Washington grants for City or township governments

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 Youth Athletic Facilities Program is designed to support communities in acquiring land and developing or renovating outdoor athletic facilities that primarily serve youth up to the age of 18. Administered by the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO), the program aims to expand opportunities for youth participation in sports and organized athletic activities. By funding projects that enhance access to well-designed, safe, and sustainable outdoor athletic spaces, the program fosters physical activity, teamwork, and community engagement among young people. Although the program emphasizes youth-oriented facilities, RCO strongly encourages applicants to design projects that benefit all ages and support a variety of athletic and recreational uses. This inclusive approach ensures that facilities serve as valuable community assets that promote intergenerational engagement and diverse forms of recreation. Projects that demonstrate versatility and community-wide benefit are particularly favored in the grant review process. Eligible projects under the Youth Athletic Facilities Program must involve the creation, renovation, or improvement of outdoor athletic spaces used specifically for organized sports or competitive athletic activities. Qualifying facilities may include ball fields, courts, swimming pools, mountain bike tracks, and skate parks. The program does not fund playgrounds, open fields, or general recreational areas not intended for competitive athletics. This focus ensures that funding is directed toward projects that enhance structured, sport-based opportunities for youth. Typical projects eligible for funding include installing lights on fields to extend playing hours, converting underused tennis courts into basketball courts, replacing natural turf with artificial surfaces to increase field durability and usability, and expanding existing fields to accommodate additional sports or broader community use. Each of these improvements enhances both the capacity and quality of local athletic resources, creating safer, more versatile, and accessible facilities. Overall, the Youth Athletic Facilities Program provides vital support for communities seeking to expand recreational infrastructure and promote youth sports participation. Through its emphasis on both youth engagement and community inclusivity, the program helps local governments, nonprofit organizations, and community groups develop athletic spaces that encourage healthy lifestyles, build social connections, and enhance overall quality of life.

This funding opportunity supports conservation projects that provide employment and training for young adults and veterans, helping them gain experience in environmental stewardship and resource management on public lands.

The Snohomish County Conservation Futures Program (SCCFP) Grants, established in 1988, serves as a vital mechanism for distributing Conservation Futures Property Tax Funds. The core mission of this program is to preserve open space land, farm and agricultural land, and timberland within Snohomish County. This directly aligns with the broader goal of safeguarding natural resources, supporting local agriculture, and maintaining the ecological integrity of the region. The target beneficiaries of the SCCFP are the natural landscapes and agricultural areas of Snohomish County, as well as the public who benefit from preserved open spaces. The primary impact goal is the perpetual acquisition of interests or rights in real property to protect, preserve, maintain, improve, restore, or conserve these critical land types. This ensures that these valuable assets are protected for current and future generations, contributing to environmental health and community well-being. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly defined by its funding criteria. Funding is specifically allocated for the acquisition of real property, easements, covenants, or other contractual rights. Eligible projects must conform to the definitions of open space, farm and agricultural land, or timberland as defined in RCW 84.34.020. Additionally, projects in urban areas must be at least 1 acre, retained in their natural state, and open to the public. The program strictly limits improvements to those that align with RCW 84.34.200-220, allowing for features like trails, interpretive centers, viewpoints, and restrooms, while prohibiting recreational improvements such as ball fields or swimming pools. Expected outcomes include the permanent protection of significant tracts of open space, agricultural lands, and timberlands, contributing to biodiversity, water quality, and scenic beauty. Measurable results are tied to the number of acres conserved, the types of properties acquired, and the legal instruments used for their protection. The program requires that the sponsoring agency has a guaranteed plan for managing and maintaining the property to preserve its eligible characteristics, and that proposed projects secure property rights in perpetuity. This strategic approach ensures the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of the conservation efforts.

The Women's Foundation of Genesee Valley (WFGV) is offering an Immersive Grant Writing Program designed to empower women of color in the fundraising sector. This initiative directly aligns with the foundation's mission to support and enhance the talents of women of color, recognizing a historical disparity where organizations led by people of color are often underfunded and mistrusted with grant funds. By building capacity in grant writing, WFGV aims to address systemic inequities and foster greater financial stability for these organizations. The target beneficiaries for this program are non-profit leaders of color (women) within Monroe County, NY. While not exclusively for Executive Directors, participants' career paths should be focused on fundraising, and each organization is permitted to bring one additional person to the program. The impact goals are to strengthen the fundraising capabilities of these organizations, thereby increasing their access to critical funding and enabling them to expand their reach and effectiveness within the community. The program's primary focus is on capacity building in grant writing, providing the necessary tools and knowledge for women of color to excel in this area. This emphasis reflects WFGV's strategic priority to invest in leadership development and provide practical skills that lead to tangible improvements for non-profit organizations. The underlying theory of change posits that by equipping women of color with advanced grant writing skills, WFGV can directly contribute to greater equity in philanthropic funding and empower these leaders to make a more significant difference in their communities. Expected outcomes include each participating organization being awarded $1,000 towards their first grant-finding activity upon completion of the program. The program itself spans six months and includes ten sessions, offered both in-person and online, indicating a commitment to flexible and accessible learning. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of grant applications submitted, the success rate of these applications, and the overall increase in funding secured by participant organizations following the program. This structured approach ensures that the program's effectiveness can be monitored and evaluated against its stated goals.

