State and Federal Grant Funding Opportunities for Spring 2026

Funding opportunities in the spring of 2026 include supporting transportation and recreation options, finding efficient and sustainable use of resources, protecting natural habitats and working lands, and supporting planning for development.

As the federal administration continues to evaluate federal funding programs, there may be uncertainty about the ongoing availability of grants we list. We include only open funding sources for which funds have been allocated. As always, we recommend that you confirm status and eligibility requirements at the program website links we provide.

Spring 2026

Federal Funding Opportunities 

$13.5 Million Available for Wildfire Smoke Preparedness

Program supports prevention, control, and abatement of wildfire smoke hazards in community buildings.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is providing up to $13.5 million to enhance community wildfire smoke preparedness. Eligible applicants include federally recognized tribes, public and private nonprofit organizations, public preschools and other local educational agencies, and states. Eligible activities include the assessment, prevention, control, and/or abatement of wildfire smoke hazards in community buildings and related activities such as training and community engagement and awareness. There is no minimum or maximum grant award amount; the EPA anticipates making approximately 8 to 11 awards. A 10 percent match is required but may be waived for applicants in economically distressed communities. Applications are due April 15, 2026. To learn more about the opportunity visit the Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings web page.

Trio of Grants Available Supporting Wood Products

Programs support innovation, manufacturing, and infrastructure.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service will provide funding through three programs that support the use and manufacturing of wood products.

• Wood Innovations Grant: Up to $300,000 per applicant with a 100 percent match. Funding will support bringing mass timber or renewable wood energy products to market and technological development for hazardous fuel reduction and sustainable forest management. 
• Community Wood Program: Up to $1 million per applicant with a 65 percent match requirement. Funding will support installing community wood energy systems or building innovative wood product manufacturing facilities. The program focuses on assisting sawmills in economically challenged areas to retool or add advanced technology. 
• Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance Program: Awards may range from $50,000 to $2,000,000 with no match requirement. The program supports facilities that buy and repurpose trees and woody debris from ecosystem restoration. The focus will be on areas with high disease infestation or severe and high fire risks or damage. 

Eligible applicants for all three programs include tribal and local governments, special purpose districts, and nonprofit organizations. Applications for all three programs are due April 22, 2026. To learn more about these opportunities visit the Wood Innovations Program web page.

$686 Million Available for Rail Station Accessibility

Program supports planning and implementation.

The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration is providing up to $686 million to improve the accessibility of rail stations across the country. Eligible applicants include public agencies that operate rail public transportation systems constructed in the 1990s that remain inaccessible to persons with disabilities. Eligible activities include planning and capital projects to make stations accessible. There is no minimum or maximum grant award amount; past awards have ranged from $1.3 million to $156 million. A 20 percent match is required. Applications are due May 1, 2026. To learn more about the opportunity visit the All Stations Accessibility Program web page.

$13.5 Million Available for Drought Relief

Program supports planning and implementation of projects to increase water supply and hydropower availability.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is providing up to $13.5 million to assist water managers in developing and updating comprehensive drought plans and implementing projects that build long-term resiliency to drought. Eligible applicants include tribal and local governments, irrigation and water districts, and organizations with water or power authority. Proposed projects should aim to reduce the need for emergency drought response actions, such as water hauling programs and temporary infrastructure, while providing sustained benefits that build long-term resilience. Applicants can make proposals under Task A, Infrastructure Projects, or Task B, Water Management and Planning Projects; the application guidance includes descriptions of covered activities under each task. Awards are anticipated to range from $25,000 to $1.5 million. A 50 percent match is required. Applications for are due July 28, 2026. To learn more about the opportunity visit the WaterSMART web page.

