Washington Recreation Grants

Public Health – Seattle & King County is offering a grant of $100,000 to $500,000 for projects that support diverse youth mental health providers, particularly those connected to LGBTQIA and BIPOC communities, with the aim of increasing access to mental health resources, improving retention, and supporting diverse providers in King County, Washington.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community groups and organizations in Ellensburg for improving parks, trails, and recreational facilities to enhance public enjoyment and participation.

The City of Renton is offering a grant for projects promoting tourism and cultural activities in Renton, Washington, with funds to be used for marketing and promotional purposes, specifically targeting audiences 50 miles away or more, and is open to nonprofits and municipalities with a focus on overnight stays, economic benefit, and diversity.

The Nonhighway and Off-road Vehicle Activities program provides funding to develop and manage recreation opportunities for such activities as cross-country skiing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain bicycling, hunting, fishing, sightseeing, motorcycling, and riding all-terrain and four-wheel drive vehicles. A portion of the funding also is available for education and enforcement programs that encourage environmentally responsible use of the outdoors and for helping to minimize conflict between visitors through positive management techniques. Except for off-road vehicle facilities, activities supported by this program must be accessed via a non-highway road, which is a public road that was not built or maintained with gasoline tax funding. Non-highway roads are found most often in state and national forests and national parks.

The City of Battle Ground is offering grants aimed at stimulating economic growth by attracting tourists to the area. This program aligns with the City's mission to foster a vibrant community and create opportunities for local businesses and residents. By encouraging tourism, the City seeks to generate a positive economic impact, support local enterprises, and enhance the overall vitality of Battle Ground. The grants are a strategic initiative to leverage the potential of tourism as a driver for community development. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are organizations and businesses that can develop and implement programs, special events, and activities designed to draw visitors to Battle Ground. The impact goal is to increase the number of tourists, thereby boosting local spending, supporting job creation, and enhancing the City's profile as a desirable destination. This in turn contributes to the economic well-being of the entire community, from local shops and restaurants to service providers. The grant program prioritizes funding for the marketing and operational aspects of initiatives specifically designed to bring visitors to Battle Ground. This includes, but is not limited to, special events, ongoing programs, and activities that highlight the unique attractions and offerings of the City. Previous grants have supported a diverse range of projects, such as the development of wayfinding signs to enhance visitor experience, the creation of marketing materials to promote the City, and the operational costs of various events. The focus is on tangible projects that directly contribute to attracting and accommodating tourists. The expected outcomes of this grant program include an increase in tourist numbers, a measurable rise in local economic activity, and an enhanced reputation for Battle Ground as a tourist destination. Measurable results could include metrics such as event attendance figures, hotel occupancy rates, sales tax revenue increases, and the reach of marketing campaigns. The City's strategic priority is to create a sustainable tourism sector that continuously generates economic benefits and enriches the community. The underlying theory of change is that by investing in initiatives that directly attract visitors, the City can stimulate a positive economic cycle, leading to long-term community prosperity and improved quality of life for its residents.

The City of Walla Walla’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program aims to expand opportunities for low- and moderate-income citizens within the City of Walla Walla. This program aligns with a mission to improve community well-being through various initiatives. The funding amount is approximately $58,000, with individual grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, and a grant duration of one year. The 2025-2026 Program Year will run from April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026. The deadline for applications is September 6, 2024. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are low- and moderate-income persons residing in the City of Walla Walla. The program's impact goals are focused on addressing critical community needs in housing, public services, public facilities, neighborhood improvements, and economic development. All projects and programs funded through this grant must principally benefit these individuals. The program prioritizes a range of eligible activities designed to achieve its goals. These include housing rehabilitation, acquisition of real property, demolition, and utilities for housing projects. It also supports the construction, reconstruction, or installation of public facilities and infrastructure, such as parks, playgrounds, streets, sidewalks, and public buildings (excluding those for general government conduct). Furthermore, the grant focuses on public services like mental healthcare, substance abuse treatment, health care, childcare, transportation, youth programs, employment assistance, crime prevention, and fair housing counseling. Expected outcomes include improved living conditions through housing initiatives, enhanced public spaces and infrastructure, and increased access to vital public services for low- and moderate-income residents. The measurable results will be evaluated by the direct impact of these projects and programs on the target population, ensuring they meet a National Objective of serving low- and moderate-income individuals or areas. The foundation's strategic priority is to foster a more equitable and supportive community in Walla Walla, operating under the theory of change that by investing in these key areas, the overall quality of life and opportunities for vulnerable populations will significantly improve. Eligibility criteria for the CDBG program extend to nonprofits, for-profits, and government entities. Applicants must demonstrate that their proposed activities meet a National Objective, which specifically means serving low- and moderate-income individuals or areas. Additionally, the activities themselves must be eligible under CDBG guidelines. For more comprehensive information, interested parties are encouraged to visit the City of Walla Walla’s official website.

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.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Vancouver, Washington, to deliver essential supportive services and rental assistance for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, particularly those in Safe Stay and Safe Park sites.

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.

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.

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.

Medina Foundation Grant Program in Washington funds organizations that support positive pathways for youth, stabilization for families and individuals, and economic opportunities. The foundation prioritizes programs that help youth achieve positive outcomes, ensure basic needs are met, stabilize individuals and families, and provide economic opportunities such as job training, entrepreneurship, and financial education.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, schools, Native American Tribes, and government agencies in Whatcom County for projects that support youth experiencing homelessness and engage young people in environmental initiatives.