The Washington State Department of Ecology's Air Quality VW Electric Vehicle Charging Level 2: Charge Where You Are Funding aims to expand Level 2 EV charging access throughout Washington State. This initiative aligns with the state's broader mission to reduce emissions, particularly from diesel engines, and to fully mitigate excess NOx emissions from Volkswagen vehicles. The program supports the state's clean air and climate goals, including those outlined in the Washington Clean Air Act, Washington GHG emission reduction limits (70.235 RCW), and the Washington Climate Commitment Act, demonstrating a clear strategic priority on environmental protection and sustainable transportation. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are diverse, encompassing businesses, non-profit organizations, investor-owned and municipal utilities, multi-unit/multi-family residential buildings, and various state, local, and tribal government entities in Washington State. The program seeks to impact these groups by increasing the availability of EV charging infrastructure where drivers typically spend one to four hours, thereby encouraging electric vehicle adoption. The impact goals are directly tied to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality across the state, contributing to a healthier environment for all. The program's priorities are multifaceted, focusing on accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles, equipment, and vessels, promoting electrification technologies in public transportation fleets, and accelerating fleet turnover to cleaner vehicles. Other key priorities include achieving substantial additional emission reductions beyond what would naturally occur, ensuring cost-effectiveness in project implementation, and leveraging additional matching funds to maximize the program's reach and impact. These priorities reflect a strategic theory of change that by investing in accessible charging infrastructure and supporting electrification, the state can drive a significant shift towards cleaner transportation and achieve its environmental objectives. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a reduction in emissions from diesel engines, full mitigation of total, lifetime excess NOx emissions from specific Volkswagen vehicles, and a quantifiable increase in Level 2 EV charging access across the state. The program anticipates projects being completed within one year of grant execution. With a total of $3.52 million available, and projects eligible for up to $10,000 per plug at varying percentages based on project category, the grant aims to catalyze a significant expansion of charging infrastructure, contributing directly to the state’s objectives under the Washington State Clean Energy Fund and the Washington Clean Transportation and Healthy Air Goal.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for conservation projects aimed at protecting and recovering threatened and endangered species on public lands in Oregon and Washington, targeting eligible state and local governments, tribal organizations, educational institutions, and nonprofits.

The Legislature created the Transportation Improvement Board to foster state investment in quality local transportation projects. The TIB distributes grant funding, which comes from the revenue generated by three cents of the statewide gas tax, to cities and counties for funding transportation projects. TIB's grant programs are catagorized by the type of customer agency each program is intended to serve. The Active Transportation Program provides funding to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, enhanced pedestrian and cyclist mobility and connectivity, or improve the condition of existing facilities. The intent of the project must be transportation and not recreation. Required match for this program is based on assessed value as follows: 10% match for cities over $500 million 5% match for cities over $100 million No match is requested for valuations under $100 million

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that assist small businesses, particularly those with five or fewer employees, focusing on underserved communities across Washington.

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office administers the Community Forests Program to help communities preserve working forest heritage while balancing economic, environmental, and recreational benefits. The program supports land acquisition and complementary restoration and recreation development to keep working forests intact. Typical projects acquire forestland and may include restoration of forest and habitat health and development of recreation facilities such as trails, trailheads, parking, restrooms, campgrounds, picnic and day use areas, challenge courses, and interpretive displays. Restoration activities may include removal of fish barriers and actions that restore forest health. Approximately 3,000,000 dollars is available for awards. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, and towns, Native American tribes, nonprofit nature conservancy organizations, special purpose districts and other political subdivisions, and state agencies in partnership with one or more of these groups. All projects must include acquisition; restoration and development cannot be stand alone activities. Applications are due May 1, 2024 through the state process. Grant size and duration beyond the available pool are not specified. Further information is provided by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.

