Industrial Symbiosis Grant Program

The Washington State Department of Commerce is accepting applications for the Industrial Symbiosis Grant Program, a competitive funding opportunity designed to support innovative projects that strengthen the circular economy. This grant program aims to divert industrial waste streams and convert them into productive resources that benefit other sectors. The initiative encourages partnerships among diverse industries to reduce environmental impact, create economic opportunities, and build resilient local supply chains across Washington state. Funding for this program is made available through the state’s Climate Commitment Act, which supports efforts to reduce climate pollution and promote sustainable development. The program is open to private, nonprofit, tribal, and public entities operating in Washington state. Eligible projects include those focused on redirecting industrial waste, developing new uses for biobased waste materials, conducting feasibility studies for resource transformation, and facilitating local waste coordination. In particular, projects that help establish industrial symbiosis parks—shared facilities that promote resource-sharing through co-location—are strongly encouraged and may receive additional evaluation points. These parks facilitate integrated systems that reuse excess materials, wastewater, or heat from one facility to support another, maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste. Approximately $2.425 million in funding is available. Applicants may request between $40,000 and $500,000 per project. All selected projects must provide a non-state match of at least 1:1. Matching funds can come from private investments, in-kind contributions (subject to limitations), or other non-state sources. Grants will be issued on a reimbursement basis and must be used for eligible expenses such as planning, design, permitting, site preparation, facility improvements, staff time, or legal costs directly tied to project implementation. Ineligible expenses include international travel, general overhead rates, and routine maintenance. Applications must be submitted online by 4:00 p.m. PT on January 20, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to attend a virtual pre-proposal conference on December 8, 2025, and to submit questions during the Q&A period, which closes on December 12, 2025. Required submission materials include a detailed project budget, a match funding plan, and applicable documentation such as zoning permits or memoranda of understanding. Applications that fall outside the funding limits or fail to demonstrate minimum qualifications will not be reviewed. Submissions will be evaluated based on alignment with program goals, technical design, team experience, feasibility, and projected environmental and economic benefits. Additional consideration will be given to projects that demonstrate potential for collaborative impact in industrial symbiosis parks. The evaluation process will occur between January 26 and February 9, 2026, with award notifications anticipated by February 12. Contracts are expected to begin March 2, 2026, and must be completed by June 30, 2027. Extensions may be granted, subject to state budget reappropriation policies. The RFA coordinator for this opportunity is Serena Grimes, reachable via email at OEDCProcurement@Commerce.wa.gov. All communication must be directed to this official contact. The full application instructions and terms are detailed in the official RFA document, available for download as a PDF.

Projects that include industrial symbiosis park development with documented co-location plans can earn an extra 10 evaluation points. Applicants should leverage tools like the Environmental Health Disparities Map to enhance competitiveness.