Washington Grants

This program provides funding to non-profit organizations, civic groups, and neighborhood groups in Ellensburg to address local needs and enhance community capacity through various projects.

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.

This program provides financial assistance to owners of historic buildings, non-profits, and community groups in Ellensburg, WA, to help preserve and restore historic properties and murals.

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 U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner to support a study of grassland bird communities under a changing climate. Over the last half-century, populations of grassland birds declined by more than any other bird group in North America. This is because native grasslands have largely been converted to agricultural row crops, and the remaining prairies have become degraded through altered fire regimes, woody encroachment, the spread of invasive plants, and human development. Land managers and conservation organizations are racing to preserve and restore these ecosystems to stem further loss of grassland birds. Given limited resources, bird habitat models are needed to help managers prioritize where conservation efforts will be most effective. In addition to habitat loss and degradation of native grasslands, increasing greenhouse gas emissions will likely change temperatures and rainfall patterns across the Great Plains. This changing climate is expected to alter vegetation communities and the bird species that depend on them. To date, predictions of bird response to a changing climate have focused on changes in temperature and precipitation, but vegetation productivity also depends on factors such as vegetation type and soils. By studying how vegetation influences grassland birds across the western Great Plains, are creating maps of projected bird distribution, given vegetation and land-use change under multiple future climate scenarios. Predictive bird distribution maps will help land managers and other decision-makers understand how the site-level projects fit within regional and climatic contexts. A web-based application and raining modules accompanying these maps will increase capacity among Federal, State, Tribal, and private partners in their conservation planning under a changing climate.

This grant provides funding for nonprofit organizations to undertake projects that conserve, preserve, or restore the environment in specific regions of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.

The Ellensburg Community Grant Program offers a water quality-focused grant to support community-based projects aimed at improving or protecting surface water quality. Funded by the Stormwater Utility, this grant aligns with the broader mission of fostering a healthy environment where water quality sustains diverse organisms and safeguards public health. The program provides funding for community groups to engage in outreach, education, assessments, planning, implementation, prevention, and control initiatives specifically targeting the city's surface water. The grant targets eligible volunteer groups, including youth, seniors, non-profit organizations, and educational organizations. While business and governmental partners are encouraged to participate, they cannot be the primary applicants. The overarching impact goal is to improve stormwater quality within Ellensburg city limits. Projects are expected to demonstrate tangible improvements in surface water quality, educate a significant and diverse portion of Ellensburg's population about water quality and protective actions, and promote best practices to reduce or eliminate adverse impacts on water quality. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrably improve surface water quality, educate residents on water quality and actions to protect it, and teach best practices to minimize water quality impacts. Examples of eligible projects include public outreach and education, yard care initiatives, and litter pickup, all aimed at benefiting stormwater quality within the city. Projects must be situated within city limits, and if on publicly owned property, an agreement addressing various terms, including the use of minors as volunteers and hold harmless clauses, will be required. A total of $10,000 is available for this grant cycle. Expected outcomes include a more informed community regarding water quality issues, a reduction in pollutants impacting surface waters, and a greater adoption of environmentally sound practices. The program’s theory of change is that by empowering and funding community groups to engage in direct action and education, Ellensburg can achieve measurable improvements in its surface water quality, thereby enhancing ecological health and public well-being. Grant funds explicitly prohibit projects that involve or promote the use of alcohol.

The Whidbey Community Foundation's Community Health Grant Program aims to enhance the quality of life on Whidbey Island by addressing various factors that influence health and well-being. This grant program directly aligns with the foundation's mission to support the community's health and vitality by focusing on the underlying determinants of health. The foundation understands that health is influenced by a broad spectrum of factors, from individual behaviors to broader societal and environmental conditions, and seeks to fund initiatives that create a comprehensive positive impact. The program targets organizations that operate with a charitable status or for a charitable purpose on Whidbey Island, with the ultimate goal of benefiting all residents by improving their health and overall living conditions. The impact goals are centered around fostering a healthier community by addressing disparities and promoting equitable access to resources that contribute to well-being. By supporting a diverse range of projects, the foundation anticipates measurable improvements in the health behavior, clinical care access, social and economic stability, and physical environment for those living on Whidbey Island. The Community Health Grant Program prioritizes four key areas for funding: Health Behavior (including alcohol and drug use, diet and exercise, and tobacco use), Clinical Care (health care access and quality), Social and Economic Factors (education, employment, income, family and social support, and community safety), and Physical Environment (air and water quality, housing, and transit). These areas reflect the foundation's strategic priorities, recognizing that an integrated approach across these domains is essential for creating sustainable health improvements. The foundation's theory of change posits that by investing in these interconnected areas, they can collectively empower individuals and strengthen community systems, leading to a healthier, more resilient Whidbey Island. Organizations can request up to $10,000 for a Community Health Grant, emphasizing accessible funding for local initiatives. While the grant duration is not explicitly mentioned, the focus is on supporting projects that can demonstrate meaningful progress within their operational scope. The expected outcomes include a reduction in negative health behaviors, improved access to quality healthcare services, enhanced social and economic stability for vulnerable populations, and a healthier physical environment for all residents. The foundation encourages applicants to propose initiatives that will yield tangible and measurable results, contributing to the overall health and vitality of Whidbey Island.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in the greater Seattle area that provide essential services to low-income children, families, and seniors, as well as offering capital grants to churches and scholarships for educators and clergy.

