The Washington State Department of Commerce’s Community Capacity Initiative is accepting applications for FY2027 Capital Project Capacity-Building Grant Program. These grants will help eligible organizations strengthen their capacity and advance viable capital projects that directly benefit overburdened communities in Washington. Funding may support a critical next step in an early-stage capital project, including targeted technical assistance and predevelopment activities. Priority will be given to projects in overburdened communities that address housing, energy or infrastructure needs and to applicants and communities with limited financial capacity.
Applications are due at 3 p.m. Pacific time Friday, Oct. 30, 2026. Commerce will not accept late applications.
Who may apply
Awards will be made through a competitive process. Commerce anticipates awarding a limited number of grantees across the three applicant tracks, depending on the applications received, requested amounts, and available funding. Applicants must apply through one of three tracks:
- Washington local governments — up to $200,000
- Federally recognized tribal governments — up to $200,000
- Federally designated nonprofits registered in Washington — up to $50,000
Only one application may be submitted per eligible entity. Applicants should review the minimum qualifications and other eligibility requirements in the RFA before applying.
Anticipated grant period
Funded activities are expected to take place from January through June 2027. Awards are contingent upon successful contract negotiations and execution.
How to apply
Download the RFA and all exhibits including the application form for your track from the official RFA folder. Use the online submission form to upload your complete set of documents before the application deadline.
Optional pre-application conferences: Wednesday, Sept. 23
Commerce will hold a virtual overview for each track. Attendance is not required to
apply.
- For Local Governments- Wednesday, September 23, 2026 10:00-10:30AM Pre-registration link for local governments pre-application conference
- For Federally Recognized Tribal Governments- Wednesday, September 23, 2026 1:00-1:30PM Zoom link for tribal governments- no registration required. No recording.
- For Federally Designated Nonprofits- Wednesday, September 23, 2026 3:30-4:00PM Pre-registration link for federally designated nonprofits pre-application conference
Questions
Submit questions through the online RFA question form by Oct. 9, 2026. Commerce will post answers and any RFA amendments on this page. Staff can’t advise individual applicants on how to answer application questions.