mukilteo Department of Recreation and Cultural Services is accepting applications for Co-Sponsorship Facility Use Grants that waive facility rental fees for use of City Facilities. Donor Name: City of Mukilteo State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/29/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The purpose of the City of Mukilteo’s Co-sponsorship Grant process is to: Promote, support, and expand existing and new Mukilteo special events, activities, and programs. Promote, publicize, and support and/or expand economic development in Mukilteo. Support activities that promote the general health or well-being of those in the community. Eligible Projects Illustrative examples of eligible projects: A special event, program, or activity that is open to the public and offers enhanced opportunities in areas such as culture and arts, recreation, youth or adult activities, and community safety. A special event, program, or activity that promotes job growth; or promotes business attraction and retention. Eligibility Criteria The grant program is open to any public or private organization with demonstrated capacity to accomplish the proposed project by December 31st, 2025 Qualifying organizations can include non-profit volunteer groups, neighborhood groups, educational organizations, public agencies and chamber of commerce. With limited exceptions, organizations/businesses must be based in Mukilteo. Organizations outside the City must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the city, the benefits and necessity of the service provided and the direct public benefit to the community of Mukilteo. For more information, visit City of Mukilteo.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in California, Oregon, and Washington that create career pathways and development programs for young people aged 11 to 24, with a focus on fostering career readiness and personal growth.

The Construction Loan Program focuses on the activities that repair, replace, or create a facility. A construction loan project may comprise any combination of pre-construction and construction elements. The Public Works Board awarded funding for its most recent construction cycle at its September 8, 2023 meeting. View the full list of awardees and applicants in Box. The Board anticipates opening its next construction funding cycle in Spring 2024. The Public Works Board (Board) is authorized by state statute (RCW 43.155). Its purpose is to loan and grant money to counties, cities, and special purpose districts to repair, replace, or create infrastructure.

The City of Maple Valley is accepting applications from Maple Valley agencies and organizations that provide services and events within the community. Donor Name: City of Maple Valley State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/10/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Applicants will be evaluated in two different categories, Economic/Community Events and Human Services based on the type of services/events they contribute to the City.  Economic/Community Events Economic/Community Events have been separated into two sub-categories: Economic Events and Community Events.  The Economic Development Commission (EDC) will review the applications that are submitted for these sub-categories.  After review, the Commission will determine which organizations or agencies will be recommended to the City’s Finance Committee for grant funding.  The amount of funding to be awarded to each recipient will be based on an established amount allocated for each category or sub-category.  The EDC will inform the City’s Finance Committee of the results of this process.  Economic Event Grant To be eligible as an “Economic Event” grant applicant, the EDC will consider events from organizations which are registered as a non-profit corporation, attract participants and spectators from the region, state, and across the U.S., located outside of Maple Valley, bring significant value to the citizens of Maple Valley, and which serve valid municipal purposes (community participation, economic development).  Examples of previous grant recipients that would likely fall into this category include the Lake Wilderness Triathlon and the Be the Hope Walk. Community Event Grant To be considered a “Community Events” grant applicant, the EDC will consider events from organizations which are registered as a non-profit corporation, attract local participants and spectators, bring significant value to the citizens of Maple Valley, and which serve valid municipal purposes (community participation). Examples of previous grant recipients that would likely fall into this category include the Maple Valley Youth Symphony, the Creative Arts Council, and Maple Valley Days. Human Services The Finance Committee will retain responsibility for the Human Services process which includes reviewing submitted applications, determining which agencies will be recommended for grant funding and the amount of funding to be awarded to each recipient from an established amount allocated for this category. For more information, visit City of Maple.

The Community Reinvestment Project (CRP) is a community-designed plan to invest $200 million from the Community Reinvestment Account into communities across Washington State that were disproportionately harmed by the historical design and enforcement of criminal laws and penalties for drug possession (otherwise known as the “war on drugs”). Donor Name: Spokane Workforce Council (SWC) State: Washington County: Spokane County (WA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/07/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: SWC is seeking proposals from organizations that provide services to one or more of these groups (Black, tribal, or Latine) to increase access of these focus populations to workforce system resources, specifically the EcSA program and Career Accelerator Incentives. Additionally, the goal is to foster stronger relationships, include voice of the customer in program design, provide more culturally specific services, and increase cultural competence in line with the equity mission. The Accelerating Community Connections grant opportunity is for organizations that provide services to one or more of these groups (Black, Indigenous, or Latine) to increase access of these focus populations to workforce system resources, specifically the EcSA program and Career Accelerator Incentives. Funded through the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Community Reinvestment Project, the Accelerating Community Connections grant aims to rectify historical injustices, including those from the “War on Drugs” by working with “By-and-For” organizations to help them connect the local Black, tribal, and Latine communities with workforce development resources. Funding Information Organizations may apply for up to $30,000. Allowable Costs Funding can be used broadly and creatively for this project, including covering personnel costs, occupancy costs, outreach activities, travel and training, supplies, and more. Direct client costs such as support services to remove barriers (for example, gas vouchers or bus passes) are also allowable. Contracts will be cost reimbursement contracts, so organizations must have the ability to incur costs and submit monthly invoices for reimbursement. No funds available under this RFP shall be used for investment in revolving loan funds, capitalization of business, investment in contract bidding resource centers or similar activities, or foreign travel. Eligibility Criteria  Applicant organizations must: Provide services in Spokane County (there is not a requirement to be headquartered in Spokane County, as long as services are provided in Spokane County). Either: Be registered as a By-and-For organization with the Washington State Department of Commerce or Be a federally recognized tribe in Washington or Have the ability to become registered as a By-and-For organization by July 1, 2024. As defined by the Office of Equity, to qualify as “By-and-For” for the CRP, an organization must: Be a part of, rooted in, and defined by the identity of the Black, Latine, and/or tribal community. Have leadership and staff who belong to the Black, Latine, and/or tribal community. Build trust, advocate, respond, and solve problems specific to Black, Latine, and/or tribal community. Have roots in their communities as change agents and providers of community services (services can include, but are not limited to, social services, employment support, community programming, educational support, etc.). Invest in and work with community members to improve their quality of life. Faith-based organizations are eligible. For more information, visit SWC.

This initiative provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments in coal-impacted communities to develop and scale innovative economic projects that create job opportunities and foster local economic transformation.

This grant provides funding to organizations and event planners for innovative projects that attract visitors to Snohomish, particularly those that encourage overnight stays and boost the local economy during the off-season.

The City of Lacey is currently accepting applications for its Human Services Grant Program. Donor Name: City of Lacey State:  Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/26/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Focus Areas Housing: Expanding and upgrading affordable housing programs, emergency rental assistance, housing education, creating and maintaining supportive housing services Survival: Access to food, water, shelter, sleep, and clothing Security: Job training and placement, mental and physical health care, drug and alcohol recovery services, support in times of personal or family crisis, and transportation. Funding Information Up to $300,000 Eligibility Criteria  Non-profit human service providers serving Lacey community members are eligible for funding. For more information visit City of Lacey.

This grant provides unrestricted funding to nonprofits in Washington state that are focused on advancing equity in healthcare, climate and agricultural justice, and education, particularly for marginalized communities.

The Washington State Department of Commerce, is initiating a Solicitation of Applications from industry-led consortia interested in participating in the a new accelerated cohort of the Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program. Donor Name: Washington State Department of Commerce State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: The Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program Cohort 2.5, administered by Washington State Department of Commerce, aims to assist organizations with growing cluster operations, driving innovation in key sectors around the state, and attracting talent and capital. Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program is an economic development strategy to strengthen industry ecosystems and accelerate economic development. The goal is to expand the program over the coming decade to: Establish Washington as a global leader in key industry sectors Support tech transfer and commercialization Accelerate new start-ups and scale-ups Grow businesses Create high-value jobs throughout Washington Increase export opportunities Increase and support diversity, equity, and inclusion in business ownership and workforce Funding Information COMMERCE intends to award no more than 10 applications between $50,000 – $150,000. Project Period The period of performance of any contract resulting from this application is tentatively scheduled to begin on or about September 1, 2024 and to end on December 31, 2024. Eligibility Criteria Industry-led consortia/clusters that have a demonstrated commitment to building out a successful cluster. Cluster must have academic membership, and must submit a letter of commitment from a major university or community college within the state. Cluster must have equal to or over $500,000 thousand of demonstrated investment, which may include potential future investment via large federal opportunities. Funding will be prioritized for clusters whom are industry- led. Other Minimum qualifications include: 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. Must have an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) 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. Demonstrated experience working in Washington State and with communities, businesses, and other Washington State organizations Demonstrated project management experience Demonstrated stakeholder convening and management experience Demonstrated experience working with stakeholders in the industry the cluster will focus on For more information, visit Department of Commerce.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in King County that provide technology-focused programs to empower underserved youth, helping them develop skills and career pathways in the tech industry.

This program provides $1,000 grants to BIPOC small business owners in the Fourth Plain Corridor to help them purchase essential equipment that improves their operations and supports long-term growth.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for solar energy projects that benefit historically marginalized communities in Washington State, focusing on organizations that promote equitable access to renewable energy and workforce development.