Riparian Grant Program

The Riparian Grant Program Mid-Biennium Funding Opportunity is administered by the Washington State Conservation Commission, a state agency responsible for supporting conservation districts and advancing natural resource stewardship across Washington. This specific funding round is part of the 2025–2027 biennium and is designed to allocate remaining program funds efficiently to ensure that high-priority riparian restoration work can be implemented before the biennium ends. The program is funded in part through the state’s Climate Commitment Act, which focuses on environmental restoration, pollution reduction, and equitable community investment. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support projects that improve riparian management zones, particularly those that contribute to salmon recovery and ecological resilience. Eligible activities must demonstrate measurable environmental benefits within riparian areas and align with regional or local salmon recovery strategies. Projects may occur across a variety of stream types and geographic contexts, provided they contribute to ecological restoration outcomes. The program supports a range of activities including implementation of restoration projects, maintenance of previously installed projects, and development of future restoration efforts through planning and technical assistance. Funding is distributed across three distinct project tracks. Track 1 supports project implementation activities such as planting, fencing, invasive species control, and related administrative costs. Track 2 provides funding for maintenance of existing restoration sites, limited to those installed within the past ten years. Track 3 supports project development activities, including planning, engineering, permitting, and technical assistance that leads to future implementation-ready projects. Applicants may include one or more tracks within a single application, but funding requests are capped at $250,000 per conservation district. Funds are tied to the specific projects proposed and generally cannot be reassigned after award without approval. Eligibility is limited exclusively to Washington conservation districts, making this a highly targeted state-level funding opportunity. Each district may submit only one application, though that application may include multiple projects or tracks. Applicants must comply with all program guidelines, including Climate Commitment Act requirements such as tribal notification prior to funding approval. Additional expectations include adherence to state policies, documentation of project benefits, and coordination with local or regional restoration strategies. The application process requires submission through a designated online form along with several supporting documents. Required materials include a completed application form, a detailed budget using the SCC template, and documentation of tribal notification. Additional materials may include engineering plans, maps, and supporting documentation demonstrating project alignment and feasibility. Applicants are encouraged to prepare materials in advance, as the application window is relatively short. Questions during the application period must be submitted via email, and responses are shared publicly through a program FAQ. Applications are evaluated through a competitive scoring process based on established criteria, including project readiness, environmental benefit, cost effectiveness, and alignment with program priorities. Projects are ranked within each funding track, and funding is allocated based on these rankings. The program may partially fund applications or reallocate funds across tracks depending on demand. Priority may be given to projects that demonstrate direct ecological benefits, strong planning foundations, and readiness for implementation within the required timeline. The application window opens on May 8, 2026, and closes on June 5, 2026. Applications are reviewed between June 8 and June 30, with awards anticipated to begin in summer 2026. All funded projects must be completed by June 30, 2027. This is a non-recurring, time-sensitive funding opportunity tied specifically to the current biennium cycle. For additional information or questions, applicants may contact Margaret McKeown, the Riparian Grant Program Manager, via email.

Ensure projects demonstrate readiness and alignment with salmon recovery plans; provide specific evidence and detailed budgets; clearly define locations and outcomes