The Whidbey Community Foundation (WCF) Capacity-Building Grant program is designed to strengthen the organizational effectiveness of nonprofits operating on Whidbey Island. This aligns directly with WCF's mission to support the foundational strength of these organizations, believing that robust internal capacity directly translates to more effective programs and services for the community. The grants are specifically for one-time projects that address an organization's strategic plan to improve management, governance, and administration, rather than funding direct programmatic improvements. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are nonprofits with charitable status or purpose on Whidbey Island. The overarching impact goal is to enhance the overall effectiveness and sustainability of these organizations. By investing in internal capacity, WCF aims to create a ripple effect, where stronger organizations are better equipped to serve their own beneficiaries and achieve their missions more effectively. The program prioritizes projects that contribute to an organization's long-term health and efficiency. Specific areas of focus include evaluation of core programs, staff or board training, assessment and implementation of technology upgrades, various types of planning (HR, succession, fundraising, financial sustainability), merger planning, and the development and implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. Projects that are not eligible include operating costs (other than those related to the capacity-building project), expansion of existing programs, creation of new programs, brick-and-mortar projects, endowment campaigns, pass-through grants, or grants to cover lost funding or budget deficits. Expected outcomes include improved organizational management, enhanced governance structures, and more efficient administrative processes. Measurable results could include, for example, a successfully implemented new technology system, a completed strategic HR plan, or a more diverse and inclusive board following training and policy development. The foundation's strategic priority is rooted in a theory of change that posits by strengthening the internal capacity of its grantees, WCF indirectly but powerfully strengthens the vital programs and services these nonprofits provide to the Whidbey Island community. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, with most falling between $1,000 and $5,000, and the deadline for applications is August 31, 2024.

The Ellensburg City Council, through its Community Grants Program, aims to bolster community initiatives that address local needs and enhance the City of Ellensburg's capabilities. This program seeks to align with the city's broader mission of fostering a healthy, resilient, and engaged community by supporting projects that contribute to its overall well-being and development. The target beneficiaries for this grant program include non-profit organizations, civic groups, neighborhood groups, and partnerships among individuals and/or groups within the City of Ellensburg. The impact goals are to strengthen community health, environmental stewardship, and social networks, while also promoting civic engagement. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly outlined as fostering civic engagement and involvement, developing solutions that steward the community's health, environment, and social network/resiliency, and creating programs that build community assets and provide outreach through education and information. Expected outcomes include enhanced civic participation, tangible improvements in community health and environmental quality, and a more robust social fabric within Ellensburg. Measurable results would stem from the successful completion of projects within the two-year grant period, demonstrating progress in the identified goal areas. The program implicitly operates under a theory of change that by supporting grassroots efforts and local organizations, the city can achieve sustainable improvements in key community indicators. The foundation's strategic priorities are to empower local groups to address challenges directly and to build the capacity of the city to meet its evolving needs. This is achieved by funding projects that are locally driven and contribute to long-term community benefits. The program's design, which emphasizes broad eligibility and a focus on essential community pillars, reflects a belief that collective action and local innovation are crucial for enduring positive change within the City of Ellensburg.

