The Department of Health (DOH) consulted with Tribes to develop two grant programs, the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Tribal Capacity Grant and the Workplace Safety for Workers Affected by Climate Change Grant. The legislature based these grant programs on Environmental Justice Council suggestions from their Climate Commitment Act funding recommendations (PDF) and budget priorities (PDF).
These grants have been funded for the 2025–2027 biennium. Federally Recognized Tribes with impacts to rights and interest in their Tribal lands that are within Washington State boundaries (RCW 70A.65.305) are eligible to apply for both grants. Funding for either grant can be used to continue projects activities from the previous biennium.
Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Tribal Capacity Grant
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.
These are non-competitive grants awarded to eligible Tribes to provide guidance and input to:
- The Environmental Justice Council about how to implement the HEAL Act.
- DOH regarding updates to the Environmental Health Disparities Map.
- State agencies about how to implement the HEAL Act (including environmental justice assessments, budgeting and funding, and community and Tribal engagement).
Funding Available: $1.4 million
Award Amount: Base award of $45,454 per Tribe; non-competitive funding
Expected Period of Performance: Date of Execution – June 30, 2027
Eligible Project Activities
- Develop and market a youth HEAL gathering to increase knowledge and understanding of the HEAL Act and environmental justice.
- Host a First Food Summit with state agencies and the Environmental Justice Council to discuss the implementation of the HEAL Act, impact of climate change and access to first foods.
- Develop/conduct environmental health assessments or community health assessments.
- Engage with tribal community such as hosting events on related topics including tribal food sovereignty.
- Fund staff positions to engage with state agencies on topics related to the HEAL Act, tribal consultations. Example: Hire an environmental policy analyst to engage with state agencies about the HEAL Act and make environmental policy recommendations.
- Develop a plan for providing guidance on updating the Environmental Health Disparities Map.
Application Process
Application materials can be found in the document below. Applicants should download the file, complete all required sections, and return them via email. All application materials are emailed to the Environmental Justice Grants Program. Please reach out if you require any assistance accessing the application.
HEAL Tribal Capacity Application (Word)
Workplace Safety for Workers Affected by Climate Change
The Workplace Safety for Workers Affected by Climate Change Grant program focuses on the workplace health and safety of workers who are affected by climate impacts like extreme heat and cold, wildfire smoke, drought, and flooding.
Funding from this grant program can be used to purchase and distribute equipment and resources for outdoor workers in fields like fisheries, treaty rights, and first foods cultivating and harvesting. This is an ongoing grant program.
Funding Available: $500,000
Award Amount: Base award of $15,151 per Tribe; non-competitive funding
Expected Period of Performance: Date of Execution – June 30, 2027
Eligible Project Activities
- Procurement and distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Host distribution events for supplies.
- Host worker safety trainings and education or climate-specific emergency preparedness trainings.
- Upgrade HVAC equipment that will protect outdoor workers from climate-related hazards.
Application Process
Application materials can be found in the document below. Applicants should download the file, complete all required sections, and return them via email. All application materials are emailed to the Environmental Justice Grants Program. Please reach out if you require any assistance accessing the application.
Workplace Safety for Workers Affected by Climate Change Application (Word)
Schedule
This schedule is subject to change at the discretion of DOH. The application will open October 3, 2025, and remain open until June 30, 2026. Applications will be reviewed within 10 days of being received and the EJ grants team will reach out to clarify scope of work. After June 30, 2026, Tribes receiving the base award may receive additional funding from any remaining funds.
Application Support
Interested Tribes are invited to register for information sessions held in October and November to ask any clarifying questions about the RFA and application process. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. The information session will be recorded and made available on the HEAL Tribal Capacity Grant website. Interested Tribes can reach out to the EJ Grants Team to request a meeting to discuss a project idea and address any questions or concerns directly.
Register for information session on October 14, 2025 from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Register for information session on November 5, 2025 from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Related Links
The Tribal Capacity Grant is supported with funding from Washington’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA). 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.
