Matching grants for nonresidential youth recreational facilities. The 2003 Legislature created the Youth Recreational Facilities program to award state grants to defray up to 25% of eligible capital costs for the acquisition, construction and/or major renovation of nonresidential youth recreational facilities.
Funding availability
We appreciate your patience as we review all of the projects that have applied for funding to this program since the application cycle opened on April 14, 2026.
The initial review has begun and will be completed by June 12, 2026.
Applications who meet internal review requirements will be forwarded to our Youth Recreational Facilities Board for review and recommendation. Youth Recreational Facilities Board hearings are planned for the last week of July.
You can find more information about the 2027-2029 Youth Recreational Facilities Program Grant Funding Cycle under the Internal Resources section of this page.
Internal Resources
This is a reimbursement-style grant. Operating costs are ineligible. The grants are funded by the sale of state bonds. Awardees are selected through a competitive grant application process held every two years.
Applications are electronic and entered into ZoomGrants when the application round is open. Grant applications are screened by staff and then ranked by an advisory board.
Eligibility criteria:
- The ability to complete the project expediently
- The organizational capacity to run the facility effectively
- Community need
- Availability of other funding sources
The maximum grant award amount is $1,200,000.
External Resources
- Related law: 43.63A.135 RCW
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.