Best Public Infrastructure Grants in Washington

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.

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.

Nonprofits and Tribes in Washington seeking to buy, build, or improve non-residential community and social service facilities can apply for the Building Communities Fund Grant, which awards more than US $250,000. Washington State Department of Commerce supports capital projects that expand community services and public infrastructure through competitive, state bond-funded reimbursements covering at least 25% of eligible project costs.

Nonprofit, community-based organizations in Washington planning capital projects for nonresidential community or social service centers can apply for the Capital Facilities Building Communities Fund Program, a reimbursement-style grant for construction, acquisition, or rehabilitation. Administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce, projects must be in distressed areas or serve substantial numbers of low-income or disadvantaged people with multiple community services.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nonprofit-led community partnerships implementing publicly funded infrastructure projects in Washington can seek US $45,000 - US $120,000 for workforce development, job creation, and community engagement support. The Funders' Network backs planning and “human infrastructure” around water and other public infrastructure projects, requiring at least a 50% match from place-based or regional funders.

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.

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.

Public agencies and other eligible entities developing marine highway transportation projects that reduce landside congestion can apply for up to US $12,000,000 in funding, including in Washington. The U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration’s United States Marine Highway Program supports public infrastructure and mass transit-related improvements along designated Marine Highway Routes.

The Fiscal Year 2026 National Dam Safety Program focuses on rehabilitating high hazard potential dams that do not meet state safety standards. Funded by FEMA, this initiative aims to protect lives and property by providing federal funds to eligible states, which then pass these funds to non-Federal governmental or nonprofit organizations. Rehabilitation involves repairing, replacing, reconstructing, or removing dams to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Adam R Scripps Foundation

Adam Scripps lived a life of humble generosity, helping to improve the lives of others without seeking recognition or fanfare for himself. The family-run Adam R. Scripps Foundation, established posthumously in 2023, allocates millions annually to his cherished causes like animal welfare and community development, with grants overseen by his relatives to honor his legacy.

Honoring Adam’s legacy, we make grants to collaborate, provide support and build resources that create opportunities and transformative pathways. For generations to come, we will improve lives and transform communities because we are a leader in family philanthropy. We value helping communities create lasting change. We do this through compassion, love of neighbor, humility, and generosity.

Local Community Grant

A genuine love of neighbor inspired Adam to help others, and his example inspires us to sustain his support of local communities.  

Driven by Adam’s sense of civic responsibility, the foundation is focused on initiatives to support both community infrastructure and the citizens for whom that infrastructure is designed, including:

• Parks and greenspaces
• Recreation facilities
• Visual and performing arts
• Community service organizations
• Historic building preservation
• Festival sponsorship
• Veterans’ organizations

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.

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.