The Legal Foundation of Washington’s (LFW) Native American & Tribal Communities Grant aims to strengthen civil legal aid services for Native and Tribal communities in Washington State. This initiative aligns with LFW's broader mission to support civil legal aid for low-income families. The grant is designed to be culturally responsive, developed in partnership with Kauffman and Associates, a Native and woman-led consulting firm, and includes an application review panel of community experts and ongoing technical assistance to ensure its effectiveness and cultural relevance. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are low-income Native American clients in Washington State, with a focus on expanding civil legal aid programming within these communities. The program prioritizes investing in Indigenous models and approaches to civil justice, fostering long-lasting legal aid infrastructure, and building partnerships and support for Native and Tribal communities. The LFW aims to elevate promising legal aid strategies through collaborative learning, ensuring that the services provided are both effective and culturally appropriate. Eligible grant activities include peacemaking civil courts utilizing traditional restorative practices, partnerships between Tribal Courts and pro bono volunteer attorney programs, and culturally responsive legal clinics embedded in trusted community-based organizations. LFW funds civil legal aid programs serving low-income families in Washington State, and eligible applicants include Tribal Nations, Tribal agencies, Tribally chartered nonprofits, Native-led nonprofits, nonprofits serving Native American clients, and collaborative proposals among these entities. LFW expects to award 5-10 grants, ranging from $100,000 to $750,000 each, with a total grant size of $500,000 to $1 million. The grant term is three years, from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027. The expected outcomes include expanded access to civil legal aid, the implementation of culturally responsive legal practices, and the development of robust, community-driven legal aid infrastructure that addresses the specific needs of Native and Tribal communities in Washington State. Through these efforts, LFW aims to achieve measurable results in increasing access to justice and improving legal outcomes for low-income Native Americans.

The Waccamaw Community Trust Fund, established by the Waccamaw Community Foundation, is currently accepting applications for grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, with individual awards capped at $5,000. This grant program is designed to support a broad spectrum of causes that ultimately aim to enhance the lives of individuals and families residing in Horry and Georgetown counties in South Carolina. The Foundation's mission, as evidenced by this fund, is deeply rooted in local community improvement, focusing on practical support for various non-profit activities. Funding is available for crucial operational aspects such as equipment and supplies, general operating support, and specific special projects or programs. The grant's target beneficiaries are the residents of Horry and Georgetown counties, with an overarching impact goal to improve their quality of life. While the grant duration is not explicitly mentioned, the emphasis is on immediate and sustained community benefit, with a preference for initiatives that can continue after the Foundation's support concludes. The Waccamaw Community Foundation prioritizes proposals that demonstrate sensitivity to emerging needs, offer innovative solutions to existing problems, or initiate promising pilot projects. A key focus is on reducing costs and increasing efficiency for nonprofit organizations, as well as directly impacting those in need. The Foundation also looks for clear plans for continued funding beyond its initial support, indicating a strategic priority on sustainable and long-term positive change. Eligibility for the grant program is strictly defined. Applicants must be IRS-determined 501(c)(3) public charities, government agencies, or recognized houses of worship that are exempt from income tax. Furthermore, organizations must provide programs and services within Horry and/or Georgetown counties and adhere to non-discrimination policies based on age, sex, race, color, sexual orientation, national/ethnic origin, or disability. This commitment to equitable service provision and local impact forms a core part of the Foundation's theory of change, believing that targeted and well-supported local initiatives lead to significant community-wide improvements.

The Ellensburg Arts Commission (EAC) invites artists and organizations to submit funding requests for art projects FOR 2025 within the City of Ellensburg. This grant program, with funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, aligns with the EAC's mission to enhance projects that involve community members or organizations in the design, concept, or creation of artwork. The EAC's support aims to foster a vibrant arts community and provide public benefit through artistic endeavors, as grants are part of their annual budget and approved by the City Council. The primary target beneficiaries are individual artists, groups of artists, and arts organizations in the performing or visual arts fields, who are 18 years of age or older. The impact goals include supporting the development of new artwork, facilitating arts-related events, promoting the interpretation of existing artwork, and encouraging the presentation of new artworks or collections. Through these initiatives, the EAC seeks to enrich the cultural landscape of Ellensburg and make art accessible to its residents. The program prioritizes projects based on budget feasibility, the candidate's experience, artistic merit, and public benefit. Funds must be expended for a legitimate municipal purpose, demonstrating a tangible benefit to the community. This includes commissioning or purchasing artwork for public benefit or sponsoring public performances. The EAC places a high priority on programs that best reflect its mission and core values, and directly serve the residents of Ellensburg. Expected outcomes include an increase in community engagement with the arts, the creation of diverse new artworks, and the presentation of various arts-related events. Measurable results could involve the number of projects funded, the reach of public art initiatives, and the number of community members participating in or benefiting from these projects. The EAC also requires acknowledgement of their funding through the inclusion of their logo in publicity and event-related collateral for sponsored projects. The EAC's strategic priorities are rooted in supporting arts programs and projects that merit public funding, recognizing that these grants are supported by public tax dollars. Their theory of change is that by investing in local artists and arts organizations, they can stimulate cultural growth, provide educational opportunities, and enhance the overall quality of life for Ellensburg residents. Eligible expenses for individual artists are between $1,000 and $2,500 and for arts organizations, they are between $1,000 and $2,500. These expenses include professional development, rental/purchase of materials, and promotional/marketing materials. The program encourages annual applications and emphasizes transparency and accountability, with guidelines such as not considering incomplete forms and potentially requesting a project explanation at an Arts Commission meeting. This structured approach ensures that public funds are utilized effectively to foster artistic expression and community enrichment in Ellensburg.

