Public Participation Grants
Forecasted
Public Participation Grants support individuals and nonprofits in engaging Washington communities in contaminated-site cleanups and waste management to inform decisions and advance state waste priorities.
Funder: Washington State Department of Ecology
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $60,000 per year for up to two years ($120,000 total); no matching funds required
Summary: Supports public involvement in Washington contaminated-site cleanups and projects advancing state solid and hazardous waste management priorities.
Key Information: Applicants must be eligible Washington individuals or nonprofits; second-year funding requires renewal based on first-year performance.
Description
Public Participation Grants are a competitive program administered by the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Solid Waste Management Program. They support individuals and nonprofit organizations in increasing public understanding of contaminated-site cleanups and waste management issues, and in helping affected communities participate in decisions. Public participation may include sharing lived experiences to inform others affected by hazardous substance releases and support remediation.
The program funds public engagement in investigating and remedying releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances, alongside projects supporting Washington’s solid and hazardous waste management priorities. Supported work includes education and outreach about contaminated sites, waste management, and emerging solid waste issues. The grants advance the State Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Plan’s goal of eliminating most wastes and toxics and safely managing what remains.
