OHY Program Grants

The Governor must finalize the state budget before a funding opportunity can open. The legislative session typically ends in late April in odd-numbered years after approving the biennial budget, and in mid-March in even-numbered years approving the supplemental budget.

Grant applications are usually issued in late April or May, however, there can be opportunities at other times of year. Subscribing for OHY updates is the best way to receive public notifications of funding opportunities, including complete application instructions and materials.

Notification timing varies depending on factors such as how much advance notice of potential legislation is known, how much program design is needed for new projects, how many other procurement processes are occurring, and other such questions. 

• Subscribe with the link on this page for OHY announcements via email
• Visit Contracting with Commerce for open funding opportunities
• Visit Washington Electronic Business Solutions (WEBS) for open state funded solicitations 

OHY grants are typically open to the following types of agencies that are licensed to do business in Washington:  

• Local governments 
• Local housing authorities 
• Nonprofit community or neighborhood-based organizations 
  • See the Housing Division By-and-For Application Type Assessment (SmartSheet) for more information
• Federally recognized Indian tribes in the state of Washington
  • See the Office of Tribal Relations webpage for more information
• Regional or statewide nonprofit housing assistance organizations 

1. Public notice is published at the start of a funding opportunity and includes complete application instructions and materials for each grant. 
2. An informational webinar is hosted approximately one week after the opportunity opens. It will be recorded and posted online. Webinars provide an overview of grant goals, requirements and process for applying. OHY encourages both administrative and programmatic staff to watch to best understand how to successfully apply for funds and implement services. 
3. Only questions asked according to the process outlined in the application will be answered including: 
   • Communicated through the identified Coordinator only 
   • Within the designated Q&A period, open for at least 2 weeks 
   • All answers will be made publicly available 
4. Application due dates are typically one week after final answers are posted from the Q&A period.
   • Submission due date and time are not flexible; it is recommended to submit with enough time to ensure receipt confirmation. 
   • Applications typically require general agency information, narrative questions regarding service plan, and proposed budget. See past OHY competitive funding materials (Box) for examples. 

1. Evaluation
   • The identified Coordinator determines if applications have met minimum eligibility requirements identified in the application materials. Those failing to meet full criteria will not be evaluated or scored and will be notified as being unsuccessful with all award announcements. 
   • Applications are scored individually by a panel typically consisting primarily of young people with lived experience of homelessness or housing instability and some provider, partner agency, or OHY staff with professional related experience. 
   • Scores are compiled and award amounts determined by priorities stated in the application materials, often including geographical area, service needs, amount requested, etc. 
2. Awards 
   • All applicants receive email notification of being either an “Apparent Successful Bidder” or being unsuccessful at least 11 business days prior to grant execution. 
   • Unsuccessful applicants may request a debriefing conference within the parameters outlined in the application and/or email notification. 
   • Awards amounts do not always align with funding requested in applications. Increasing award amounts is generally not possible. 
3. Contract negotiation 
   • Agencies may negotiate terms with OHY prior to signing a grant agreement. It is important for both parties to fully understand and agree to all terms, particularly the scope of work and related program guidelines, prior to beginning work. 
   • Services proposed in applications may need to be adjusted if they do not fully align with grant requirements or are not feasible within the awarded budget. Providers may decline the award if it is not possible to find agreement. 

Most grant periods are issued for two years in alignment with the state biennium, July 1 through June 30 of odd-numbered years. Grants might also begin after the state supplemental budget is approved for one year, beginning in an even-numbered year. 

Grants may, at Commerce’s discretion, be renewed without requiring a new competitive application for no more than six years total. Funding opportunities open when existing program grants cannot be renewed. New funding opportunities might be created if legislation is passed directing OHY to implement new services or projects. 

Please note that funding cannot be provided in advance, so initial reimbursements are not paid until after invoice submission following the first month of a grant. 

OHY is not able to directly support individual organizations with applications beyond answering questions submitted during the formal Q&A period. 

See Nonprofit Resource Directory – 501 Commons for resources on strengthening grant applications.