Washington Grants

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in the Western United States that implement high-impact, sustainable programs benefiting their communities.

The Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau receives funding from room tax revenues generated in unincorporated Clallam County, aimed at promoting and enhancing lodging nights in the region. The grant is designed to support tourism-related projects and events in Clallam County that attract overnight visitors. Grants are awarded with a focus on tourism promotion and marketing, as well as supporting appropriate special events. The available grant funds total $125,000 for 2024, typically not exceeding $7,500 per project/event, with a cap of $15,000 per annum per applicant organization. Grant renewed every year.

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 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 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.

The 2025 Social Services Grants, a collaborative effort between the City of Topeka and United Way of Kaw Valley (UWKV), aim to support critical social services for Topeka residents. These grants are funded through a combination of City General Funds and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds, reflecting a commitment to addressing the community's most pressing needs. The program's mission aligns with supporting vulnerable populations and enhancing the overall well-being of the city, targeting a broad range of social issues through strategic allocation of resources. The grant program prioritizes several key areas to achieve its impact goals. These include senior citizen neighborhood-based programming (meals, activities, transportation), medical assistance for low-income individuals, programs for at-risk youth, emergency housing and utility assistance, neighborhood and independent living services for persons with severe and persistent mental illness, and support services for non-English-speaking residents. The overarching goal is to stabilize lives, prevent emergencies, and provide essential aid to those in crisis, fostering a more resilient and equitable Topeka. Target beneficiaries for these grants are diverse, encompassing the elderly, children, disabled adults, homeless individuals, low-income families, and non-English-speaking residents residing within Topeka city limits. The grants are designed to support programs that either serve all Topekans or specific groups with specialized needs. Expected outcomes include improved access to vital services, enhanced quality of life for vulnerable populations, and reduced instances of hardship and crisis. Measurable results could include the number of individuals served, the types of services provided, and the demonstrated impact on beneficiaries' well-being. Approximately $492,000 will be available for Social Services Grants in 2025, with individual grant requests ranging from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $27,000. Eligible expenses cover operating costs, staff salaries, and direct service costs such as supplies, transportation, childcare, healthcare, substance abuse services, employment services, recreational services, and facility leases. Emergency income payments for shelter (rent, mortgage, utility) are also eligible, provided they do not exceed two months and are paid directly to the provider. Food, however, is not an allowable expense. The program emphasizes a one-year project and budget period for funded initiatives.

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office administers the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program to acquire recreation and habitat lands and to develop recreation areas for the state’s growing population. The program supports local and state parks, trails, water access, and restoration on state lands to enhance public outdoor recreation. Funding is available across categories such as Local Parks acquisition and development, State Lands development and renovation, and Water Access and Trails in accordance with program rules. Typical projects include buying land for parks, developing athletic complexes, renovating community parks, building regional trails and waterfront facilities, and developing state lands. Local Parks awards may reach 1,000,000 dollars for acquisition or combination projects, with up to 500,000 dollars for development costs, and 500,000 dollars for development only. State Lands development and renovation awards range from 25,000 to 325,000 dollars. Eligible applicants vary by category and include cities, counties, towns, federally recognized tribes, special purpose and port districts, and state agencies as specified in the program guidance. Eligible costs include land acquisition through perpetual or long term interests and a wide range of development features such as buildings, campgrounds, play areas, restrooms, roads and paths, and interpretive elements, subject to category rules. Applications are submitted through the state’s process by May 1, 2024. Grant duration is not stated. Proposals are assessed for alignment with category requirements and public benefit. Official information is available from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office administers the Farmland Preservation Grant program to purchase development rights on farmland so that it remains available for agriculture into the future. The program is part of the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program and was expanded by the Legislature in 2005 to include significant farmland preservation. Funding supports acquisition of conservation easements and related incidental costs, along with eligible enhancement and restoration that improve agricultural viability, and stewardship planning. Typical projects acquire easements on farmland threatened by development. Enhancement and restoration elements may not exceed one half of total acquisition costs including match, and farm stewardship plans may not exceed 10,000 dollars. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, nonprofit nature conservancy corporations or associations, and the State Conservation Commission. Ineligible activities include short term rights under 25 years, acquisition of land already owned by government, property obtained through condemnation, consumable supplies except for a one time application as part of restoration, elements not considered fixtures or capital items, cleanup of illegal activities, indoor facilities, operating or overhead expenses, purchase of maintenance equipment or supplies, restoration conducted before grant agreement, and transfer of development rights. Applications are due May 1, 2024 through the state’s process. Grant limits are not otherwise specified. Further details are available from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office manages the Land and Water Conservation Fund in Washington to preserve and develop public outdoor recreation resources. The federal program, created by Congress in 1965, provides financial assistance for acquisition and development of parks, trails, and wildlife lands. Typical projects renovate community parks and build facilities such as skate parks, tennis courts, swimming pools, trails, and athletic fields, while protecting habitat where appropriate. Eligible activities include land acquisition and development or renovation of outdoor recreation areas. Grant limits range from 200,000 to 2,000,000 dollars. Eligible applicants include local agencies, special purpose districts such as park and recreation districts, Native American tribes, and state agencies. All communities may compete for funding. Applications are due May 1, 2024 through the state’s process. Grant duration is not stated. Official program details are available from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.

