Best Grants for Environmental Projects in Washington

Environmental and social justice 501(c)(3) organizations in Washington can receive sponsorship funding for projects, programs, events, or capital campaigns. Beneficial State Foundation provides up to US $1,000 to nonprofits working on environmental sustainability, healthy food, or related mission areas, with priority for existing bank clients and partners in CA, OR, and WA.

Environmental 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Washington needing short-term project support can apply for the Community Response Fund, with awards of US $1,000 - US $5,000. Grants from Northwest Fund for the Environment help community-based groups advance growth management and aquatic ecosystem objectives, build grassroots environmental advocacy, and empower communities of color on local environmental issues.

Nonprofit organizations working on arts in education, climate change mitigation, youth homelessness, or watershed stewardship, including those in Washington, may be eligible for program support. Grants from Laird Norton Family Foundation help U.S. environmental and youth-focused groups advance carbon sequestration, watershed health, and services for vulnerable young people, with priorities in the West Coast and select regions.

Schools, education nonprofits, and school-related groups in Washington’s Clark and Skamania counties can receive US $250 - US $2,500 to support educational initiatives and community vitality projects. Grants from Onpoint Community Credit Union help organizations whose missions fit Economic Opportunity or Community Vitality, including sustainability and environmental health efforts connected to education or school communities.

Environmental 501(c)(3) groups in Washington and Oregon can apply for Burning Foundation’s grants of US $5,000 - US $15,000 to support habitat preservation that sustains biodiversity and quiet remote recreation. Funding is available for general operating expenses or special projects, with a preference for local and statewide conservation organizations.

Environmental and salmon restoration organizations in Washington, including those in Benton, Columbia, and Walla Walla counties, can apply for Windhorse Foundation’s Regular Grant Program; awards up to US $30,000 for projects. Eligible applicants include tribal governments, Native American charities, and national or regional Indian organizations serving Indian interests.

Washington environmental and agriculture-focused organizations working with specialty crops can access funding through the Washington State Department of Agriculture to enhance crop competitiveness and sustainability. Grants of US $25,000 - US $250,000 support projects in environmental stewardship, conservation, climate-smart agriculture, pest and plant health, food safety, innovative technologies, training, and marketing for Washington’s specialty crop industry.

The Strategic Projects: Capital Grants by the M J Murdock Charitable Trust offer vital funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations in the Pacific Northwest. These grants support transformative projects that enhance community well-being through construction, renovation, and infrastructure investments. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities. The Trust emphasizes projects that demonstrate strong community impact and funding diversification, ensuring sustainable growth and lasting benefits for the communities served.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)s, eligible tribal entities, and select government institutions can seek equipment and technology funding to build organizational capacity in Washington and the broader Pacific Northwest. M J Murdock Charitable Trust supports projects in environmental stewardship and related fields, with awards of more than US $50,000 for new, long-lived equipment and supporting technology infrastructure.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, tribal entities, and select government institutions expanding environmental or health and environmental stewardship programs in Washington can seek more than US $50,000 to add staff or grow programs. M J Murdock Charitable Trust prioritizes capacity-building projects that strengthen long-term impact in the Pacific Northwest region.

Washington agencies, tribes, federal partners, and nonprofit off-road vehicle organizations can access funding to develop and manage nonhighway and off-road recreation facilities and trails, plus related education and enforcement. Washington environmental and outdoor recreation projects may be eligible for up to US $250,000 from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.

Local, state, federal agencies, tribes, and nonprofits in Washington can fund trail development, maintenance, and safety or environmental education projects that support backcountry recreational trail use. Focused on trail creation and maintenance, Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office offers up to US $150,000 for projects improving natural-surface motorized and non-motorized trails and related facilities.

Local and Tribal governments and not-for-profit organizations in Washington can seek funding to reduce flood risks and restore riverine habitat, with awards up to Up to US $10,000,000. With a mission to improve resilient floodplains, the State of Washington Department of Ecology provides support for multi-benefit projects including design, construction, land acquisition, and riparian or wetland restoration.

Washington 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on environmental education and related community programs can access funding through the Bamford Foundation for general operations, capacity building, and program support. Organizations in Tacoma and Pierce County may receive up to US $15,000, with priority for efforts that improve quality of life and promote equity, access, and lifelong learning.

The Keta Legacy Foundation offers Level 1 Community Conservation Education Grants to support conservation-focused non-profits in the Salish Sea region. Grants are capped at $5,000 for short-term educational projects that promote environmental awareness. Eligible projects include educational programs, workshops, and instructional materials. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives that foster community involvement and collaboration among various organizations while adhering to its commitment to environmental preservation.