$4 Million Available for Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects

Program supports conservation, management, and efficient use of water supplies.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is providing up to $4 million for small-scale water efficiency projects that conserve water and enhance reliability in water delivery systems. Eligible applicants include tribal and local governments, irrigation and water districts, and organizations with water or power authority. Funding supports the implementation of small-scale projects—such as canal lining, water delivery automation, flow measurement, and other projects that increase water efficiency—identified through prior planning efforts. Small-scale projects are those that cost $250,000 or less. Awards are anticipated to range from $1,000 to $125,000. A 50 percent match is required. Applications for are due June 2, 2026. To learn more about the opportunity visit the WaterSMART web page.

Approximately $1.8 Million Available for Wetlands Protection

Funding supports programs that protect, manage and restore wetlands.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is providing approximately $1.8 million to assist programs that protect, manage and restore wetlands. Eligible applicants include tribal and local governments, intertribal consortia, and institutions of higher learning. Eligible projects can (1) develop or update a Wetland Program Plan using the Wetlands Program Core Elements Framework, (2) implement actions from an EPA-approved WPP, or (3) implement non-WPP actions from a list of EPA-approved actions. Awards are capped at $275,000. A 25 percent match is required. Applications for are due April 10, 2026. To learn more about the opportunity visit the Wetland Program Development Grants web page.

Spring 2026

Washington State Funding Opportunities 

Up to $1 Million per Applicant Available for Aquatic Lands in Washington

Program supports protection and enhancement of aquatic lands in the state.

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office is providing funding for projects meant to preserve and restore the state’s shorelines and navigable water bodies. Eligible applicants include tribal and local governments and special purpose districts. Eligible project types include those that improve or protect ecological function, improve or create public access, and/or increase public awareness of aquatic lands and their role in aquatic ecosystems. Grant funding varies by proposed activity; applicants can receive up to $1 million for acquisition and up to $500,000 for development, renovation, and restoration. A match of 50 percent is required. Applications are due April 30, 2026. For more information, visit the Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account page.

$54 Million Grant Program for Land Protection and Outdoor Recreation in Washington

Program supports a broad range of projects in the state.

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office’s Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program is providing funding for several different grant categories to create or improve local parks, public trails, or access to the water for nonmotorized boating and recreation. Eligible applicants vary by grant category. The categories open to tribal and local governments and special purpose districts include projects for local parks, trails, or water access. Eligible project types include acquisition, development, renovation, or a combination of these. Grant funding varies by proposed activity; applicants can receive up to $1 million for local parks acquisition and up to $500,000 for a local parks development project. A match of 50 percent is required unless the project serves an underserved population or community in need or is in a federal disaster area. At least 10 percent of the contribution to the total project must be in the form of local matching funds. Applicants’ comprehensive plans must be submitted by March 2, 2026. Applications are due April 30, 2026. For more information, visit the Recreation Projects-Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program page.

$5 Million Grant Program for Boating Infrastructure in Washington

Program supports planning for, developing, or renovating facilities for boats at least 26 feet in length.

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office administers a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service funding stream for developing, renovating, and maintaining public boating facilities, boating information, and boater education in Washington. Eligible applicants include tribal and local governments, special purpose districts, qualified nonprofits, and private marina operators. Eligible project types include acquisition, development, renovation, or a combination of these. Projects must be for facilities that serve recreational boats at least 26 feet in length providing day use or stays of up to 15 days—no long-term moorage. Grant funding varies by tier, which is tied to level of review; applicants can receive up to $288,046 for Tier 1 (state-reviewed) maintenance, development or renovation or up to $1.4 million for Tier 2 (federally reviewed) development or renovation projects. A match of 25 percent is required. Applicants that contribute 26 percent or more will receive additional evaluation points. Pre-applications are due April 30, 2026. Applications are due July 15, 2026. For more information, visit the Boating Infrastructure Grant Program page.

$6.2 Million Grant Program for Community Forests in Washington

Program helps preserve working forest land in the state.