The Fire Management Assistance Grant Program is a grant program authorized under the Stafford Act that can reimburse a large portion of the costs to state, local and federally recognized tribal governments for the mitigation, management and control of fires on publicly or privately owned forests or grasslands. The program is authorized when a fire receives a federal fire declaration from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). A federal fire declaration may be requested and issued for an uncontrolled fire when a threat of a major disaster exists. The fire declaration process is initiated by the state when an authorized representative submits a request for a federal fire declaration to the FEMA Regional Administrator. These declarations are requested while a fire is burning uncontrolled and threatens to cause enough damage as would warrant a major disaster declaration (under the criteria for either Public Assistance or Individual Assistance). The entire process is accomplished on an expedited basis and a FEMA decision is rendered in a matter of hours. The FMAG Program provides a 75 percent Federal cost share for eligible emergency response and fire suppression costs.

The City of Kirkland’s Tourism Program is offering the 2025 Event Grant Funding Program, aiming to attract visitors from 50 miles or more to Kirkland. This initiative is designed to bolster Kirkland's tourism environment and sustain the Tourism Program budget through revenues generated from overnight stays. Funds will be allocated for the marketing and operations of special events and festivals specifically crafted to draw tourists to the city, with distribution occurring on a reimbursement basis. The Kirkland Tourism Development Committee (TDC) has earmarked at least $60,000 for 2025, continuing a program that has awarded over $700,000 to tourism events and programs in the past. While new events are looked upon supportively, events with a proven track record of attracting visitors to Kirkland will also receive serious consideration. This strategy ensures both innovation and proven success are factored into the funding decisions. The target beneficiaries are organizations planning special events and festivals in Kirkland that can attract tourists. The impact goal is to increase the number of visitors traveling for business or pleasure who stay overnight in Kirkland, thereby enhancing the local tourism economy. The program prioritizes events that demonstrate a clear potential to draw visitors from outside a 50-mile radius. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in tourism-related activities and revenue in Kirkland. Applicants are required to provide estimates of how the received funds will lead to an increase in the number of visitors. Post-award, organizations are legislatively mandated to report on their success in attracting these visitors. All funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis, contingent upon the submission of a Tourism Funding Expenditure Report Worksheet and a Tourism Funding Reimbursement Form, ensuring accountability and measurable results for the program.

The City of Arlington is offering grants to public and non-profit agencies for projects that foster economic development and tourism within the city. This grant program aims to enhance the local economy and promote Arlington as a desirable destination. The funding available for these grants is $175,000, and awards will be allocated proportionally based on application scores, with higher-scoring projects receiving a larger share of the total funding. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are public and non-profit agencies that can demonstrate projects promoting economic growth and tourism. The impact goals are centered around increasing tourism, supporting local events, and improving tourism-related facilities. This will ultimately benefit the City of Arlington by boosting its economy and improving the quality of life for its residents through enhanced amenities and attractions. The program prioritizes several key areas for funding. These include tourism marketing initiatives, the marketing and operations of special events and festivals, the operation of tourism-related facilities owned by non-profit organizations, and the operations and capital expenditures of tourism-related facilities owned by municipalities. These focus areas are designed to directly contribute to the program's overarching goals of economic development and tourism promotion. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in tourism activity, successful execution of special events and festivals, and the improved operation or development of tourism-related infrastructure. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the proportional funding allocation based on points, the requirement for a 25% project cost match indicates a commitment to projects with significant investment and potential for impact. Applicants are expected to provide details that will allow for the evaluation of the proposed project's benefits.

The Public Works Board (Board) Broadband program is authorized by state statute (RCW 43.155.160). Its purpose is to loan and grant funding to promote the expansion of broadband access to unserved populations in rural and urban communities across the state. $2 million per project loan/grant award limit with a 50% match. Projects in financially distressed areas and Indian country may receive up to 90% of the total project cost for a total not to exceed $5 million.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking grant proposals from applicants interested in conducting projects that will benefit some of Washington’s most imperiled wildlife. The Wildlife Diversity Grant Program aims to support recovery actions for a suite of Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) that are state-listed or candidates for listing. Grant funding can also be awarded for projects aimed at collecting data and information on species abundance, distribution, and habitat associations with priority for those whose habitats are under significant threat of incompatible development, land use, or resource management. Funding for the Wildlife Diversity Grant program comes from a significant investment by the state legislature to restore and protect biodiversity in Washington, and the Department expects this funding to be available in future biennia to continue this grant program. Priority Activities for Funding Priority activities include: Implementing recovery and conservation actions for eligible Washington endangered, threatened, sensitive, and candidate species that directly and measurably benefit species populations. These projects contribute to increased species abundance, distribution, population health, or clear abatement of direct threats. Collecting data and information on the abundance, distribution, habitat associations, or natural history of eligible state endangered, threatened, sensitive, and candidate species, with additional priority given toward species whose habitat is under significant pressure from development, land use, or resource management (i.e., shrubsteppe, eastside forest, prairies, and oak woodlands). Completing direct actionable steps toward achieving increased populations of eligible species (e.g., conservation translocation feasibility studies) or baseline data collection (e.g., developing survey protocols or assessing habitat use) for eligible species. Ineligible activities include habitat restoration, conservation easements, land acquisition, outreach and education, and projects that primarily target benefits for species outside the WDFW Wildlife Diversity Division’s scope of responsibility, including fish, aquatic invertebrates, wolves, and harvested wildlife. Review the grant opportunity announcement for more details on priority, eligible, and ineligible activities for inclusion in grant proposals, including a list of eligible species. How to apply Grant applicants must email their complete proposal to WildlifeDiversityGrants@dfw.wa.gov no later than 11:59 pm on May 5, 2024. Please refer to the grant announcement for instructions on the required application components and their formats. Agency contact info Questions and communications concerning this grant opportunity may be directed to: Jenna Judge Wildlife Diversity Assistant Division Manager Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife WildlifeDiversityGrants@dfw.wa.gov

