If you are a community leader in Washington, you know that the "Healthy Environment for All" (HEAL) Act isn't just another piece of legislation: it is a promise. It’s a promise that the environmental benefits and investments in our state should finally reach the people who need them most: our overburdened and vulnerable communities.
At the Washington State Coalition of African Community Leaders (WSCACL), we aren’t just cheering from the sidelines. We are working directly with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and the Frontline Funding Collaborative to make sure this money actually gets into your hands.
But here is the catch: The deadline for Round 3 subgrants is June 22, 2026.
That is just days away. Whether you’re looking to fund a community garden, a youth advocacy program, or a clean energy project, you need to act now. