Washington Local Grants

The City of Marysville in Washington is inviting applications for its 2025 Tourism Grant Program, aimed at boosting tourism and promoting overnight stays through events and projects such as sports, conferences, trade shows, festivals, and arts, open to non-profit entities like historical societies, art groups, and museums that can demonstrate their ability to execute the proposed project.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that enhance the quality of life for residents in Mukilteo through community projects and events.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Vancouver for events and programs that promote cultural enrichment, tourism, and community engagement, aiming to attract visitors and enhance the local tourism economy.

The City of Spokane Valley in Washington is offering a grant of over $1 million, funded by local lodging taxes, for projects that promote tourism through marketing, special events, and operations of tourism-related facilities, with the aim to boost economic activity in the city in 2025.

The City of Spokane, through its Accounting and Grants Department, is initiating this Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) to solicit applications from Childcare Organizations that have the capacity to expand services for nontraditional childcare hours. Donor Name: City of Spokane State: Washington City: Spokane Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/20/2024 Size of the Grant: Not available Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: This program’s purpose is to provide last-in capital dollars to assist in a construction project or expansion of an existing facility. This construction must result in and/or expand services of nontraditional childcare hours. Qualifying organizations should meet the following parameters: Demonstrate need to carry out a capital project for expanded services. Demonstrated unmet need of target clientele. Demonstrated history of serving members of historically marginalized communities. Demonstrate fiscal responsibility through policy and procedures. Funding Information This Notice of Funding of Availability will award a grant up to $500,000 to provide “last dollars” of a construction project.  Grant Period Funds must be contracted before December 31, 2024, and completion of program by September 30, 2026. Eligibility Criteria Eligible Applicants Include A Childcare organization Organization must be located and registered in the City limits of Spokane Proposed construction or expansion must be in the City limits of Spokane Be a Public or Private non-profit organization or, Be a Private for-profit organization Must follow the City of Spokane Procurement. For more information, visit City of Spokane.

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.

San Juan County in Washington is offering a Lodging Tax Grant Program in 2024, inviting proposals for projects aimed at enhancing tourism through facility development, event organization, and operations that align with the county's LTAC Tourism Master Plan.

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.

The Washington State Department of Commerce is now accepting funding proposals from the Washington Community-Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative for Community Safety Councils. Donor Name: Washington State Department of Commerce State: Washington County: Benton County (WA), Clark County (WA), Franklin County (WA), Grant County (WA), Pierce County (WA), Snohomish County (WA), Spokane County (WA), Yakima County (WA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 10/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Washington Department of Commerce is soliciting proposals from entities interested in building regional capacity to reduce gun violence, directly impacting the safety and well-being of their communities. The selected proposers will assemble a Community Safety Council to steer local violence reduction efforts, including conducting a landscape analysis and designing a violence reduction plan. The Department of Justice (DOJ) launched the Community-Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative (CVIPI), allocating funds to support comprehensive, evidence-based violence intervention and prevention strategies designed to prevent and reduce violent crime in communities. These multidisciplinary strategies engage individuals and groups to prevent and disrupt cycles of violence and retaliation and connect individuals with community assets to deliver services that save lives, address trauma, provide opportunity, and mitigate the physical, social, and economic conditions that drive violence. Funding Information Grants available up to $100,000 each. Who can apply? This NOFO is an open, competitive process. Priority will be given to the following under-invested counties and communities: Snohomish County Grant County Pierce County Yakima County Spokane County Clark County Tri-Cities area (Benton County and Franklin County) The distribution of seven awards under this NOFO will be exclusive to these communities and counties. One additional (eighth) award will be issued to any federally recognized Tribe located anywhere in Washington. As further described in the NOFO, applicants will be considered based on their expertise and alignment with the purpose of the funding opportunities. Federally recognized local or tribal government agencies or nonprofit 501(c)(3) community-based organizations are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit WSDC.

The 2025 Pierce County Historic Preservation Grant Program, funded by Pierce County in Washington, offers $10,000 to $100,000 for projects that preserve and promote the county's historical and cultural heritage, including the protection, rehabilitation, or reconstruction of significant structures or sites, and the preservation or interpretation of historically significant artifacts and documents.

The City of Walla Walla’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is designed to benefit and expand opportunities for low and moderate-income citizens through housing, the provision of public services, improvements to public facilities, neighborhood improvements, and economic development opportunities. Donor Name: City of Walla Walla State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: All projects and programs must principally benefit low-and moderate-income persons within the City of Walla Walla. Funding Information Approximately $58,000. Grant Period The 2025-2026 Program Year will run from April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026. Eligible CDBG Activities  Walla Walla activities that are eligible for CDBG funding include, but are not limited to: Housing rehabilitation, acquisition of real property, demolition, utilities needed for housing projects Construction, reconstruction, or installation of public facilities or public infrastructure including, but not limited to the creation of parks, playgrounds, streets and sidewalks, public buildings (except for buildings for the general conduct of government) Public services, such as mental healthcare, substance abuse, health care, childcare, transportation, youth programs, employment assistance, crime prevention, fair housing counseling, etc Eligibility Criteria Nonprofits, for-profits and government entities. Must meet a National Objective, which includes serving low- and moderate-income individuals or low- and moderate-income areas.  Must be an eligible activity. For more information, visit City of Walla Walla.

