Washington Grants

This grant provides $100,000 over two years to grassroots organizations in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming that focus on building community power and leadership among diverse groups, with a priority for those led by BIPOC and working in rural or reservation areas.

The Building Communities Fund Program, administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce (WSMA), offers state grants to nonprofit, community-based organizations and Tribes. The program's core mission is to support the acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of nonresidential community and social service centers. Approved projects can receive reimbursement for 25% or more of their eligible capital costs, with the possibility of reduced nonstate match requirements under exceptional circumstances. This grant program aligns with a foundational mission of strengthening community infrastructure and enhancing service delivery, particularly in underserved areas within Washington State. The program specifically targets projects that will deliver services through social service and multipurpose community centers. A key focus is on facilities serving BIPOC and rural communities, as well as those located in "distressed communities" or serving a substantial number of low-income or disadvantaged persons. The impact goals are centered on improving access to essential services and resources for vulnerable populations, fostering community well-being, and addressing disparities in service provision across the state. By investing in these crucial community hubs, the program aims to create lasting positive change. Priorities for the Building Communities Fund include supporting nonresidential facilities that directly contribute to community service. Projects must be non-complete at the time of application, demonstrating an active need for state funds. Furthermore, applicants are expected to have made progress in a capital fundraising campaign, indicating a broader commitment to the project's success. The emphasis on LEED certification or an exemption from Commerce, along with the requirement to pay state prevailing wages, underscores a commitment to sustainable development and fair labor practices. These priorities reflect a strategic approach to ensuring that grant funds are utilized effectively and responsibly, leading to high-quality, impactful community assets. Expected outcomes of the program include a significant increase in the number of acquired, constructed, or rehabilitated nonresidential community and social service centers throughout Washington State. Measurable results would encompass the square footage of new or improved facilities, the number of individuals served by these centers, and the types of services offered. The program's strategic priorities are to enhance community resilience, reduce inequities, and provide vital resources to those who need them most. The underlying theory of change posits that by providing capital funding for essential community infrastructure, the state can empower local organizations to deliver more effective and comprehensive social services, ultimately leading to stronger, healthier, and more equitable communities.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide career development programs for Black youth aged 14-24 in designated NBA markets.

The Innovia Foundation's LaunchNW Rural Grant Program aims to "galvanize entire communities to ensure that every child finds belonging and travels their best journey from birth to career attainment." This initiative, initially implemented in Spokane County, is now expanding to rural communities in ten eastern Washington counties served by the Innovia Foundation. The program's core mission aligns with the foundation's broader goal of addressing changing community needs and generating sustainable, measurable change. By focusing on rural areas, LaunchNW extends the foundation's impact to underserved populations, fostering community-based solutions to support children's development from an early age through their careers. The target beneficiaries of the LaunchNW Rural Grant Program are the children and communities within the selected rural counties of eastern Washington. The program seeks to achieve significant impact by partnering with local leaders and various community sectors to provide funding and technical support. The primary goal is to empower these communities to create environments where every child can thrive, leading to improved educational outcomes, enhanced well-being, and ultimately, successful career attainment. This initiative reflects the foundation's theory of change, which posits that by investing in community-led efforts and fostering strong local partnerships, lasting positive change can be achieved at a systemic level. The program prioritizes communities that can establish a "community-based LaunchNW Coordinator" to facilitate local efforts. Grants of $30,000 are specifically allocated to partially support these coordinators for two years, highlighting the program's focus on building local capacity and leadership. The emphasis is on sustainable, measurable change, suggesting a commitment to long-term impact rather than short-term interventions. Innovia Foundation's strategic priorities include supporting public charities, federally recognized tribes, and public entities, ensuring that funding reaches legitimate organizations with clear charitable purposes. This approach underscores the foundation's commitment to responsible and impactful philanthropy. Expected outcomes include galvanized communities, enhanced belonging for children, and improved journeys from birth to career attainment. The program anticipates measurable results through the sustained efforts of community-based coordinators and the collaborative work of local leaders and various sectors. By providing two years of support for coordinators, the foundation aims to establish a strong foundation for long-term success and self-sufficiency within the participating communities. The program's design, which encourages applications from diverse eligible entities and allows for multiple grant applications, demonstrates Innovia Foundation's flexible and inclusive approach to community development.

