Green Jobs Grant Program 2025

The Washington State Department of Commerce is soliciting applications for the Green Jobs Grant Program 2025, a competitive grant opportunity targeting projects that demonstrate clean energy and economic development initiatives across multiple Washington counties. The Request for Applications (RFA) seeks proposals focused on high-wage clean job creation, infrastructure risk reduction for clean manufacturing, and workforce development in the clean energy sector. Eligible projects must address climate change mitigation, help communities meet energy requirements, increase investment potential, and develop advanced workforce capabilities. The original due date of January 20, 2025, has been modified to a rolling application process until funds are expended, with an applicants' conference scheduled for January 27, 2025, at 9 a.m. Pacific time via virtual Microsoft Teams meeting. Evaluation criteria will include project alignment with climate goals, potential economic impact, workforce development strategies, and demonstration of benefits to overburdened communities and vulnerable populations.

Eligible applicants are broad and include local governments, federally recognized tribes, public and private utilities, ports, development organizations, for-profit entities, academic institutions, non-profits, and state agencies. All projects require a non-state matching fund commitment at a 1:1 (50%) ratio, which can be comprised of local match, direct investment, and in-kind contributions. The total program funding is approximately $19 million, sourced from the Climate Commitment Act, with individual project awards ranging from $500,000 to $19 million. Addendum 1 introduced new HEAL Act requirements mandating applicants address environmental justice and demonstrate that at least 40% of project benefits/investments will target overburdened communities using the Environmental Health Disparities mapping tool. The initial contract period begins in February 2025 upon execution and will run through project completion, with the Department of Commerce reserving the right to extend contracts for two additional one-year periods. Eligible project activities include planning, predevelopment, design and engineering, and construction of clean technology initiatives.