The City of Gig Harbor is seeking applications for its 2025 Lodging Tax Grants for Tourism-related Operations or Marketing. Donor Name: City of Gig Harbor State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: What is the Lodging Tax Fund? Funding for this program comes from the City of Gig Harbor lodging tax fund which receives a percentage of hotel/motel taxes from lodging establishments inside the city limits. The city collects a tax on charges for overnight lodging. These funds are distributed by the Department of Revenue back to the City of Gig Harbor for the funding of tourism-related capital facilities, non-event operations, and event marketing and operations. Uses of Lodging Tax Revised Code of Washington (RCW), Chapter 67.28 ‘Public Stadium, Convention, Arts and Tourism Facilities’ provides detailed information about the use, award and reporting of tourism funds. Tourism: Economic activity resulting from tourists, which may include sales of overnight lodging, meals, tours, gifts, or souvenirs Tourism promotion: Activities, operations, and expenditures 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; operating tourism promotion agencies; and funding the marketing of or the operation of special events and festivals designed to attract tourists. Tourism-related facility: Real or tangible personal property with a usable life of three or more years, or constructed with volunteer labor, and used to support tourism, performing arts, or to accommodate tourist activities. Who may Apply? Lodging Tax funding is open to non-profit organizations and municipalities with the demonstrated ability to achieve tourism related goals as outlined below: Increase hotel/lodging occupancy in the City of Gig Harbor by creating overnight stays. Increase the number of visitors to the city from more than 50 miles away. All applications must include estimates of how funding the activity will result in increases to people staying overnight, travelling 50 miles away or more, or coming from another state or country. To ensure this data is collected, the city is required to have applicants provide additional information in the lodging tax application.  The City of Gig Harbor Lodging Tax Advisory Committee considerations In developing its recommendations, the committee may consider: The estimated amount of lodging tax funds available for the coming year as provided by the city’s finance department. Thoroughness and completeness of the proposal. Percent of the proposal request to the event/facility promotions budget and overall revenues. Percent of increase over prior year City of Gig Harbor lodging tax funded proposals, if any. Projected economic impact within the City of Gig Harbor, in particular projected overnight stays in Gig Harbor lodging establishments. The applicant’s financial stability. The applicant’s history of tourism promotion success. Committee member general knowledge of the community and tourism-related activities. For more information, visit City of Gig Harbor.

The City of Gig Harbor is accepting applications for its 2025 Lodging Tax Grants. Donor Name: City of Gig Harbor State: Washington County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/30/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: What is the Lodging Tax Fund? Funding for this program comes from the City of Gig Harbor lodging tax fund which receives a percentage of hotel/motel taxes from lodging establishments inside the city limits. The city collects a tax on charges for overnight lodging. These funds are distributed by the Department of Revenue back to the City of Gig Harbor for the funding of tourism related capital facilities, non- event operations, and event marketing and operations. Uses of Lodging Tax Revised Code of Washington (RCW), Chapter 67.28 ‘Public Stadium, Convention, Arts and Tourism Facilities’ provides detailed information about the use, award and reporting of tourism funds. Tourism: Economic activity resulting from tourists, which may include sales of overnight lodging, meals, tours, gifts, or souvenirs Tourism promotion: Activities, operations, and expenditures 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; operating tourism promotion agencies; and funding the marketing of or the operation of special events and festivals designed to attract tourists. Tourism-related facility: Real or tangible personal property with a usable life of three or more years, or constructed with volunteer labor, and used to support tourism, performing arts, or to accommodate tourist activities. Who may Apply? Lodging tax funding is open to non-profit organizations and municipalities with the demonstrated ability to achieve tourism related goals as outlined below: Increase hotel/lodging occupancy in the City of Gig Harbor by creating overnight stays. Increase the number of visitors to the city from more than 50 miles away. All applications must include estimates of how funding the activity will result in increases to people staying overnight, travelling 50 miles away or more, or coming from another state or country. To ensure this data is collected, the city is required to have applicants provide additional information in the lodging tax application. The City of Gig Harbor Lodging Tax Advisory Committee considerations In developing its recommendations, the committee may consider: The estimated amount of lodging tax funds available for the coming year as provided by the city’s finance department. Thoroughness and completeness of the proposal. Percent of the proposal request to the event/facility promotions budget and overall revenues. Percent of increase over prior year City of Gig Harbor lodging tax funded proposals, if any. Projected economic impact within the City of Gig Harbor, in particular projected overnight stays in Gig Harbor lodging establishments. The applicant’s financial stability. The applicant’s history of tourism promotion success. Committee member general knowledge of the community and tourism-related activities. For more information, visit City of Gig Harbor.

