Foundations
2,244
Total Assets
$185.0B
Total Giving
$270.6B
Active Grants
1,736
National Rank
#19
Washington State Grant Programs: Clean Energy, Salmon Recovery, and Community Investment
Washington State stands at the forefront of grant-funded innovation, offering one of the most comprehensive and well-funded grant ecosystems in the Pacific Northwest. The state's grant programs reflect its deep commitment to environmental stewardship, clean energy transition, and equitable community development.
The Washington State Department of Commerce serves as the central hub for many of these initiatives, administering programs ranging from clean energy deployment grants to community development planning funds. With approximately $32 million available through the Clean Energy Grants program alone, Washington demonstrates its position as a national leader in leveraging state funding to address climate change while advancing economic opportunity for all residents.
Key State Programs
Clean Energy Grants Program
Approximately $32 million available through the Department of Commerce for deploying clean energy technologies, with awards ranging from $50,000 to $2,500,000. Prioritizes construction-ready projects that advance equity, resilience, and energy access, especially for tribes and overburdened communities.
Salmon Recovery Funding Board Grants
Managed by the Recreation and Conservation Office, this program has awarded more than $61 million to 155 projects statewide. Funds the restoration of degraded salmon habitat and protection of existing high-quality habitat to support species recovery and community resilience.
Energy Programs in Communities (EPIC)
A unit within the Department of Commerce that administers a diverse portfolio of state and federal funding to improve access to renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies, increase community resiliency, reduce energy burden, and advance environmental justice.
Growth Management Act (GMA) Planning Grants
Administered by the Department of Commerce, these grants support local government planning activities required under Washington's Growth Management Act, helping communities manage development while protecting natural resources and quality of life.
Microenterprise Statewide Grant Program
Through the Washington State Microenterprise Association, this program funds nonprofit organizations that provide business training, technical assistance, and financing access for small businesses with five or fewer employees. Recent rounds distributed $160,000 across 16 grants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of clean energy projects does Washington fund?
Washington's Clean Energy Grants program supports the deployment of clean energy technologies including solar, storage, and other renewable energy systems. The program prioritizes construction-ready projects that can start immediately and complete by June 2027. Goals include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing access to reliable and affordable energy, and advancing environmental justice, with special emphasis on projects benefiting tribes, overburdened communities, and vulnerable populations.
How can nonprofits access salmon recovery funding in Washington?
The Salmon Recovery Funding Board, managed by the Recreation and Conservation Office, provides grants for projects that restore degraded salmon habitat and protect existing high-quality habitat. Eligible applicants typically include local governments, tribes, conservation districts, and nonprofit organizations. Projects may include stream restoration, fish passage improvements, riparian planting, and land acquisition for habitat protection.
Are there small business grants available in Washington State?
Yes. The Washington State Microenterprise Association offers grants to nonprofit organizations that support small businesses with five or fewer employees through training, technical assistance, and financing. The Small Business Flex Fund provides direct loans with competitive interest rates to businesses with annual revenue under $3 million. The Department of Commerce also runs programs aimed at increasing access to capital for historically underserved small businesses.
What community development grants does Washington offer?
Washington's Department of Commerce administers Growth Management Act planning grants for local governments, Community Decarbonization Grants with $67 million available, and Green Jobs Grant Programs. The Recreation and Conservation Office also provides grants for developing and improving local and state parks, trails, and waterfront access. These programs collectively support sustainable community development across the state.
How do I find all available Washington State grants?
The Washington State Department of Commerce website (commerce.wa.gov) lists current funding opportunities across clean energy, community development, and economic programs. The Recreation and Conservation Office (rco.wa.gov) maintains a grant finder tool for outdoor recreation, salmon recovery, and conservation grants. For nonprofit-specific opportunities, organizations like Communities Rise and the Communities of Opportunity partnership maintain curated lists of funding opportunities.
Explore
Washington Funding Resources
Top Foundations
Largest Foundations in Washington
| # | Foundation | Assets |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gates Foundation | $78.7B |
| 2 | Gates Foundation Trust | $77.6B |
| 3 | Pivotal Philanthropies Foundation | $7.4B |
| 4 | Casey Family Programs | $2.7B |
| 5 | M J Murdock Charitable Trust | $2B |
Active Grants