Nonprofit organizations, schools, libraries, and similar agencies in the Salish Sea region of Washington and southwestern British Columbia can apply for the Keta Legacy Foundation’s Paul Wiseman Conservation Education Grant, with awards up to US $15,000. Funding supports substantial environmental conservation education projects or restoration efforts that include a strong educational component.

Environmental and equity-focused nonprofits in Washington’s Clark County can seek $50,000 - $100,000 from Ninety Nine Girlfriends for general operating or project support. Focus areas include environmental equity and sustainability, housing stability, child and youth educational equity, and women’s economic empowerment, with priority for historically underserved communities in the Portland Metro/SW Washington region.

Nonprofits, schools, tribes, and public agencies running youth outdoor education and recreation programs in Washington can receive US $5,000 - US $150,000 for environmental education, camps, and adventure activities. Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office’s No Child Left Inside program supports underserved and historically excluded youth through nature-based learning, leadership development, and outdoor recreation experiences statewide.

Organizations and individuals worldwide with active .ORG domains working on environmental stewardship, community building, education, health, or anti-poverty initiatives, including those in Washington, can be recognized through the .ORG Impact Awards. Grants from Public Interest Registry provide up to US $50,000 in donations to a nonprofit of the winner’s choice, plus visibility and recognition.

Washington environmental and community-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public and private educational institutions, youth groups, cultural organizations, and health and human services agencies can access funding through PacifiCorp/Pacific Power/Rocky Mountain Power Foundation for community enhancement and environmental respect projects. Grants up to US $10,000 support work in eligible Washington counties served by Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power.

Community-based organizations in Washington working on environmental justice, environmental health, or health disparities can seek US $100,000 - US $500,000 through the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Community Capacity Grant. Focused on climate resilience, Washington State Department of Health invites groups serving overburdened communities to build capacity for community-led input on state environmental health decisions.

Nonprofit organizations and educational institutions in Washington can seek funding for horticulture and environmental projects that educate communities, expand access to gardens and natural spaces, or support restoration and cleanup. Focused on environmental impact, Northwest Horticultural Society invites proposals that serve local communities, including historically marginalized groups, primarily in western Washington and the broader Pacific Northwest.

Youth Service America

Youth Service America believes that youth, communities, and our democracy thrive when we all work together for the common good. YSA is a leading global nonprofit that activates young people, ages 5-25, to find their voice, take action, and acquire powerful civic and 21st Century skills as they solve problems facing their communities. YSA supports its activation campaigns with grants, training and resources, and recognition programs for young people and their adult champions. Youth-led projects use Awareness, Service, Advocacy, and Philanthropy (ASAP) strategies to create social and environmental change.

Our vision is that youth participation in working together for the common good becomes the common expectation and common experience of all young people in America. Even though youth participation rates are at or near record-high levels, we’re still leaving 3 of every 4 young people out, and participation rates are even lower among youth from underserved low-income communities and communities of color.

We Serve to Remember 9/11 Day of Service Grants

YSA’s We Serve to Remember 9/11 Day of Service Grants are for organizations, schools, and youth changemakers ages 5-25 to lead service projects on or around September 11, 2026. Programming efforts should also honor and pay tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, their families, and those who rose in service in response to that tragedy.

This year, YSA will award up to 100 grants of $1,000 each. Grantees are required to engage at least 100 youth as volunteers in planning and implementing the service activities.

Reflecting on the spirit of togetherness that brought people together in the days, weeks, and months after September 11th, we are especially looking for ideas that bring together all members of the community.

Organizations, schools, and youth changemakers planning youth-led service projects can receive US $1,000 from Youth Service America for 9/11 Day of Service activities that engage at least 100 youth volunteers. With a mission to empower young people, YSA provides U.S. groups with support for community service, youth leadership, and related environmental or social projects.

Local governments and community-based organizations in Washington can seek funding for planning and technical assistance for public outdoor recreation facilities, especially in underserved urban and rural communities. Focused on improving recreation access, the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office supports long-range planning, feasibility studies, and pre-design work for parks, trails, and athletic facilities with awards from US $125,000 - US $200,000.

Nonprofit tourism stakeholders, local governments, tribes, chambers, and destination organizations in Washington can seek funding for projects that enhance safe, sustainable visitor experiences and support environmental and outdoor initiatives. Washington Tourism Alliance offers up to US $40,000 for efforts like tourism infrastructure, outdoor recreation, accessibility, cycling and transit improvements, wayfinding, and environmental sustainability at festivals and events.