Youth Recreational Facilities Grant Program

The Youth Recreational Facilities grant program is administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce, a state-level agency responsible for economic development, community infrastructure, and public services across Washington. This program is part of the state’s capital funding initiatives and is designed to support the development and improvement of facilities that serve youth populations. Through this competitive Request for Proposals process, the Department of Commerce allocates funding to projects that enhance recreational opportunities for youth in grades K through 12, particularly when those facilities are integrated with broader social or educational services. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to expand access to safe, structured, and supportive recreational environments for young people. Eligible projects must focus on non-residential youth recreational facilities and may include the acquisition, construction, or major renovation of such spaces. The program emphasizes integration with services that promote youth development, such as educational programming, mentoring, or social support services, ensuring that funded facilities contribute holistically to youth well-being rather than functioning solely as recreational venues. Funding under this program is structured as a matching grant, with the state covering up to 25 percent of eligible capital project costs. The maximum award amount is capped at 1.2 million dollars per project for non-residential facilities. Applicants are therefore required to secure the remaining 75 percent of project funding from other sources, which may include private fundraising, local government contributions, or other grants. The funds are strictly limited to capital expenses, including acquisition, construction, and significant renovation, and may not be used for operational costs or unrelated programmatic expenses. Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to Native American tribal organizations, nonprofit organizations, and community-based organizations. These entities must demonstrate their capacity to manage capital projects and provide programming that benefits youth populations. While the program does not explicitly list additional applicant types, the eligibility criteria suggest a focus on mission-driven organizations with established community ties and the ability to deliver integrated recreational and social services. Applications must be submitted electronically through the ZoomGrants platform. The submission process requires applicants to complete all required fields and upload supporting documentation as specified in the program guidelines. Although the detailed application components are outlined in the associated guidelines document, applicants are expected to provide comprehensive project descriptions, budgets, and evidence of matching funds. The Department of Commerce also offers optional workshops, including a general application workshop and a tribal-specific workshop, to assist applicants in understanding requirements and preparing competitive proposals. The application deadline for this funding cycle is May 28, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Workshops are scheduled earlier in May 2026 to support applicant preparation. The program appears to be tied to a biennial capital funding cycle covering the 2027–2029 period, indicating that awards will support projects implemented during that timeframe. While the exact award notification timeline is not specified, applicants can expect a competitive review process based on alignment with program goals, project feasibility, and demonstrated community impact. For additional information or clarification, applicants may contact program representatives via the provided email addresses or phone numbers.