Floodplains by Design Grant Program
Forecasted
Floodplains by Design Grant Program supports Washington communities, Tribes, and nonprofits with integrated projects to reduce flood hazards, restore floodplain ecosystems, and preserve farmland.
Funder: Washington State Department of Ecology
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2028 (Pre-application) | May 2028 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards of $300,000–$10 million for projects completed within four years; no match required
Summary: Supports integrated projects that reduce flood hazards, restore floodplain ecosystems, and sustain communities and farmland in Washington.
Key Information: Only applicants invited through the pre-application selection process may submit a full application.
Description
Floodplains by Design is a competitive capital grant program administered by the Washington State Department of Ecology as part of a public-private partnership with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation. It supports integrated floodplain management in Washington’s major river corridors, bringing together local and Tribal governments, nonprofits, and other stakeholders to reduce flood hazards while protecting or restoring natural floodplain functions.
The program prioritizes flood protection for communities, habitat for salmon and other aquatic species, and farmland preservation. Supported work ranges from community engagement, studies, modeling, and design to permitting, construction, planting, property acquisitions, easements, demolition, home elevation, and relocation. Maintenance, monitoring, and adaptive management plans may support new proposals or previously funded Floodplains by Design projects.
