2024 Homeownership Notice of Funding Availability

The Department of Commerce is now soliciting applications from affordable housing projects seeking funding in the 2024 funding cycle for Homeownership projects. Applications may be submitted for: down payment assistance revolving loan fund (RLF) self-help projects short-term production loans affordability subsidy for long-term or permanent affordable resale restricted programs (such as Community Land Trusts or deed restricted programs) any other Housing Trust Fund-eligible project types View/Download NOFA documents Please download…

Innovative tools and state funding help communities plan for low-income and emergency housing

Innovative tools and state funding help communities plan for low-income and emergency housing

Seven community partnerships awarded $220,000 in growth management grants to plan for and accommodate projected housing needs OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Commerce is publishing new planning tools and awarding a second round of grant funding to support communities across Washington in planning for the future housing needs of low-income and at-risk families and individuals. The department also today announced a new round of grant awards to…

Paper to Digital grants

Applications are now open for a new Paper to Digital Grant Program. In 2023, SB 5290 amended the Local Project Review Act, RCW 36.70B to consolidate, streamline, and further improve local permit review processes for applicants, customers, planners, builders and designers. This grant program is designed to provide financial support to cities and counties seeking to transition from paper to digital permit review processes in order to address housing shortages in their jurisdictions…

Commerce announces $52 million in Climate Commitment Act funds for tribal climate resilience

Commerce announces $52 million in Climate Commitment Act funds for tribal climate resilience

All-new co-designed grant process reflects tribal expertise and priorities  QUINAULT INDIAN RESERVATION, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Commerce awarded $52 million in grant funding to support climate resilience for 28 federally recognized tribes within Washington, as well as four federally recognized tribes with lands within the state. The funding was made possible by Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, and the grant was co-designed with Tribes to ensure funds could…

Climate Commitment Act dollars at work: Commerce funds efforts to bring more community voices to table in growth management planning

Climate Commitment Act dollars at work: Commerce funds efforts to bring more community voices to table in growth management planning

Grants to 26 community-based organizations seek to engage more perspectives in local process for comprehensive plan updates in nine counties statewide OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Commerce is awarding $2.2 million to 26 community-based organizations to participate in local planning efforts under the state Growth Management Act. Organizations will use this funding to help engage local policy makers and bring marginalized voices and community perspectives on specific…

Commerce invests $7.3 million to sustain five community-based behavioral health facilities

Commerce invests $7.3 million to sustain five community-based behavioral health facilities

Closure prevention funding will ensure long-term viability of 236 behavioral health beds, maintain outpatient treatment services in King, Kitsap and Yakima counties OLYMPIA, Wash. – Vital behavioral health facilities and services in three counties will receive a needed capital funding infusion from the Washington State Department of Commerce to ensure their availability over the next 10 years. The department today announced $7.3 million in closure prevention grants, responding to urgent…

Building Communities Fund grants

2025-27 funding opportunity closes Aug. 22 Commerce has opened the 2025-27 funding round for the Building Communities Fund. The program awards state grants to tribes and nonprofit community-based organizations to pay for up to 25% of eligible capital costs to acquire, construct, or rehabilitate nonresidential community and social service projects. Under exceptional circumstances, the state share of project costs may exceed these amounts. There is no minimum or maximum grant…

Washington State Community Reinvestment Project invests $9.8 million to provide financial coaching, mentorship for Black, Latine and tribal communities

Washington State Community Reinvestment Project invests $9.8 million to provide financial coaching, mentorship for Black, Latine and tribal communities

New Commerce grants fund organizations taking action to help communities disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs build a stable financial future OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced $9.8 million in grants to 28 organizations and institutions providing financial coaching for communities disproportionally impacted by the historical design and enforcement of state criminal laws and penalties for drug possession, commonly referred to as the war…

Public Works Board approves $21 million in broadband construction, pre-construction, and emergency grants and loans

Public Works Board approves $21 million in broadband construction, pre-construction, and emergency grants and loans

Awards will fund 10 projects in eight counties, and connect nearly 6,000 unserved broadband locations OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Public Works Board (PWB) recently approved $21 million in critical infrastructure projects in 10 communities for broadband construction, pre-construction, and emergency funding. Taking action at its May 3, 2024 business meeting, the PWB approved $20 million to expand broadband access in unserved communities, $550,000 for two pre-construction projects, and two emergency…