Best Public Infrastructure Grants in Washington

Andersen Construction Foundation

Established in 2015, our Foundation was created to intentionally steward and grow our commitment to community service. From the beginning, an endowment was formed to ensure meaningful, sustained giving for the long term. Guided by the belief that service is part of who we are, we have contributed volunteer time, funding, and resources to community organizations and build projects in the places we call home—including Portland, Eugene, Seattle, and Boise—as well as through hands-on initiatives across the country and internationally.

As our organization has grown, our approach to giving back has grown with it. The Foundation now provides a central way for employees across our family of businesses to engage in philanthropy and volunteer efforts. Through this structure, we continue to support the communities where we live and work, reinforcing a long-standing commitment to service.

Andersen Foundation Grant

We fund build-related projects and sponsor community events in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Applications for project grants and event sponsorships are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed by our local giving committees. 

Grants are awarded in the $2,500-$10,000 range for construction repairs and infrastructure needs. Applicants must have 501(c)3 status.

Local governments, tribes, chambers, destination organizations, and other tourism-focused nonprofits in Washington can apply for Washington Tourism Alliance’s Tourism Regeneration Grants, offering up to US $40,000 for public infrastructure and visitor experience projects. Funding can support tourism-related infrastructure, outdoor recreation, accessibility, transportation, wayfinding, and sustainability efforts that enhance safer, more inclusive, and sustainable visitor experiences.

Local governments, tribes, chambers, destination organizations, and other tourism-focused nonprofits in Washington can seek US $10,001 - US $30,000 for tourism-related public infrastructure and visitor experience projects. Washington Tourism Alliance supports initiatives like safety upgrades, cycling and transit infrastructure, accessibility improvements, outdoor recreation, festivals, and wayfinding or beautification that strengthen sustainable, inclusive tourism in rural and underserved communities.

Local governments, tribes, chambers, destination organizations, and other tourism-focused nonprofits in Washington can seek funding for public infrastructure and related tourism projects. Washington Tourism Alliance supports efforts like safety upgrades, cycling and transit infrastructure, wayfinding, downtown beautification, outdoor accessibility, and visitor education, with micro-purchase awards up to US $10,000 for third-party contract work.

Washington 501(c)(3) public charities with $100,000+ budgets can seek funding for workforce skills, inclusive prosperity, or community sustainability projects that serve areas where RBC Wealth Management operates. Focused on workforce preparation and community spaces, RBC Foundation USA invites nonprofits to propose programs building job readiness, financial stability, or environmentally efficient, accessible facilities.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA: Capital Improvement Grants

Any request to support a project that seeks to improve a facility is considered a capital improvement. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Range improvements
• Berm improvements
• Clubhouse/Classroom facility improvements
• Shelter structures/covered firing lines/pavilions
• Road improvements
• Commercial-grade trap machines (see section regarding trap machines, below)
• Any other permanent improvement to an organization’s property or facility

The Grant Program considers requests for certain trap machines to be a capital improvement to the facility. Specifically, requests for commercial grade trap machines that have a capacity of 300 clays and up.

The ADCMS Competitive Grant Program, administered by the DOT Federal Highway Administration, aims to incentivize eligible State Departments of Transportation and partners to implement innovative technology in construction projects. This initiative promotes collaboration among various entities, including local governments and private industries, with a required cost share of 20% to enhance project viability and effectiveness. The program encourages joint applications to maximize the impact of technological advancements in the construction sector.

The FY26 Bollards Competitive Grant Program aims to enhance pedestrian safety by funding bollard installation projects. This initiative targets areas frequented by large crowds to prevent injuries and potential acts of terrorism. Eligible applicants include State Departments of Transportation and local government entities, with a 100% federal funding share for projects. This program is vital for improving public safety in urban environments.

Public agencies planning advanced transportation technology or congestion management projects in Washington may be eligible for competitive ATTAIN funding, with awards up to US $12,000,000. Grants from DOT Federal Highway Administration help deploy and operate technologies that improve safety, mobility, efficiency, intermodal connectivity, and public infrastructure system performance.

Focused on public infrastructure research and policy, Arnold Ventures invites Washington public agencies, researchers, and policy organizations to propose U.S. transportation studies and reforms. Eligible projects include evaluation of transportation policies, capital investment practices, permitting, procurement, and cost drivers, as well as development of expanded datasets and implementation models, with awards up to US $200,000.

Washington public infrastructure entities in very small, financially distressed rural communities can access funding through USDA: Rural Development for predevelopment planning of water and waste disposal projects. Eligible state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes may use support for feasibility studies, preliminary design, engineering analysis, and technical assistance tied to essential rural water, sewage, solid waste, and stormwater facilities.

With a mission to improve public systems, Arnold Ventures provides Washington public infrastructure and social policy researchers with support to conduct rigorous quasi-experimental evaluations. Eligible projects examine causal impacts of policies or programs in areas such as infrastructure, higher education, workforce training, contraceptive access, and public finance, helping build evidence to guide government decision-making.