The City of Gig Harbor is offering its 2025 Lodging Tax Grants, aimed at supporting tourism-related operations or marketing within the city. This program is funded by a percentage of hotel/motel taxes collected from lodging establishments within city limits, which the Department of Revenue then distributes back to the City of Gig Harbor. These funds are specifically designated for tourism-related capital facilities, non-event operations, and event marketing and operations, aligning with the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), Chapter 67.28, which details the use and reporting of tourism funds. The primary beneficiaries of this grant funding are non-profit organizations and municipalities that can demonstrate the ability to achieve specific tourism-related goals. The overarching impact goal is to stimulate economic activity through tourism. This includes increasing hotel/lodging occupancy within Gig Harbor by creating overnight stays and boosting the number of visitors traveling from more than 50 miles away, or from other states or countries. The program's strategic priority is to enhance Gig Harbor's appeal as a tourist destination, thereby generating economic benefits for the local community. The grant program focuses on activities and expenditures designed to increase tourism. This encompasses a broad range of efforts, including advertising, publicizing, and distributing information to attract and welcome tourists, developing strategies to expand tourism, operating tourism promotion agencies, and funding the marketing or operation of special events and festivals. All applications must include estimated outcomes, demonstrating how the proposed activities will lead to an increase in overnight stays and visitors from outside the 50-mile radius or from other states/countries. Expected outcomes and measurable results are central to this grant. Applicants are required to provide additional information in their applications to ensure that data on increased overnight stays and visitors is collected. The City of Gig Harbor Lodging Tax Advisory Committee evaluates proposals based on factors such as the estimated amount of lodging tax funds available, the thoroughness and completeness of the proposal, the percentage of the request relative to promotion budgets and overall revenues, projected economic impact (especially overnight stays), the applicant's financial stability, and their history of tourism promotion success. This rigorous evaluation process reflects a theory of change where strategic investment in tourism promotion directly translates to quantifiable economic growth and increased visitor engagement.

The City of Gig Harbor is offering 2025 Lodging Tax Grants to foster tourism and economic activity within its limits. This program is funded by a percentage of hotel/motel taxes collected from lodging establishments, with funds distributed by the Department of Revenue back to the City. These grants are specifically allocated for tourism-related capital facilities, non-event operations, and event marketing and operations, aligning with the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), Chapter 67.28, which details the use and reporting of tourism funds. The target beneficiaries for this program are non-profit organizations and municipalities that can demonstrate the ability to achieve specific tourism-related goals. The primary impact goals are to increase hotel/lodging occupancy within the City of Gig Harbor by generating overnight stays and to increase the number of visitors traveling more than 50 miles away to the city. All applicants are required to provide estimates on how their proposed activities will lead to these increases, including attracting visitors from other states or countries. The program's priorities and focuses revolve around maximizing tourism promotion and its economic impact. "Tourism" is defined as economic activity from tourists, encompassing sales of lodging, meals, tours, gifts, or souvenirs. "Tourism promotion" includes activities like advertising, publicizing, developing strategies to expand tourism, and operating special events and festivals designed to attract tourists. "Tourism-related facilities" are properties with a usable life of three or more years that support tourism, performing arts, or accommodate tourist activities. The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee considers various factors when making recommendations, including the estimated available funds, proposal thoroughness, financial stability of the applicant, and projected economic impact, particularly on overnight stays. Expected outcomes and measurable results are central to the grant program. Applicants must explicitly detail how their activities will result in increased overnight stays and an influx of visitors from over 50 miles away, or from outside the state/country. The City requires this data to be collected and provided in the lodging tax application. The Committee’s considerations, such as the projected economic impact and the applicant’s history of tourism promotion success, underscore the emphasis on tangible, positive results directly related to tourism growth and economic benefit for Gig Harbor.

