Best Climate Change Grants in Washington

The WA Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (WRE) supports landowners in protecting and restoring wetlands degraded by agricultural activities. This program enhances wildlife habitats, improves water quality, and offers various easement options, including permanent and 30-year easements, with funding for restoration costs. With a focus on climate resilience and biodiversity, WRE encourages participation from eligible private landowners and Indian tribes, promoting sustainable land management practices.

The National Sea Grant Law Center is inviting proposals for the Coastal Resilience Program to research laws and policies addressing coastal resilience challenges such as sea level rise and flooding. With a funding cap of $150,000 over two years, this initiative aims to assess the effectiveness of existing policies and promote informed decision-making in coastal management. Up to two projects will be selected for funding, supporting innovative solutions to enhance community resilience against environmental threats.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) offered by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service in Washington provides vital financial and technical assistance to farmers and ranchers. This initiative aims to enhance environmental quality by addressing issues like soil health, water conservation, and wildlife habitat. Eligible applicants include agricultural producers and Indian tribes. EQIP promotes sustainable practices that mitigate contamination and improve resilience against climate change, ensuring a healthier environment for future generations.

Columbia Basin Trust

The Trust was created in 1995 to support efforts by the people of the Basin to create a legacy of social, economic and environmental well-being in the Canadian portion of the Columbia River Basin—the region most affected by the Columbia River Treaty.

Mission: The Trust supports efforts by the people of the Basin to create a legacy of social, economic and environmental well-being and to achieve greater self-sufficiency for present and future generations.

Non-profit SMART Grants

Non-Profit SMART Grants support Basin non-profits and First Nations to increase their energy efficiency, generate renewable energy, adapt to the impacts of climate change, and/or reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

There are two streams for this grant: Stream One – Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations; and Stream Two – Renewable Energy and Improvements to Buildings

Stream Two – Renewable Energy and Improvements to Buildings

This stream supports solar photovoltaic arrays, energy efficiency retrofits or other building improvements to structures or property.

On-farm Production and Delivery of Live, Native, Microalgae Grant

Purpose

The Washington State Legislature appropriated $5,000,000 in Fiscal Year 2025 to the Washington State Department of Agriculture for the purpose of increasing research tools and on-farm technology available to reduce carbon emissions, increase carbon storage, and improve on-farm climate resiliency. $2,370,000 of these funds are now available from WSDA to producers through a grant program to cover the installation and operation of on-farm technology that produces and delivers live, native microalgae to the farm through the existing irrigation system.

The purpose of the legislature in appropriating funds and authorizing the grant to farmers is to promote:

• Increasing quantifiable carbon storage
• Improving soil health and climate resiliency through new tools and supporting data
• Identification of tools needed for agricultural viability
• Quantifiable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from farms

Columbia Basin Trust

The Trust was created in 1995 to support efforts by the people of the Basin to create a legacy of social, economic and environmental well-being in the Canadian portion of the Columbia River Basin—the region most affected by the Columbia River Treaty.

Mission: The Trust supports efforts by the people of the Basin to create a legacy of social, economic and environmental well-being and to achieve greater self-sufficiency for present and future generations.

Non-profit SMART Grants

Non-Profit SMART Grants support Basin non-profits and First Nations to increase their energy efficiency, generate renewable energy, adapt to the impacts of climate change, and/or reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

There are two streams for this grant: Stream One – Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations; and Stream Two – Renewable Energy and Improvements to Buildings

Stream One – Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations

This stream supports the purchase of one new electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle for use in Basin communities, and/or up to two charging stations.

The WA Conservation Stewardship Program Grant, offered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, supports landowners in enhancing their conservation efforts. This program encourages sustainable practices across 70 million acres of agricultural land. Participants can improve grazing, increase crop resilience, and develop wildlife habitats while receiving technical and financial assistance. CSP contracts last five years, providing annual payments for implementing conservation activities, ensuring environmental sustainability and improved agricultural productivity.

The Tribal Climate Capacity Grants support federally recognized Tribes in Washington State to undertake various climate-related initiatives. These include developing clean energy projects, engaging in Climate Commitment Act spending decisions, and applying for grant funding. This program, funded by Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, aims to enhance climate resilience and adaptation while creating jobs and improving public health through strategic investment in climate action.

The Wildfire Resilience Initiative Grant Program, funded by the Gordon E And Betty I Moore Foundation, addresses the urgent need for wildfire resilience in Western North America. With increasing threats from extreme wildfires due to climate change and human activity, this initiative aims to transform fire's role from a destructive force to a beneficial element. By supporting research, early interventions, and community preparedness, the program seeks to foster a collaborative approach to enhancing ecosystem health and community safety.

The Workplace Safety for Workers Affected by Climate Change Grant Program aims to enhance health and safety for workers impacted by climate change. This ongoing program focuses on providing essential resources for outdoor workers affected by extreme weather, including heat, flooding, and wildfire smoke. Grants will help purchase necessary equipment and cover distribution costs. Eligible participants include Federally Recognized Indian Tribes, with base awards of $15,151 per Tribe, ensuring vital support for affected communities.