The Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act was passed in 2021 to reduce environmental and health disparities, equitably distribute environmental benefits, and improve the health of all people in Washington state. The Department of Health (DOH) is one of seven named state agencies, along with the Department of Commerce, Department of Agriculture, Department of Transportation, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Ecology, and Puget Sound Partnership, committed to reducing environmental health disparities across Washington State through the implementation of HEAL.
The HEAL Act also required DOH to:
- Staff and convene an Environmental Justice Council (EJC), which provides a forum for disproportionately impacted communities to inform the state’s environmental justice efforts.
- Engage with communities and Tribes across the state to inform the Environmental Health Disparities Map.
- Use and update the Environmental Health Disparities Map to track changes over time.
The HEAL Community Capacity Grant program focuses on equipping communities most impacted by environmental hazards to collaborate with state agencies on environmental justice decisions. We recognize that communities experiencing the greatest impacts of environmental injustice have historically been left out of state decision-making processes. This exclusion has contributed to the environmental health disparities we see today. At the same time, these communities hold valuable perspectives and experiences related to environmental justice.
Community-based and led organizations are uniquely positioned to identify, engage with, and respond to their community’s needs. These organizations are invaluable partners because they help state agencies consider unique cultural and linguistic needs, logistical challenges and barriers to health access, and specific environmental justice concerns. In the 2025-2027 biennium, DOH invites eligible organizations to apply for one of the following:
- Project funding: DOH expects to award 5 projects with $100,000 grants each, totaling $500,000. An organization may apply on its own or in partnership with other organization(s). These funds support organizational capacity, so community guidance and input can be shared to: the Environmental Justice Council about how to implement the HEAL Act; DOH regarding updates to the Environmental Health Disparities Map; and state agencies about how to implement the HEAL Act, including environmental justice assessments, budgeting and funding, and community and Tribal engagement.
- Pass-through funding: DOH expects to award 2 applicants with $500,000 grants, totaling $1 million. Community-based organizations are invited to sub-grant funds to other community-based organizations working with overburdened communities and vulnerable populations across Washington. Funds will support equitable community engagement and help build capacity to participate in HEAL activities. The selected organizations will work closely with DOH staff to ensure accountability, transparency, and equity throughout the funding period and grant process.
Schedule
This schedule is subject to change at the discretion of DOH. All required documents must be submitted by the dates and times specified below.
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Application release date |
August 15, 2025 |
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Informational webinars
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Register for information session on August 26, 2025 from 5:30-6:30pm (Spanish) Register for information session on August 27, 2025 from 1-2pm (English) Register for information session on September 9, 2025 from 3:00-4:00pm (English) |
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Application due date |
September 30, 2025 at 11:59pm |
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Estimated internal review of applications |
October 2025 |
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Estimated notification of award |
November 17, 2025 |
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Estimated agreement execution/start date |
January 1, 2026 |
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Funding period end date |
June 30, 2027 |
Expected Period of Performance: January 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
Application Process
When available, application materials can be found below (pages 8-15). Applicants should download the file, complete all required forms, and return them via email by September 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. All application materials are emailed to the Environmental Justice Grants Program. Please reach out if you require any assistance accessing the application.
Organizations can request application materials and apply in a language other than English if desired. Information sessions will be held in English, Spanish, and other languages at your request. If you have a specific accommodation need and would like to request a formal interview to supplement your application, contact the Environmental Justice Grants Program.
Application Support
Interested organizations are invited to register for information sessions held in August 2025 to ask any clarifying questions about the RFA and application process. Interested organizations can email us to discuss a project idea and address any questions or concerns with the grants team directly.
Related Links
The HEAL Community Capacity Grants is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The CCA supports Washington’s climate action efforts by putting cap-and-invest dollars to work reducing climate pollution, creating jobs, and improving public health. Information about the CCA is available at www.climate.wa.gov.