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office’s Community Forests Program provides funding to help preserve working forests. Eligible applicants include tribal and local governments, special purpose districts, public development authorities, and nonprofit conservation organizations. Up to $3 million per applicant is available for eligible project types, which include acquisition or a combination of acquisition and development or restoration. A match of 15 percent is required. Applications are due April 30, 2026. For more information, visit the Community Forests Program page.

$1.7 Million Grant Program Supports Planning for Recreation Access in Underserved Communities in Washington

Program focuses on diverse, urban, and small rural communities in the state.

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office’s Planning for Recreation Access program funds planning projects in communities that lack adequate access to outdoor recreation opportunities. Eligible applicants include tribal and local governments, special purpose districts, and nonprofit organizations that serve diverse urban neighborhoods, small rural communities, or those with less experience applying for RCO grants. Eligible activities include planning, community engagement, and collaboration to define needs and priorities for projects that will lead to capital investment. There is no funding limit for individual applicants and no match requirement. Applications will be due in July; the final due date will be available as RCO updates the program page. For more information, visit the Planning for Recreation Access page.

$10.8 Million Grant Program for Farmland Preservation in Washington

Program supports acquisition of development rights and some restoration on acquired land.

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office’s Wildlife and Recreation Program funds the acquisition of development rights on farmland to ensure that the land remains available for agricultural use. Eligible applicants include local governments and nonprofit nature conservancies. Eligible projects include acquisition of development rights via an easement or lease as well as some restoration and/or enhancement in combination with acquisition. There is no grant limit for individual applicants. A match of 50 percent is required. Applications are due April 30, 2026. For more information, visit the Farmland Preservation-Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program page.

Approximately $15 Million for Zero-Emissions School Bus Fleets in Washington

Program supports vehicle replacement, equipment purchases, and training.

The Washington State Department of Ecology is supporting the transition to zero-emissions school bus fleets in the state. The program includes a total of $14 million for zero-emissions school bus projects and $1 million for vocational training. Eligible projects include replacing or acquiring vehicles or equipment, planning or designing fueling infrastructure, procuring equipment, and staff training. A broad range of costs are covered.  Eligible applicants for school bus projects include school bus owners that transport students to qualifying K–12 schools; eligible applicants for training projects include local governments, public utility districts, school districts, tribes, nonprofit organizations, and local clean air agencies. Districts serving lower-income and rural communities will receive priority consideration for funding. Applicant matching requirements are not stated in the program guidance. Applications are due April 23, 2026. For more information, view the Clean Diesel Grants page and scroll down to the link for the Zero Emission School Bus and Fleet Transition Grant Program.

Up to $4.5 Million for Drought Response in Portions of Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties in Washington

Program aims to reduce hardship from drought conditions.

The Washington State Department of Ecology is providing up to $4.5 million to drought-stricken communities in portions of Yakima, Kittitas, and Benton Counties to reduce drought-related hardships. Eligible applicants include tribal and local governments; public utility, water, sewer, conservation, irrigation, and port districts; and watershed management partnerships. Eligible projects include a broad range of activities to address drought-related problems for agriculture, livestock, public water supplies, fisheries, and wildlife.  A match of 50 percent is required. Applications are due April 3, 2026. For more information, visit the Water Resources Drought Response Grants page.

$700,000 Available for Voluntary Cleanup Projects in Washington

Program encourages expedited cleanups and reduces costs.

The Washington State Department of Ecology is providing $700,000 to clean up contaminated sites in the state. Eligible applicants include local governments that have completed an independent cleanup through the Voluntary Cleanup Program and received a No Further Action determination. Eligible projects include remedial investigations; development of remedial action plans and reports; feasibility studies and remedy selection; engineering design and remedy construction; operation, maintenance, and/or monitoring of constructed remedy for up to one year. Standard applicants may receive up to $300,000 for a project; economically disadvantaged local government applicants may receive up to $450,000.  A match of 50 percent is required for most applicants; a 25 percent match is required of economically disadvantaged local government applicants . The current application period closes June 16, 2026. A second application period opens August 10, 2026, and closes June 15, 2027. For more information, visit the Independent Remedial Action Grants page.