The City of Redmond is accepting applications for its 2025 Tourism Grants for projects that assist with tourism development and promotion in the City of Redmond. Donor Name: City of Redmond State: Washington City: Redmond Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline: 08/19/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The goal of Redmond’s Tourism Program is to attract visitors from more than 50 miles away, with a priority on overnight visitors. Grant applicants may be cultural, historical, educational, sports, or community organizations that are coordinating events, tournaments, or promotions that bring visitors to Redmond. The grants are paid for by a portion of the 1% lodging tax collected on hotel rooms located in Redmond. Grants may not exceed 50% of the cost of the project. The Redmond Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) evaluates qualifying applications on a competitive basis, using the official tourism promotion funding criteria and weighted scoring. Recommendations are then forwarded to the City Council for approval. The City of Redmond’s Tourism Matching Grants Program accepts applications from any public or private organization with the demonstrated ability to accomplish the proposed project(s) that meet the fund requirements. The tourism program annually awards tourism grants in support of special events, sports tournaments, festivals, and tourism promotions—publicly and privately sponsored. Entities that may qualify for the grants include: Business organizations Community organizations Cultural organizations Educational organizations Entertainment organizations Galleries Heritage organizations Historical organizations Museums Sports organizations Visitor information bureaus Funding Information The minimum awarded amount is $1,000. Eligibility Criteria Each applicant will fully define the service to be provided or the project to be implemented within their grant application. The project must comply with state statutes and City ordinances governing the use of Tourism Promotion Program funds. To be considered for funding, requests must be used for one of the following purposed (RCW 67.28.1816): Tourism marketing Marketing and operations of special events and festivals designed to attract tourists Operations of tourism-related facilities owned or operated by nonprofit organizations as defined by the IRC 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6). Proof of nonprofit status will be required. For more information, visit City of Redmond.

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 City of Bellingham is seeking proposals for its Tourism Promotion Grants to increase economic activity in the City of Bellingham resulting from Tourists. Donor Name: City of Bellingham State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: This is an opportunity to apply for funds to provide seed money for your new event or marketing funds for ongoing events. Ideally, putting heads in beds (hotel stays). Funding is limited to activities which draw tourists to Bellingham. Types of Grant The Start-Up Grant- They offer a Start-up Grant for those events or activities that are three years young. This allows you to utilize funds for more than just marketing. You can put some funds toward eligible operating expenses which are limited to venue rentals (i.e. conference rooms), equipment rentals (i.e. cones, traffic signs, etc.), a portion of rent (must be proportionate to the event), and/or the purchase of goods/supplies with prior approval by the City. For example, payroll, travel, alcohol and equipment expenses are NOT allowed. Final decisions by the City on allowed operational expenses will be identified in the contract, and all expenses must be incurred and paid during the contractual period with appropriate back-up documentation available. The Standard Grant- This grant is for those events or activities who are over three years running. Eligible operational expenses are limited to venue rentals (i.e. conference rooms), equipment rentals (i.e. cones, traffic signs, etc.), a portion of rent (must be proportionate to the event), and/or the purchase of goods/supplies with prior approval by the City. For example, payroll, travel, alcohol and equipment expenses are NOT allowed. Final decisions by the City on allowed operational expenses will be identified in the contract, and all expenses must be incurred and paid during the contractual period with appropriate back-up documentation available.  Funding Information Start-up grants have a maximum of $5,000 funding.  The Standard grant does not have a limit however generally funding amount ranges between $2,500 – $25,000. Marketing Requirements RCW 67.28.080 defines a tourist as people travelling: For business or pleasure staying overnight in paid accommodations, To a place 50 miles or more one way from their place of residence or business or From another country or state outside of their place of residence or their business. For more information, visit City of Bellingham.

This program provides financial support for nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Bellevue, WA, to fund capital projects and facility maintenance that enhance public access to the arts.

The Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) offers surplus vanpool vans to not-for-profit organizations and government entities through the Community Van Grant Program. This initiative aims to enhance public transportation options by providing retired vans to organizations that can address community transportation needs unmet by WTA services. Eligible applicants include Whatcom County community organizations with 501(c)(3) status or government organizations. The program is competitive due to the limited availability of vehicles. Selected recipients will receive the vehicle title upon award and must submit performance reports for the first year. Up to eleven retired vanpool vehicles will be available in 2024, with a deadline for applications on August 23, 2024.

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 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.