State and Federal Grant Funding Opportunities for Summer 2026

Upcoming funding opportunities include federal funding for transit, including more than one opportunity for tribes and a large federal culvert removal program to promote fish passage. In Washington state opportunities include natural resources and public infrastructure funding. In Oregon, applicants can find funding support for small jurisdiction planning as well as an opportunity to use matching funds for federal transportation dollars.

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.

Summer 2026

Federal Funding Opportunities 

$28 Million Available for Planning for Transit-Oriented Development

The pilot program is available to current grant holders.

The Federal Transit Administration has announced more than $28 million to assist selected local governments with planning for transit-oriented development. The development must be associated with new fixed-route (such as rapid rail, light rail, commuter rail, ferry services, and bus rapid transit) and core capacity improvement transit projects. Eligible applicants include local government entities that currently hold grants from the Federal transit Administration. Applicants must collaborate with associated transit project sponsors and land use planning authorities. Eligible activities include development of comprehensive or site-specific planning studies. Past funding awards have ranged from $351,000 to $2 million. A match of 20 percent is required. Applications are due on July 10, 2026. For more information, visit the Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development Planning page.

Up to $18.9 Million Available to Tribes for Transit

This program funds public transportation projects in rural areas.

The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration is making $18.9 million available for transit projects on tribal lands. Eligible applicants include federally recognized Native American tribes that provide transit services in a rural area with a population of less than 50,000. Eligible project activities include planning, capital, and operating assistance. Funding may be used to buy transit vehicles, upgrade bus facilities, and expand or improve transit service. No match is required. Applications are due on August 25, 2026. For more information, visit the Public Transportation on Indian Reservations Program; Tribal Transit Program page.

Funding Available for Tribal Transportation Projects

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.

Up to $200 Million Available for Culvert Removal and Replacement

The program aims to improve passage for spawning fish.

The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration provides funding for projects that would meaningfully improve or restore passage for fish such as salmon that migrate between freshwater and saltwater. Eligible activities include projects to replace, remove, or repair culverts and weirs that would meaningfully improve or restore fish passage. Eligible applicants include local or tribal governments. A match of 20 percent is required for nontribal applicants. Applications are due on July 16, 2026. For more information, visit the National Culvert Removal, Replacement & Restoration Grants page.

Summer 2026

Washington State Funding Opportunities 

Grant Program for Fish Habitat in Washington

Program supports conservation and restoration of nearshore and estuarine environments.

The Pacific Marine and Estuarine Fish Habitat Partnership will award an estimated $175,000 to $250,000 in fiscal year 2027 for projects that contribute to conserving and restoring West Coast nearshore and estuarine fish habitat. Most projects will be funded at up to $100,000. Eligible applicants include state, tribal, and federal management agencies, conservation groups, community associations, watershed councils, local governments and others. Funding can be used for all phases of a restoration, enhancement, and protection project, from feasibility to post-construction monitoring. Projects that involve on-the-ground implementation and those that request less than $100,000 will get priority consideration. A 50 percent match is required for all applicants except tribes. Applications are due September 15, 2026. For more information, visit the PMEP FY27 Request for Proposals page.

$1.9 Million for Recreation Access Planning in Washington

Program supports communities that lack adequate access to outdoor recreation opportunities.

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) 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, and qualified nonprofits. The program specifically focuses on diverse urban neighborhoods, small rural communities, or applicants with less experience with RCO’s grants. Eligible project types include the development of a parks, recreation, and open space (PROS) plan or site-specific outdoor recreation planning that can include conceptual planning, site surveys, feasibility studies, permitting, and architectural and engineering work. Funding for PROS plan development is capped at $125,000 per applicant; funding for site-specific planning is capped at $200,000. There is no match requirement. Applications are due July 15, 2026. For more information, visit the Planning for Recreation Access page.

Transportation Project Funding Available in Washington

This consolidated grant program provides for public and tribal transportation, bus and equipment purchases, and services for seniors and people living with disabilities.

The Washington State Department of Transportation is opening the application period for a consolidated grant that provides funding across a range of transportation-related services and capital assets. Categories include system operations, mobility management, vehicles and equipment, small construction (up to $2.5 million), and planning. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, tribes, public transit agencies, and local agencies in Washington state. Match requirements are 5 or 10 percent, depending on project type; see funding guidance for terms. There will be an application training webinar on July 8, 2026. Applications are due by 3:00 p.m. Pacific on September 9, 2026.  For more information, visit the Consolidated Grant Program page.

$34.3 Million Available this Summer to Connect New Affordable Housing to Municipal Systems in Washington

Program aims to help local governments spur development.

The Washington State Department of Commerce will open the application period this summer for funding for utility improvements and system development charges to connect new affordable housing developments to municipal systems. Eligible applicants, including cities, counties, and public utilities in partnership with an affordable housing developer, may receive grants of up to $1 million per project. Eligible costs include sewer, stormwater, and right-of-way infrastructure costs that support an affordable housing project, including design, architectural, and engineering work; permits and fees; construction costs; related equipment; land acquisition if purchased for the utility project; and other costs including system development charges. No match is required. Applications for funding will be due in the fall of 2026. For more information, to sign up for alerts when the opportunity opens, or to view an informational webinar on the grant, visit the Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program page.

