Washington Science and Technology Grants

The Washington State Department of Commerce is launching an accelerated cohort of its Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program (ICAP 2.5). This initiative is an economic development strategy designed to bolster industry ecosystems and stimulate economic growth across the state. The program aims to assist organizations in expanding cluster operations, fostering innovation in key sectors, and drawing in talent and capital. While not explicitly detailed as a "foundation mission alignment," the program's objectives clearly align with broader state economic development goals, serving as a strategic framework to enhance Washington's competitive advantage in global industry sectors. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are industry-led consortia/clusters that demonstrate a commitment to building successful clusters. These consortia must include academic membership, evidenced by a letter of commitment from a major university or community college within Washington State. Furthermore, eligible clusters must demonstrate over $500,000 in investment, which can include prospective federal funding. The program prioritizes clusters that are truly industry-led, ensuring that funding supports initiatives with strong private sector engagement and a clear path to market-driven innovation and growth. The program's priorities and focus areas are multifaceted, designed to strengthen Washington's economic landscape. Key goals include establishing Washington as a global leader in critical industry sectors, supporting technology transfer and commercialization, accelerating the growth of new start-ups and scale-ups, and expanding existing businesses. A significant focus is placed on creating high-value jobs across Washington, increasing export opportunities, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in both business ownership and the workforce. These priorities underscore a comprehensive approach to economic development that values innovation, job creation, and equitable growth. Expected outcomes and measurable results are integral to the ICAP 2.5. COMMERCE intends to award no more than 10 applications, with individual grants ranging from $50,000 to $150,000. The project period is tentatively set to commence around September 1, 2024, and conclude by December 31, 2024, indicating a short, high-impact performance window. The success of the program will be measured by its ability to drive cluster operations, innovation in key sectors, and the attraction of talent and capital, all contributing to the overarching goal of accelerating economic development and strengthening industry ecosystems. While a formal "theory of change" is not explicitly stated, the program's design implicitly operates on the theory that targeted investment in industry-led consortia will foster innovation, create high-value jobs, and ultimately establish Washington as a leader in key industry sectors, thereby increasing economic prosperity and global competitiveness.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Thurston, Lewis, or Mason counties that support youth mental health, particularly for underserved populations, through training and collaborative projects.

This grant provides funding for tourism-based marketing projects in Grays Harbor County, Washington, aimed at attracting visitors from outside the local area to promote overnight stays and tourism-related commerce.

This funding opportunity provides multi-year financial support to cultural organizations in Vancouver, helping them enhance their stability and capacity to deliver public arts, culture, heritage, or science programs that enrich the community.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to a variety of organizations in King County, Washington, to deliver community-based parenting programs, home-based family services, and developmental screening for families with children from prenatal stages to age five.

This grant provides financial support and mentorship to early-stage cleantech entrepreneurs in the Midwest who are developing innovative solutions to promote economic growth and environmental sustainability.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to non-profit organizations, government agencies, and tourism-related facilities in Grays Harbor County, Washington, to enhance festivals and events that attract tourists.

This grant provides funding to dental clinics in Washington State to improve access to culturally appropriate oral health care for underserved communities, particularly BIPOC populations, through capital projects and technology enhancements.

This funding opportunity provides unrestricted financial support to nonprofit organizations in Vancouver for innovative projects that enhance the local arts, culture, heritage, and science sectors.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in King County that provide technology-focused programs to empower underserved youth, helping them develop skills and career pathways in the tech industry.

This program provides funding to support projects that improve the competitiveness of Washington State's specialty crop industry, benefiting producers and processors through research, education, and marketing initiatives.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations and schools in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods for improving local football fields, ensuring safe and accessible play spaces for community youth.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Vancouver, Washington, for major projects that enhance or improve cultural spaces serving the community.

This program provides $1,000 grants to BIPOC small business owners in the Fourth Plain Corridor to help them purchase essential equipment that improves their operations and supports long-term growth.

This grant provides financial support to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington that focus on addressing basic human needs, community support, education, and enrichment programs.

This program provides financial support to new and emerging cultural and science organizations in King County, Washington, helping them build sustainable operations and enhance public access to arts and science.

This funding opportunity supports innovative projects in Washington state that convert industrial waste into valuable resources, encouraging collaboration among various sectors to promote sustainability and strengthen local economies.

This funding opportunity supports innovative cancer research projects in Oregon and Washington, particularly those that aim to reduce health disparities and increase diversity in clinical trials.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for a variety of clean energy projects in Washington state, prioritizing initiatives that benefit overburdened communities and enhance grid resilience.

This grant provides funding for conservation projects that restore and enhance habitats for monarch butterflies and other native pollinators, targeting nonprofit organizations, government entities, tribal groups, and educational institutions.