The US Geological Survey is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research in the following research area: improving methods to model, map, and analyze predictions of habitat suitability and suitability for abundance of both well-established and emergent invasive plant species under current and future scenarios. The research will be used to develop modeling software, improve model transferability, analyze spatial patterns of model uncertainty, and optimize the development and delivery of model results to practitioners charged with the management of invasive species.

The Washington State Department of Commerce's Blended Capital Enhancement Grants are part of the Community Reinvestment Project (CRP), a new initiative aimed at reducing wealth disparities within Black, Latine, and tribal communities through asset building. The program seeks to support by-and-for lending agencies, businesses, and organizations that serve these specific communities. The overarching mission is to make it easier for these communities to access financial support from local organizations and businesses, fostering economic empowerment and equity. The grant program targets Black, Latine, and tribal communities across Washington state, as well as the lending agencies, businesses, and organizations that are either led by and for these communities, or are partnered with such entities. The impact goals are centered on facilitating homeownership, supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, providing money management and business training, assisting with the acquisition of commercial property and business assets, and helping individuals reduce debt and increase savings through matching funds. These goals directly address key areas of wealth accumulation and financial stability. The program prioritizes funding for a variety of initiatives including new construction loans ($5 million), home expansion loans (including Accessory Dwelling Units or ADUs) ($6 million), business startups and expansions ($5 million), and consumer loans (such as credit consolidation, car refinancing, or emergency expenses) ($1 million). The total funding available is $42 million. The focus is on creating accessible financial pathways and resources that have historically been less available to the targeted communities. Expected outcomes include an increase in homeownership rates within Black, Latine, and tribal communities, the growth and sustainability of small businesses and entrepreneurial ventures, improved financial literacy and money management skills among individuals, and a reduction in personal debt coupled with increased savings. These measurable results align with the broader strategic priorities of the Washington State Department of Commerce to foster economic development and reduce disparities. The theory of change suggests that by empowering local, by-and-for organizations with capital, they can more effectively deliver essential financial services and support, thereby directly addressing systemic inequalities and building lasting wealth within these communities.

The Washington State Department of Commerce (Commerce) is offering grant funding through its Community Reinvestment Project (CRP) to support community healer services. This initiative aims to address violence and its systemic roots, particularly in Black, Latine, and tribal communities, which have been historically impacted by the "war on drugs" and systemic injustices. The program aligns with a mission to foster holistic, trauma-informed, person and community-centered, and culturally responsive services. It emphasizes flexibility and low-barrier innovation to serve those in need of restoration, accountability, and healing, thereby supporting personal and intergenerational healing, burnout prevention, and repairing harm caused by systemic racism, anti-Blackness, and colonialism. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are individuals and communities affected by violence, with a specific focus on Black, Latine, and tribal communities, including urban Indians. The impact goals are centered on violence intervention and prevention, promoting healing, and addressing the long-term consequences of historical injustices. By supporting community healer services, the program seeks to create safer, more resilient communities where individuals can experience restoration and healing from trauma. The program's priorities and focuses include addressing violence that has disproportionately affected Black, Latine, and tribal communities due to the design and enforcement of state and federal criminal laws for drug possession. It prioritizes organizations led by and for these communities, including federally recognized tribal governments, tribal-led 501(c)3s, tribal-led community-based organizations, small businesses, non-profits, faith-based organizations, and grassroots community-led organizations. Geographic priority counties are Clark, King, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane, and Yakima in Washington State. Expected outcomes include providing culturally responsive services to people of all ages, identities, and abilities, fostering personal and intergenerational healing, and preventing burnout among community healers. Measurable results would likely focus on the reach and effectiveness of the violence intervention and prevention programs, the number of individuals served, and indicators of community restoration and healing. While specific metrics are not detailed in the provided information, the emphasis on accountability and healing suggests an outcomes-based approach. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are rooted in the belief that addressing the historical and ongoing impacts of systemic racism, anti-Blackness, and colonialism through community-led healing initiatives is crucial for violence prevention and community reinvestment. By empowering by-and-for organizations within impacted communities, the program aims to facilitate sustainable change and create environments conducive to healing and well-being. The tiered funding structure, ranging from $50,000 to $500,000, reflects a commitment to supporting organizations of varying sizes, from small-sized with annual budgets under $150,000 to large-sized with budgets over $1 million, ensuring broad access to funding for eligible entities. The project period is set to begin around August 15, 2024, and conclude on June 30, 2025, allowing for a concentrated effort within a one-year grant duration. Eligibility criteria underscore the commitment to community-led initiatives, requiring organizations to be a federally recognized tribal government, tribal-led 501(c)3, tribal-led community-based organization, or licensed to do business in Washington (with an exception for tribes). Additionally, eligible organizations must be registered with the Community Reinvestment Project as a by-and-for organization, ensuring that the healing services are deeply connected to and guided by the communities they serve.

