Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act Tribal Capacity Grants are non-competitive grants awarded to eligible tribes to provide guidance and input to:
- Agencies on implementation of the HEAL Act,
- The Environmental Justice Council on implementation of the HEAL Act, and
- The Department of Health on updates to the Environmental Health Disparities Map.
In 2021, the Legislature passed the HEAL Act, which requires extensive tribal consultation by agencies, created the Environmental Justice Council, and resourced the Department of Health to maintain and update the Environmental Health Disparities Map. In fall 2022, the Environmental Justice Council in their Climate Commitment Act funding recommendations and budget priorities recommended the Legislature create a grant program to resource tribes, tribal organizations, and communities in engaging with HEAL agencies and the Environmental Justice Council. In 2023, the Legislature established this grant program. The purpose of these funds is to support tribes in providing guidance and advice.
Funding
Amount of funding available: $11.7 million.
Estimated Funding Range: Base award up to $403,450. Additional funds will be redistributed based on availability. Tribal organizations will be eligible for any unspent funds, not to exceed 15% of $11.7 million.
An additional $11,700,000 (estimated value) will be available to overburdened communities and vulnerable populations through a separate grant process. Tribes and tribal organizations are also eligible for these funds.
Amount of matching funds required: None.
Indirect costs allowable: Yes.
Eligibility: Any Federally Recognized Indian Tribe with HEAL Act impacts to rights and interests in their tribal lands (RCW 70A.02.010).
Expected Period of Performance: March 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025.
Application Timeline and Process
Applications will be accepted starting December 15, 2023 through October 31, 2024, with a priority application due date of January 31, 2024. At the close of the priority application period, DOH will begin distributing available funds amongst the Tribes that have submitted a completed application according to the schedule below.
| Application release date | December 15, 2023 |
|
Informational webinars (past) |
January 3, 2024, 3-4pm |
| Priority application due date | January 31, 2024 |
| Estimated internal review of applications | February 1-15, 2024 |
| Estimated notification of contract award | February 16, 2024 |
| Estimated contract execution/start date | March 1, 2024 |
DOH will continue to accept applications through October 31, 2024 with funds distributed on a rolling monthly basis. After the priority application period Tribal organizations will be eligible for any unspent funds, not to exceed 15% of the overall funds reserved for Tribes. Tribes receiving an initial award may also request additional project funding using unspent funds.
To apply for funds, review and complete the Grant Overview and Application (PDF).
Questions, comments or concerns can be sent to Reann Gibson at ejgrants@doh.wa.gov. Completed forms can be emailed to Reann Gibson at ejgrants@doh.wa.gov
Funds may support activities that include, but are not limited to:
- Consultation with agencies regarding HEAL Act-covered activities, such as environmental justice assessments, agency rules, and agency request legislation.
- Submitting to an agency (or agencies) a summary of issues, questions, concerns, or other statements regarding a proposed project with environmental justice impacts.
- Requesting and engaging in meetings with state agencies or the Governor’s Office to review and resolve consultation issues or disputes or participating in formal mediation for HEAL Act activities.
- Attending Environmental Justice Council meetings, subcommittee meetings, meeting with Councilmembers or staff.
- Providing comments, attending technical meetings, or interacting with Department of Health staff regarding the maintenance or updates to the Environmental Health Disparities Map.
- Assessing tribal needs or impacts of the HEAL Act on a tribe or their community.
More Information
- Recording of the presentation from the information session (Zoom - password Z0!!9wqg).
- Slide presentation from the information session (PDF).