The Washington Federation of Animal Care and Control Agencies offers grants funded by the "We Love Our Pets" License Plates, dedicated to supporting actual spay/neuter surgeries for dogs and cats within Washington State. Eligibility for this grant is restricted to member organizations of the federation. These grants are awarded quarterly, with application deadlines on March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 each year. Priority is given to organizations targeting specific groups such as cats, Pit Bull breeds and mixes, or other at-risk animal populations, pets of low-income owners, areas with limited access to these surgeries, communities with high euthanasia rates, those able to conduct the most surgeries at the lowest cost, and those that collaborate with other organizations. Applications are accepted quarterly with deadlines on March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. Priority is for organizations targeting specific groups and areas, demonstrating cost-effectiveness, and collaboration.

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

AgWest Farm Credit's New Producer Grant Program supports new agricultural producers who have two years or less of operational experience or plan to start their operation within two years of applying. The grant aims to alleviate the challenge of lacking start-up funds, celebrating the ingenuity and passion of new producers. Successful applicants will receive a one-time $15,000 grant to support their operation's growth. The grant focuses on applicants within AgWest Farm Credit’s territory who are not current lending customers and are U.S. citizens or lawful residents.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local organizations in northeastern Oregon and southeastern Washington for projects that enhance community services in areas such as education, public health, and cultural activities.

This funding opportunity provides up to $1,500 for urgent needs to government, Tribal, and non-profit organizations within specific counties in Oregon and Washington, excluding event sponsorships and operational budget support.

This program provides funding to non-profit organizations for innovative projects that improve the economic and social well-being of rural communities in several western states.

The "RFI: USAID/Washington Digital Health, Information Systems, and Data Use Request for Information" grant is a request for information from interested parties about anticipated activities in digital health, information systems, and data use, but it does not guarantee a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement award from the U.S. Government.

The City of Burien offers the Burien Neighborhood Grants Program to support resident initiated projects that improve quality of life, build community, and create lasting public benefits. The program encourages participation from youth groups, neighborhood associations, and informal groups of neighbors. The city may provide up to 5,000 dollars per project, to be matched by volunteer labor, donated materials, professional services, or additional funds. Eligible projects include tree planting and maintenance, minor park or trailhead improvements, environmental or sustainability projects, public amenities such as benches or markers, and community based events that foster neighbor connections. Projects must be designed for low maintenance and provide broad public access and benefit. Projects must be located within Burien city limits and involve at least two residents from separate households. Applicants must demonstrate neighborhood support, obtain approvals from adjacent property owners as needed, involve residents in all phases, and meet project completion timelines and permitting requirements. Projects must be on publicly accessed property and be free and open to the public. Applications are due May 1, 2024. Grant duration is not stated. Additional information is available from the City of Burien.

The Rocky Mountain Power Foundation offers grants to support arts and culture projects including arts festivals, cultural heritage, museums, music, theater/drama, and visual arts. These grants aim to enrich communities within the Rocky Mountain Power and Pacific Power service territories, which include Utah, Wyoming, Southeastern Idaho, Oregon, Central/Southeastern Washington, and Northern California. Applicants are encouraged to create an account and submit their proposals through the online grant application portal, focusing on projects that align with the foundation's mission towards education, civic and community betterment, culture and arts, and health, welfare, and social services. Grant renewed every year. Annual deadline: September 15th

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and government entities focused on improving safety and wellness through various community services, including mental health, disaster relief, and healthcare accessibility.