This funding opportunity provides financial support for youth sports and activity scholarships, as well as equipment purchases, to organizations serving low to middle-income families in Spokane, particularly those from historically marginalized communities.

The Washington State Department of Commerce's Community-Based Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative is seeking funding proposals to establish Community Safety Councils aimed at reducing gun violence and enhancing community safety. This grant aligns with a mission to support comprehensive, evidence-based violence intervention and prevention strategies. These strategies are designed to prevent and reduce violent crime in communities, disrupt cycles of violence, address trauma, provide opportunities, and mitigate the underlying physical, social, and economic conditions that contribute to violence. The target beneficiaries for this initiative are under-invested counties and communities within Washington State. Specifically, priority will be given to Snohomish, Grant, Pierce, Yakima, Spokane, and Clark Counties, as well as the Tri-Cities area (Benton and Franklin Counties). Additionally, one award will be designated for any federally recognized Tribe located in Washington. The impact goal is to empower these communities to build regional capacity for violence reduction through local efforts steered by Community Safety Councils. The program's priorities and focuses include assembling Community Safety Councils to lead local violence reduction efforts. This involves conducting a landscape analysis to understand local conditions and designing a tailored violence reduction plan. The initiative emphasizes multidisciplinary strategies that engage individuals and groups to prevent and disrupt violence, while connecting them with community assets that deliver vital services. Expected outcomes include the establishment of robust regional capacities for gun violence reduction in the selected communities. Measurable results will stem from the efforts of the Community Safety Councils, which are tasked with developing and implementing specific violence reduction plans. The grants, available up to $100,000 each, will directly support these local efforts to reduce violent crime, address trauma, and foster safer environments. The foundation's strategic priorities are to prevent and reduce violent crime through community-based interventions. The theory of change posits that by investing in local entities to assemble Community Safety Councils, these communities will be better equipped to analyze their specific needs, design targeted interventions, and implement evidence-based strategies. This approach aims to disrupt cycles of violence, provide essential services, and ultimately improve the safety and well-being of residents.

This program provides financial support to non-profit organizations and school districts in Grays Harbor County for initiatives that benefit youth, focusing on creating or enhancing programs for children aged 18 and under.

Program: Housing Repair Program Funder: City of Federal Way Award Details: The Housing Repair Program offers financial assistance to lower-income homeowners in the City of Federal Way. Eligible homeowners can receive up to $20,000 per property for urgent repairs that are necessary to ensure the health and safety of residents. For owned manufactured homes on leased land, the maximum amount available is up to 50% of the home's value, not exceeding $5,000. The program is funded by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Eligibility: To qualify for assistance, applicants must be owner-occupants of a single-family or mobile home within the municipal boundaries of the City of Federal Way. Their gross annual income should not exceed 80% of the King County Area Median Income (AMI), adjusted for household size. Applicants must provide proof of homeownership, current homeowners insurance, and being current on property taxes and mortgage payments. Certain improvements may be ineligible or beyond the scope of the program and may be referred to additional partners. Other Information: Repairs covered under the program include roof repair or replacement, furnace repair or replacement, water heater repair or replacement, plumbing repairs, electrical repairs, exterior door repairs for safety, ADA accessibility improvements, and other emergency repairs authorized by City Staff. The program aims to preserve existing housing stock, revitalize neighborhoods, conserve property tax base, expand housing alternatives, encourage neighborhood improvements, remove health and safety hazards, and reduce utility costs. Link to Apply: [Housing Repair Program Application](https://www.cityoffederalway.com/sites/default/files/Documents/Department/CD/ComSvc/Housing%20Repair/2023%20Housing%20Repair%20Program%20Application.pdf)