Application Details

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Overview

THE APPLICATION FOR THE 2026 ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE FUND IS NOW CLOSED.

Please note that the Environmental Justice Fund will issue the next RFP in 2028. 

What We Fund

Meeting Seattle’s climate goals takes everyone. Investments like the Environmental Justice Fund are part of Seattle’s strategy to support grassroots, community‑driven solutions that accelerate climate action. This is why the EJ Fund supports diverse community-led efforts that align with one of its four funding priorities: 

• Developing the leadership of communities impacted first and worst by climate change: This funding category supports projects that build leadership and decision-making power within communities most impacted by climate change and environmental injustices. Funded projects help frontline communities lead and influence solutions that address the root causes of environmental inequities.  
  
  
• Supporting community-led climate or environmental solutions: This funding category supports projects that are designed and led by or in partnership with priority communities to address the disproportionate impacts they experience from environmental pollution and climate change.  
  
  
• Trainings and exposure to climate careers: This funding category supports projects that offer programming and environmental education for members of our priority communities to increase their exposure to careers that are important to adapt to or mitigate the impacts of climate change.  
  
  
• Building resilience to protect health and community wellbeing: This funding category supports projects that strengthen community’s ability to be prepared for and recover from climate events. Funded projects build climate resilience in ways that protect people’s health and improve community wellbeing. 

Project activities can include: climate resilience and adaptation solutions, community planning and visioning, cultural knowledge preservation and/or education, environmental or climate focused arts and storytelling, environmental or climate education, outreach, and/or engagement, climate career exposure programs, and organizational and community capacity building. 

Priority will be given to projects that serve the following priority neighborhoods: Beacon Hill, Bitter Lake, Central Area, Chinatown-International District, Delridge, Georgetown, Haller Lake, Lake City, Mount Baker, Othello, Rainier Beach, and South Park.  For examples of eligible projects, please see the Eligible Projects section of the application guidelines.  

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 within four weeks of being notified of receiving a grant.
  • During the contracting period, EJ Fund staff can help connect groups to potential fiscal sponsors if needed.