This grant provides funding to registered non-profit organizations in Washington for specific projects that promote financial literacy, support low-income community members, and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The City of Redmond's 2025 Tourism Grants program is designed to foster tourism development and promotion within the city. This initiative aligns with the city's mission to attract visitors from outside a 50-mile radius, specifically prioritizing overnight guests. Funding for these grants is derived from a 1% lodging tax collected on hotel rooms in Redmond, ensuring that the program directly reinvests in local tourism efforts. The program aims to enhance Redmond's appeal as a destination through various events, tournaments, and promotions. The target beneficiaries for these grants include a wide array of public and private organizations with a demonstrated ability to execute proposed projects. This encompasses business, community, cultural, educational, entertainment, heritage, historical, and sports organizations, as well as galleries, museums, and visitor information bureaus. The primary impact goal is to increase the number of visitors to Redmond, thereby stimulating the local economy and enhancing the city's vibrant community. The program prioritizes projects that align with specific state statutes and city ordinances governing the use of Tourism Promotion Program funds. Key focus areas include tourism marketing, the marketing and operations of special events and festivals explicitly designed to attract tourists, and the operations of tourism-related facilities owned or operated by IRC 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations. Grants are competitive, evaluated by the Redmond Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) using official funding criteria and weighted scoring, with recommendations subject to City Council approval. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in tourism activity and overnight stays in Redmond. While the grant duration is not specified, projects must clearly define the services or initiatives to be implemented. The minimum awarded amount is $1,000, and grants cannot exceed 50% of the total project cost. The program's strategic priority is to leverage lodging tax revenues to sustainably grow Redmond's tourism sector, operating under the theory of change that targeted investments in tourism promotion and infrastructure will directly lead to an influx of visitors and associated economic benefits for the city.

The Pacific Coast Coalition is offering a grant of over $1 million for dairy processors in selected states to fund projects that diversify dairy product markets, promote business development, and encourage innovative use of regionally produced milk, with funds potentially used for planning, training, equipment, product development, and co-packing capabilities.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Benton and Franklin counties, Washington, for innovative projects that address community needs and enhance their mission.

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.

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.

The Washington State Department of Commerce is offering a grant program for affordable housing projects in its 2024 funding cycle, specifically targeting Homeownership projects. This Notice of Funding Availability and Solicitation (NOFA) aims to increase the affordable housing stock in Washington State by supporting applicants who create affordable housing units or undertake related activities. While the prompt asks for "foundation mission alignment" and "foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change," the provided information is from a government department, not a foundation. Therefore, I will align with the department's implicit mission of increasing affordable housing and its strategic approach to achieve this. The target beneficiaries of this grant are individuals and families seeking affordable homeownership in Washington State. The impact goals are to increase the availability of affordable housing stock and support various pathways to homeownership. The program prioritizes new construction projects, down payment assistance (DPA), and affordability subsidies. The Department of Commerce aims to facilitate the distribution of funds across the state by grouping projects into three geographic categories: Rural, King County, and Urban (not King County), with 30% of funds allocated to rural areas, demonstrating a strategic focus on equitable access across different regions. The grant program focuses on several key areas for applications, including down payment assistance, revolving loan funds (RLF), self-help projects, short-term production loans, and affordability subsidies for long-term or permanent affordable resale restricted programs like Community Land Trusts. This broad approach allows for diverse project types that contribute to affordable homeownership. The expected outcomes include a measurable increase in affordable housing units and greater access to homeownership opportunities for residents of Washington State. The measurable results will be tracked by the number of new affordable housing units created and the number of individuals or families assisted through various program types. The maximum award per homeownership project is $4 million for new construction and $2 million for DPA and affordability subsidies, indicating a significant investment in achieving these outcomes. The department's theory of change appears to be that by providing financial assistance and supporting various models of affordable homeownership, they can directly address the housing affordability crisis and increase the overall supply of affordable homes, thereby improving economic stability and community well-being across the state.

The City of Bellingham's Tourism Promotion Grants program aims to bolster economic activity within the city by attracting tourists. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to stimulate local commerce and development by encouraging visitor stays and expenditures. The program is designed to provide "seed money" for new events or marketing funds for ongoing events, with the overarching goal of increasing hotel stays and drawing more tourists to Bellingham. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are organizations and individuals hosting events or activities that have the potential to attract tourists to Bellingham. The impact goals are centered on increasing economic activity through tourism, specifically by "putting heads in beds" (hotel stays) and encouraging visitor spending. The program prioritizes activities that directly contribute to drawing tourists to the city, making funding contingent on this core objective. The grant program offers two distinct types: the Start-Up Grant and the Standard Grant. The Start-Up Grant is for events or activities that are three years young or less, allowing funds to be used for marketing and eligible operating expenses such as venue rentals, equipment rentals, a portion of rent, and the purchase of goods/supplies with prior approval. The Standard Grant is for events or activities that have been running for over three years, with similar eligible operating expenses. Both grant types explicitly exclude payroll, travel, alcohol, and equipment expenses. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in tourism-related economic activity, particularly in hotel occupancy and local spending. Measurable results would likely be tracked through metrics such as visitor numbers, hotel bookings, and event attendance, all contributing to the city's economic growth. The program's strategic priority is to maximize tourist attraction to Bellingham, and its theory of change is that by providing financial support for new and existing events that draw visitors, the city will experience a direct and positive economic impact from increased tourism.