Funding Available to Restore Resources Affected by Oil Spills

Program provides for restoration or enhancement of a broad range of natural resources.

The Washington State Department of Ecology uses funds from oil spill penalties for restoration and enhancement projects and natural resource studies in the state. Eligible applicants include tribal and local governments, special-purpose districts, and nonprofit organizations. Eligible projects include remedial investigations; development of remedial action plans and reports; feasibility studies and remedy selection; engineering design and remedy construction; operation, maintenance, and/or constructed remedy monitoring for up to one year. Typical awards range from $10,000 to $50,000. There is no match requirement. Applications are due April 29, 2026. For more information, visit the Oil Spill Restoration Funding page.

Spring 2026

Oregon State Funding Opportunities 

Funding Available for Transportation Projects that Support Development in Oregon

Program funds focused smaller-scale projects to provide transportation options for development.

The Oregon Transportation and Growth Management Program is making funding available to facilitate development and improve access to local destinations through site-specific, small-scale, short-term projects. Eligible applicants include local and tribal governments and special districts. Eligible projects must provide transportation choices, foster connected community, support economic vitality, and demonstrate sustainable land use. Typical awards range from $50,000 to $125,000. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis. For more information, visit the Transportation and Growth Management Program page.

$4 Million for Planning Activities Available in Oregon

Program supports planning activities that lead to development in Metro’s service area.

Oregon Metro provides up to $4 million per year for concept planning for land designated an urban reserve as well as planning for equitable growth and development inside of an urban growth boundary. Eligible applicants include those tribal and local governments, and community groups in an unincorporated area that are evaluating incorporation or annexation in Metro’s service area. Eligible planning projects must show that they will remove barriers to development or redevelopment that will significantly improve economic growth and clearly demonstrate a path to development. Metro awards grants to 10 to 15 applicants in a typical year. Microgrants for technical assistance in preparing applications are available for jurisdictions that lack resources and/or staff. Matching funds are not required. Potential applicants must submit a letter of interest one month before applications are due. Applications are accepted each quarter; the next letter of interest deadline is June 10, 2026, and the next application due date is July 10, 2026. For more information, visit the 2040 Planning and Development Grants page.

Up to $10 Million in Low-Cost Financing for Infrastructure Improvements in Oregon

Program supports planning, design, and construction of facilities that create jobs and support the local economy.

Business Oregon provides loans of up to $10 million per applicant to tribes, local governments, ports, and airport districts to support planning projects and capital improvements that assist in developing industrial lands, replace essential community facilities, and/or support the creation of jobs. Typical projects include developing energy, transportation, and telecommunications systems; providing or improving marine facilities; certifying levees or industrial sites; and developing or expanding water, sewer, and stormwater services. Funding can also be used for emergency response. The required match, loan amount, and other terms vary by application and project type. Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis. For more information, visit the Special Public Works Fund page.

Approximately $210,000 in Funding Available for Forests in Oregon

Program supports forest restoration on federal lands in the state.

The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board is supporting Collaborative Governance projects that restore forest land or develop, expand, or advance Zones of Agreement in Oregon. Eligible applicants include Oregon-based nonprofit community-based organizations, and local and tribal governments. Proposals for collaborative Governance projects may request up to $20,000 and those for Zones of Agreement or Collective Action may request up to $85,000, as they will receive priority for funding. Eligible geographies include forests managed by the U.S. Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management in Oregon. Eligible activities are tied to the type of project but may include developing or updating strategic plans, work plans, collaborative operating guidelines, stakeholder engagement; meeting planning; outreach and communications; data collection and analysis in support of project planning; training, travel to related meetings; and guest speaker presentations. A match of 5 percent is required. Applications are due April 9, 2026. For more information, visit the Forest Collaborative Grant program page.