The City of Tacoma's 2025-2026 Neighborhood and Community Services Grant Program is soliciting proposals for service contracts aimed at supporting a wide variety of groups, including agencies and organizations that assist youth, seniors, and people experiencing homelessness. The program's overall mission aligns with enhancing community well-being and addressing critical social issues within Tacoma. The grant duration is two years, with a substantial funding size of over $1 million, specifically $8,000,000 to be distributed among various projects. The program targets several vulnerable populations and aims for significant impact. Key beneficiaries include individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness (including families, unaccompanied youth, and veterans), persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and domestic violence survivors. The impact goals revolve around increasing access to permanent, stable housing, reducing domestic violence, preventing at-risk youth involvement in criminal activity, improving health outcomes, and ensuring equitable food access for all Tacoma residents. There are eight prioritized service categories for the 2025-2026 funding cycle. These include Housing Services and Interventions, Encampment Response, Domestic Violence Reduction and Prevention, Building Resilience Against Violence and Exploitation (BRAVE), Health and Health Care, Equitable Food Access, and Complementary Services. Across all categories, a strong emphasis is placed on addressing racial disparities through tailored service delivery, collaborative service delivery, and trauma-informed, culturally competent practices. Specific geographical focuses for the BRAVE program include the Hilltop, Eastside, West of the Mall, and Hosmer communities, targeting individuals aged 30 and younger, particularly BIPOC young men, girls/women, justice-connected youth, and LGBTQ+ youth. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increasing access to permanent housing, enhancing public health and safety through encampment response, reducing family and intimate partner violence, decreasing youth involvement in criminal activity, improving health outcomes and equitable healthcare access, and providing nutritious food options. The program also seeks to foster housing stability, promote resiliency, and enhance life skills. The City's strategic priorities and theory of change are rooted in a holistic approach to community well-being, emphasizing collaboration, evidence-based practices, and culturally relevant services to create a more equitable and supportive environment for all Tacoma residents.

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office administers additional Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program categories to conserve natural areas, critical habitat, riparian corridors, and urban wildlife habitat, and to restore and enhance state lands. The program aims to secure habitat before it is lost and to support restoration where needed. Funding parameters vary by category. Riparian Protection requires a minimum request of 25,000 dollars with no cap. State Lands Restoration and Enhancement requires a minimum of 25,000 dollars and allows up to 1,000,000 dollars for a single site and 500,000 dollars for multi site projects. Urban Wildlife Habitat, Critical Habitat, and Natural Areas follow category rules as published. Eligible work includes land acquisition through perpetual or long term interests and associated incidental costs, development of low impact facilities such as paths, viewing shelters, restrooms, and interpretive elements, and restoration activities such as ecological restoration, shoreline work, fish passage improvements, and native plantings. Some categories allow habitat creation and site stewardship planning. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, towns, federally recognized tribes, nonprofit nature conservancies, special purpose and port districts, and state agencies, as defined per category. Projects are expected to deliver durable conservation outcomes and public benefit consistent with category requirements. Applications are due May 1, 2024 through the state’s process. Grant duration is not stated. Official information is available from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.

Created in 1964, the Boating Facilities Program provides grants to acquire, develop, and renovate facilities for motorized boats and other watercraft, including launching ramps, guest moorage, and support facilities. Typical Projects Renovating boat launches Adding guest moorage facilities Building parking, restrooms, and other boating amenities To apply for this funding, grant applicants must have completed a comprehensive recreation or conservation plan. Match Details Match may include the following: Applicant’s labor, equipment, and materials Appropriations or cash Bonds Conservation futures Corrections labor Donations of cash, land, labor, equipment, and materials Federal, state, local, and private grants Local agencies and special purpose districts must provide 25 percent match for each project, and at least 10 percent of the total project cost must be from a non-state, non-federal contribution. State applicants do not need to provide match. Tribes need to provide 25 percent match.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and agencies that address community needs in the Methow Valley, with options for both unrestricted operating support and program-specific funding.

The Washington Department of Commerce (COMMERCE) is seeking proposals for the Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program (ICAP), specifically focusing on Fusion Cluster development. This grant is designed to strengthen industry ecosystems and accelerate economic growth within Washington State by establishing it as a global leader in key industry sectors, supporting tech transfer and commercialization, accelerating new start-ups and scale-ups, growing businesses, and creating high-value jobs. The program also aims to increase export opportunities and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in business ownership and the workforce. COMMERCE has budgeted up to $242,500 for this project, with a preference for awarding contracts under $150,000 to Small or Veteran-Owned Businesses. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are fusion-related industry-led clusters or consortia interested in participating in Fusion Cluster development. The overarching impact goal is to develop a robust Fusion Cluster and produce a legislative report with recommendations for promoting and developing fusion energy in Washington State. This initiative leverages Washington State's existing high concentration of fusion energy companies, fostering "co-opetition" to solve shared industry problems through a dedicated fusion working group. The program's priorities and focuses include establishing Washington as a global leader in fusion energy, supporting technological innovation and commercialization, and fostering business growth and job creation across the state. A significant focus is also placed on developing a legislative report, indicating a strategic approach to influence policy and create a supportive regulatory environment for the fusion energy sector. The grant emphasizes long-term economic development and aims to expand the program over the coming decade to achieve its ambitious goals. Expected outcomes include a stronger fusion industry ecosystem, an increase in tech transfer and commercialization activities, a rise in new start-ups and scale-ups, and the creation of high-value jobs throughout Washington. Measurable results will likely include the number of businesses grown, increased export opportunities, and progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion metrics within the business ownership and workforce. The overall theory of change is that by strategically investing in and fostering collaboration within the fusion energy sector, Washington State can solidify its position as a global leader, drive economic growth, and create sustainable, high-value employment opportunities.

This grant provides funding to various organizations in Washington State to create outdoor education and recreation opportunities for underserved and historically excluded youth.