Defense Community Compatibility Account (DCCA) Grant

The Defense Community Compatibility Account (DCCA) Grant is administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce and was established by the state legislature in 2019 to support communities located near military installations. The program is designed to strengthen coordination between military bases and surrounding civilian communities while addressing land use conflicts and promoting compatible development. The overarching goal of the DCCA program is to improve economic stability, environmental sustainability, and overall quality of life in regions impacted by military presence. The grant provides funding for a wide range of projects that mitigate incompatibility between military operations and nearby civilian activities. Eligible project types include land acquisition to eliminate incompatible land uses, protection and recovery of endangered species, infrastructure improvements, and retrofitting of existing facilities to enhance compatibility. Additional supported activities include affordable housing development, economic diversification initiatives, and job replacement efforts for communities experiencing economic disruption due to military activity changes. These projects are intended to foster long-term resilience and sustainable growth in military-impacted areas. Funding is awarded through a competitive process and may support both planning and capital projects. While the exact funding amounts vary by project, the program has historically supported large-scale infrastructure and community development initiatives. The grant may also be used in conjunction with other funding sources, including federal programs, to maximize project impact. Applications are evaluated based on several criteria, including project scope, demonstrated need, readiness to proceed, organizational capacity, and the extent to which additional funding sources are leveraged. Eligible applicants include local governments such as cities, counties, and special purpose districts, as well as federally recognized Indian tribes. In addition, other entities may qualify if they have a formal agreement with a Washington state military installation under the U.S. Department of Defense Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration program to address incompatible development. This requirement ensures that funded projects are closely aligned with military-community partnership goals and directly address compatibility challenges. The application process requires a mandatory pre-application step to determine eligibility before submission of a full proposal. Applicants must complete and submit the pre-application through the designated portal and receive approval before proceeding. Full applications are submitted through the ZoomGrants platform and must include detailed project descriptions, funding plans, and supporting documentation. The program also offers technical assistance through informational sessions and weekly office hours to support applicants throughout the process. For this funding cycle, applications opened prior to the submission deadline of May 4, 2026, with all materials required to be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on that date. The program manager serves as the primary point of contact for applicant inquiries, and additional resources such as recorded information sessions and application guidance materials are made available to assist applicants. The grant is expected to continue as a recurring funding opportunity aligned with state budget cycles.

Ensure eligibility is confirmed early through the pre-application, and align the project clearly with compatibility goals, readiness, and demonstrated need while showing leveraged funding.