The Capital Facilities Building Communities Fund Program awards state grants to nonprofit, community-based organizations to defray 25% or more of eligible capital costs to acquire, construct, or rehabilitate nonresidential community and social service centers. There is no minimum or maximum grant award amount.
The program was created by the Legislature in 2008 (RCW 43.63A.125) to provide a means of identifying qualified community and social service capital projects and providing capital support to nonprofit agencies and their partners to develop or improve these facilities. These investments will play a key role in improving the economic, social, and educational climate in distressed communities and other areas that serve low-income persons.
Funding availability
The 2025-2027 BCF funding round is now closed.
The 2027-2029 BCF funding round will open in the spring of 2026.
Resources
This is a reimbursement-style grant for capital construction projects only. Operating costs are ineligible. It is funded through the sale of state bonds (no federal funds). Awardees are selected through a competitive grant application process conducted every two years by the Department of Commerce. Applicant projects must be located in a distressed community or serve a substantial number of low-income or disadvantaged people.
Proposed project must offer three or more distinct activities that meet a single community service objective; for example, a food bank providing:
- Food for the needy
- Food program outreach
- Nutritional education
You also need to meet one of these criteria to be considered eligible:
The 2025-2027 on-line BCF Workshop was held on June 26, 2024. Our in-person workshops were held in Seattle on July 9, Spokane on July 10 and Yakima on July 16, 2024.
- 2025-2027 BCF Virtual Webinar Recording (Vimeo)
- 2025-2027 BCF Tribal Virtual Webinar Recording (Vimeo) – Available upon request for Tribal members only
- 2025-2027 BCF Virtual Webinar Slideshow (PPT)
When in doubt, ask us questions! Please call our staff at 360-725-3075 or email us at capprograms@commerce.wa.gov with any program questions you may have.