Low-Interest Loan and Grant Program for Public Works in Washington

Program promotes public health and safety, community and economic development, and broadband connectivity and protects the environment. 

The Washington State Department of Commerce Public Works Board promotes public health, safety, community, and economic development; facilitates broadband connectivity; and protects the environment. Three funding programs provide low-interest loans or grants for eligible applicants; terms depend on community need. Eligible applicants include local governments, special purpose districts (port districts are not eligible), and municipal and quasi-municipal corporations in the state. Three funding types are available: pre-construction ($20 million fund; $1 million per applicant), construction ($200 million+ fund; $10 million per applicant), and emergency construction ($7 million fund; usually $1 million per applicant). Eligible projects must be in a capital improvement or capital facilities plan, and the applicant needs to include its greenhouse gas policy. No match is required. Applications for the current cycle are due July 31, 2026. Future cycles open approximately every two months through the first quarter of 2027. For more information, visit the Public Works Board FY 27 Traditional Programs page.

Spring 2026

Oregon State Funding Opportunities 

Financing Available for Water and Wastewater Technical Assistance for Small Communities in Oregon

Program can provide loans of up to $10 million, subject to availability.

Business Oregon is providing technical assistance funding in the form of grants and loans to applicants with populations of 15,000 people or less. Eligible applicants include cities, counties and county service districts, ports, special districts, and tribal councils of federally recognized tribes. Eligible projects include planning, engineering, economic investigations, and other feasibility studies related to an eligible construction project. An eligible entity may apply for a loan for up to $10 million. Grant funding of up to $50,000 per project may also be available. Terms and amounts vary by project type. Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis. For more information, visit the Water/Wastewater Financing Program page.

Funding Available for Transportation and Growth Management in Oregon

Program helps cities find ways to implement transportation and land use plans.

Three Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development Transportation and Growth Management subprograms help cities find ways to implement transportation and land use plans. Eligible applicants include local and tribal governments, councils of government on behalf of a city or county, and special districts. 

• The Transportation and Growth Management | Quick Response program assists with multimodal problem-solving. Eligible projects are typically site-specific, small scale, short term solutions that facilitate near-term future development, provide transportation choices, support economic vitality, and promote environmental stewardship. Typical awards range from $50,000 to $125,000 and include planning consultation to facilitate community engagement and produce final deliverables. 
• The Transportation and Growth Management | Parking Reform and Management program helps agencies develop code amendments that significantly reduce or eliminate off-street parking mandates or a parking management plan. Grant amounts vary by project.
• The Transportation and Growth Management | Code Assistance program helps local governments update local regulations to promote efficient land use and transportation choices, with an emphasis on pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly development. Typical awards range from $50,000 to $125,000, include consultant assistance, and result in updated municipal code language or local transportation systems plans.

Applications for all three programs are accepted year-round on a continuous basis. For more information and to view fact sheets about the subprograms, visit the Department of Land Conservation and Development page and scroll down to links and descriptions for Transportation and Growth Management | Quick Response, Transportation and Growth Management | Parking Reform and Management, and Transportation and Growth Management | Code Assistance.

Federal Transportation Grant Matching Available in Oregon

Two-year program is funded up to $10 million, subject to availability.

The Oregon Department of Transportation provides funding to be used as matching funds for applicants for federal transportation grants, such as the federal Planning for Transit-Oriented Development or the Culvert Removal and Replacement programs mentioned in the federal grants section. Eligible applicants include public, private, and nonprofit entities that are in the process of applying for a federal grant for air, rail, or marine infrastructure project. Connect Oregon Federal Grant Match funds may not be used for grants already applied for and matching fund applicants must identify the grant for which they will apply. There is no cap on individual matching fund awards; application reviewers will consider the likelihood that the applicant will be awarded a federal grant. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the funding is fully disbursed. For more information, visit the Connect Oregon page and find the Federal Grant Match section.

Approximately $1.6 Million Available in Early Fall for Trails Projects in Oregon

Program provides for developing, improving, or expanding trails and support facilities.

In September, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will open the application period for funding that can be used for acquisition, development, rehabilitation and planning of county park and recreation areas that provide camping facilities. Eligible applicants include tribal and local governments and nonprofits. Eligible projects include construction and rehabilitation of trails, improving trailhead or other support facilities, acquisition of land for trails, and safety and education projects. Trails can be for nonmotorized or motorized use. The minimum grant request amount is $10,000. The recommended maximum is $200,000 for nonmotorized proposals; there is no maximum for motorized proposals. A 20 percent match is required; match can include volunteer labor and other donations. The grant cycle will open September 2, 2026; a letter of intent is due on October 15, 2026, with full applications due in November 2026. For more information, visit the Recreational Trails Program page.