Organizations developing industrial energy storage solutions that improve efficiency and support public or industrial infrastructure in Washington and nationwide can apply for phased cash awards up to US $700,000. With a mission to advance industrial efficiency and decarbonization, United States Department of Energy provides support for thermal and electric storage concepts across multiple industrial temperature and application categories.

Federally recognized Indian Tribes working on public infrastructure in Washington can access funding to plan, design, construct, rehabilitate, or inspect unsafe or aging bridges. These TTP Bridge Program grants from the Federal Highway Administration support improvements to BIA/Tribally owned and non-BIA/Tribally owned bridges in poor condition, with low load capacity, or needing highway geometric upgrades.

State and local governments, counties, Tribal governments, transit agencies, and port authorities planning major public infrastructure and transit projects in Washington can seek up to US $25,000,000 through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program. US Department of Transportation supports surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impact across multiple jurisdictions and modes.

Nonprofits, government entities, and tribal organizations working on community traffic safety and public infrastructure projects in Washington and across the U.S. can apply for National Safety Council’s Road to Zero Community Traffic Safety Grants, awarding US $50,000 - US $200,000. Funding supports innovative, evidence-based countermeasures and Safe System approaches that reduce traffic fatalities and address disparities in mobility safety and access.

Registered 501(c)(3) charities and government entities working on public infrastructure and community development in Washington can seek grants or product donations supporting health, sustainability, and opportunity initiatives. With a mission to strengthen communities, SC Johnson Giving provides U.S. organizations with project-focused support in areas like public health, environmental conservation, education, and economic mobility.

Local governments and community-based nonprofits in small to mid-sized U.S. cities can receive up to US $25,000 to design and implement temporary street safety pilot projects that repair divisive arterial roads. Smart Growth America supports public infrastructure improvements nationwide, and Washington communities meeting the population and joint-application requirements may be eligible.

The City of Bellingham offers Community/Public Facility Improvement Grants aimed at enhancing facilities that benefit low-income individuals and areas. This funding, totaling approximately $250,000, supports various community projects such as food banks, senior centers, childcare facilities, and community centers. Additional funding may be available for housing initiatives. This program aims to strengthen community infrastructure and improve access to essential services for those in need.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

The Ittleson Foundation Environmental Program Grants support innovative projects that enhance environmental activism through education and grassroots efforts. In 2025, grants will focus on initiatives that strengthen environmental movements and engage new constituencies, particularly in environmental equity. The Foundation has provided resources since 1932 to improve public policy and community welfare, alternating its grantmaking focus annually between mental health and environmental initiatives.

The Entergy Charitable Foundation Grant focuses on supporting initiatives that foster thriving communities through education, poverty solutions, and environmental programs. The foundation prioritizes funding for 501(c)(3) organizations and similar entities. Key areas include education development, innovative poverty solutions, and environmental restoration efforts, such as coastal wetland preservation. Organizations are encouraged to apply at least three months before funding is needed, ensuring timely support for impactful community projects.

The Fund for a Just Society Grant, offered by the Unitarian Universalist Association, supports nonprofit organizations that focus on social and economic justice through community organizing. This grant prioritizes innovative projects that seek systemic change and empower disenfranchised communities. Eligible organizations must operate with an annual budget under $500,000 and demonstrate a clear campaign for change. This funding aims to foster a more just society by addressing root causes and enhancing visibility for Unitarian Universalist principles.

The Emergent Fund Grant, established in 2016, supports BIPOC-led social justice movements through rapid response funding. It addresses urgent community needs by providing low-barrier grants to organizations facing crises such as family separation and systemic oppression. The fund prioritizes initiatives that foster Black liberation, multiracial solidarity, and empower communities to build transformative power. By investing in innovative strategies, the Emergent Fund aims to challenge oppressive structures and advance social justice, ensuring that impacted communities are at the forefront of their own advocacy.

The OpenAI A People-First AI Fund supports U.S.-based nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on AI literacy, community innovation, and economic opportunity. It aims to enhance public understanding of AI, promote participatory design in AI applications by communities, and expand access to meaningful work through inclusive practices. Organizations at all stages of AI adoption are encouraged to apply, especially those addressing the needs of traditionally marginalized populations. This initiative emphasizes equitable distribution of AI benefits.

The EA Infrastructure Fund Grant supports projects that enhance effective altruism by improving access to talent, capital, and knowledge. With grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $200,000, it welcomes applications from individuals, nonprofits, and academic institutions worldwide. However, individuals must ensure their projects conclude by August 31, 2025. The fund aims to amplify the impact of direct charitable work and foster a community committed to effective altruism principles.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers the Strategic Projects: Program & Staff Grants to support nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building for mission-driven projects and infrastructure investments. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to community flourishing, with funding available for new programs or expansion of existing ones. The Trust prioritizes initiatives that align with its strategic goals, fostering sustainable nonprofit growth and impact in the region.