Application Details

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Overview

THE APPLICATIONS FOR 2025 ARE NOW CLOSED.  

The Environmental Justice (EJ) Fund was established in 2018 as part of the City of Seattle’s Equity & Environment Agenda to invest in community-led projects advancing climate justice. The EJ Fund is designed to protect and strengthen Seattle communities hit first and worst by climate change, extreme weather, and environmental inequities, including Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), immigrants, refugees, youth, elders, and low-income residents. The EJ Fund is funded through the Seattle Payroll Expense Tax, a local revenue source not connected to federal funding.

What We Fund

We fund diverse community efforts addressing climate change and advancing environmental justice, including arts and storytelling, community education, capacity building, climate preparedness, programming related to green jobs*, and community planning and visioning.

Eligible projects/programs must: 

  • Focus on advancing climate and/or environmental justice;  
  • Be led by or in partnership with those most affected by environmental and climate inequities (as defined above);
  • Benefit people who live, learn, work, worship, and play in Seattle;
  • Occur within Seattle city limits

For examples of eligible projects, please see the Examples of Eligible Projects.  

*for the purpose of the EJ Fund, green jobs are defined as jobs and careers within the context of addressing climate change and sustainability.  

Who We Fund

We welcome proposals from Tribes and tribal organizations, non-profit organizations and community groups whose work is led by or in partnership with Black, Indigenous, people of color, immigrants, refugees, people with low incomes, youth, and/or elders. 

Eligible Applicants must: 

  • Have 501(c)3 nonprofit status; or 
  • Have a fiscal sponsor with 501(c)3 nonprofit status; or 
  • Be willing and able to secure a fiscal sponsor with 501(c)3 nonprofit status by October 10, 2025, if awarded a grant
    • During the contracting period, EJ Fund staff can help connect groups to potential fiscal sponsors if needed. 

Sustainability and Environment

Michelle Caulfield, Interim Director
Address: 700 5th Avenue, #1868, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 94729, Seattle, WA, 98124-4729
Phone: (206) 256-5158
OSE@seattle.gov

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We collaborate with City agencies, business groups, nonprofit organizations, and other partners to protect and enhance Seattle's distinctive environmental quality and livability.