The Washington Diaper Program supports community-based organizations in distributing diapers, wipes and other essential baby products to families in need.
Program need
Millions of families in the United States need assistance purchasing diapers. According to the National Diaper Bank Network in 2023, 1 out of 2 families in the U.S. with young children cannot afford enough diapers to keep their child clean, dry and healthy.
- About 1 in 4 parents with diaper needs:
- Miss work or school because they can’t afford diapers required to leave their baby in childcare.
- Have skipped meals so that they could afford more diapers.
- Work additional jobs to afford more diapers.
- In Washington:
- 31% of children live in a family earning less than 200% of the federal poverty level.
- 27% of TANF families with at least one child is under the age of 3 .
- 21% of people eligible for the Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) program are infants.
- Without clean diapers, babies are exposed to potential health risks and toxic stress.
What this grant funds
Grants prioritize service providers that support low-income communities and racial equity. Funds may be used by diaper banks to purchase:
- Diapers for babies
- Baby wipes
- Diaper rash cream and ointment
- Infant formula or baby food
- Other baby essentials
Funding opportunities for organizations
This ongoing funded program received $5 million of state funds in the 2023-2025 biennium budget. It received $2.5 million for the 2025-2027 biennium. Commerce is no longer accepting applications for the WA Diaper Program grant.
- Application materials for the 2025-2027 Washington Diaper Program (on Box)
- WA Diaper Bank Program – FY 26-27 List of apparent successful applicants (PDF)
Updated timeline
- Evaluation: October 30 – December 19, 2025
- Conduct virtual presentation with finalists if required: January 6, 2026
- Announce “Apparent successful applicants” and send notifications to unsuccessful applicants: January 7, 2026
- Debriefing emails sent if requested between: January 7 – January 15, 2026
- Negotiate contracts: Beginning January 22, 2026
- Estimated earliest date contracts signed: January 23, 2026