The Green Transportation Capital Grant Program, administered by the Washington State Department of Transportation, aims to fund cost-effective capital projects for transit authorities. Its core mission is to reduce the carbon intensity of Washington's transportation system, aligning with broader climate action efforts supported by the state's Climate Commitment Act (CCA). The CCA's strategic priority is to decrease climate pollution, create jobs, and enhance public health, making this grant a direct mechanism to achieve these goals by investing in sustainable transportation solutions. The primary beneficiaries of this program are transit agencies within Washington state, including various city, county, metropolitan, public, unincorporated, regional, and special purpose district transit systems. The impact goals are centered on transforming public transportation infrastructure to be more environmentally friendly. This includes the electrification of transit vehicle fleets and the development of necessary supporting infrastructure, such as charging and fueling stations, and associated electrical system upgrades. The program prioritizes capital projects that directly contribute to fleet electrification and the transition to zero-emission transportation. Eligible projects encompass the acquisition of battery and fuel cell-operated electric vehicles, modification of facilities for electrification or hydrogen refueling, and the construction of new facilities that primarily support electrified fleets. Additionally, it covers essential upgrades to electrical transmission and distribution systems, in-house staff managing capital construction, and property rights acquisition for these projects. The expected outcomes and measurable results include a significant reduction in carbon emissions from the Washington transportation sector, directly contributing to the state's climate goals. Historically, the program has awarded between $12 million and $50 million per biennium, indicating a substantial investment in achieving these outcomes. The project period for most applications is two years (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027), with construction projects potentially extending to four years, allowing for tangible progress in transitioning to green transportation.

The City of Bellingham is offering a grant for parties capable of producing a special or unique public experience, referred to as a “signature event.” This grant aims to foster artistic and cultural impact within the local community and among visitors, celebrating Bellingham’s indoor food, restaurant, arts, and culture scene. While the specific foundation mission or strategic priorities are not explicitly stated as a separate entity, the City of Bellingham's Tourism Commission acts as the guiding body with clearly defined goals that serve a similar purpose, aligning with the broader civic objective of enhancing the city's appeal and economic vitality through tourism and cultural enrichment. The target beneficiaries include the local community of Bellingham, visitors (with an emphasis on Canadian tourists), and historically marginalized communities such as BIPOC and LGBTQIA+. The impact goals are multi-faceted, aiming to create meaningful artistic and cultural experiences, celebrate local culinary and arts scenes, promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, attract significant tourism (particularly overnight stays), generate secondary economic benefits, and foster a positive long-lasting impression of Bellingham/Whatcom County. The program also seeks to integrate new and emerging talent, ensuring a dynamic and evolving cultural landscape. The program prioritizes events that provide a unique and distinctive Pacific Northwest experience, avoiding replication of events found in larger cities like Seattle. A strong focus is placed on walkability, highlighting the food and restaurant scene, and incorporating local businesses, history, attractions, and environmental stewardship. Crucially, the program aims for the signature events to become self-sustaining within a few years, minimizing the long-term reliance on City funding. This reflects a strategic priority to seed initiatives that can ultimately thrive independently, contributing to the city's cultural and economic fabric for the long term. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in tourism, particularly from Canadian visitors, and a higher likelihood of overnight stays. The events are anticipated to generate numerous secondary economic benefits for local businesses. Success will also be measured by the artistic and cultural impact on the community, the level of diversity and inclusivity achieved, and the creation of a lasting positive impression of Bellingham. The long-term goal is for these events to become financially self-sufficient after three years, demonstrating a successful launch and sustainable operation, thereby contributing to the City's broader tourism and economic development objectives. Funding is committed for up to three years to provide seed money. Up to $100,000 is available for the first year, with approximately $70,000 for each of the following two years, for one or more signature events. Eligible expenses cover marketing and operational costs. Marketing activities include advertising, publicizing, and distributing information to attract tourists, as well as developing tourism expansion strategies. Operational expenses encompass typical event management costs such as supplies, equipment rentals, and venue fees. This financial structure supports the strategic objective of launching a new event and fostering its growth towards self-sustainability within the initial three-year period.

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 funding opportunity provides financial support to local and regional organizations in Columbia, Garfield, Walla Walla, and Umatilla counties that are dedicated to serving their communities.

This program provides financial support for nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Bellevue, WA, to fund capital projects and facility maintenance that enhance public access to the arts.