The City of Maple Valley is offering grants to local agencies and organizations that provide services and events within the community, with a deadline of July 10, 2024. The program aims to support initiatives that contribute to the city's economic development, community engagement, and human services. The grants are categorized into Economic/Community Events and Human Services, reflecting the city's commitment to fostering a vibrant and supportive environment for its residents. The Economic Development Commission (EDC) and the City's Finance Committee are responsible for reviewing applications and allocating funds, ensuring alignment with municipal purposes such as community participation and economic development. The grant program targets non-profit corporations that can demonstrate significant value to the citizens of Maple Valley. For Economic Events, beneficiaries include organizations that attract regional, state, and national participants, bringing economic benefit to the city. Examples like the Lake Wilderness Triathlon and the Be the Hope Walk illustrate the type of events that align with this focus. Community Event grants are intended for organizations that attract local participants and spectators, such as the Maple Valley Youth Symphony and Maple Valley Days, emphasizing local engagement and cultural enrichment. Human Services grants support agencies dedicated to providing essential services to the community. The program prioritizes events and services that serve valid municipal purposes, specifically community participation and economic development. For Economic Events, the focus is on attracting visitors from outside Maple Valley to stimulate the local economy. Community Events prioritize local engagement and enrichment. Human Services grants are aimed at addressing critical community needs through direct services. The evaluation process for Economic/Community Events is managed by the EDC, which recommends organizations to the City’s Finance Committee. The Finance Committee directly oversees the Human Services grant process. Expected outcomes include increased community participation, enhanced economic activity within Maple Valley, and improved access to vital human services. Measurable results for Economic Events could include visitor numbers from outside the city and economic impact assessments. For Community Events, success might be measured by local attendance and resident feedback on community engagement. Human Services grant outcomes would likely be assessed by the number of individuals served and the impact of those services on community well-being. The City of Maple Valley's strategic priority is to invest in its community through initiatives that offer both economic and social returns, thereby strengthening the overall fabric of the city.

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 Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership, in collaboration with the City of Kennewick’s Community Development Department, has relaunched the Downtown Kennewick Façade Improvement Grant Program. This initiative aims to enhance the visual appeal of downtown Kennewick by fostering a cohesive image, promoting coordinated signage and store graphics, and complementing existing building façades. The program offers grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, with up to $25,000 per storefront, to support improvements. This program aligns with the broader mission of revitalizing and developing the downtown area, contributing to economic growth and community pride. The primary beneficiaries of this program are property owners and businesses within the designated target area of downtown Kennewick. The impact goals are centered on creating a more attractive and vibrant downtown environment, which in turn is expected to draw more visitors and customers, stimulate local commerce, and encourage further investment in the area. By improving the aesthetics of storefronts, the program directly addresses the need for a unified and appealing commercial district. The program prioritizes eligible improvements such as cleaning and painting, new awnings, canopies, and signs, gutters and downspouts, exterior wall repairs, building-mounted lighting, door and window repairs and replacements, and accessibility improvements. A key focus is on ensuring projects comply with the City of Kennewick Façade Improvement Program Underwriting Guidelines and are evaluated for consistency with an approved color palette by the Historic Downtown Kennewick Partnership’s Design Committee. The committee specifically encourages a sophisticated and restrained application of color, using vibrant hues for highlights and trim, and softer tones for main building elements. Expected outcomes include a visibly improved downtown area with enhanced curb appeal and a more unified architectural style. Measurable results will likely involve the number of storefronts that undergo renovations, the total investment leveraged by the grants, and potentially increased foot traffic or business activity in the revitalized areas. The underlying theory of change is that by investing in physical improvements and enhancing the aesthetic quality of downtown façades, the program will create a more inviting and economically dynamic environment, leading to increased community engagement and sustained revitalization efforts. The program’s strategic priorities are clearly focused on visual improvement and adherence to design guidelines to achieve these broader community development goals.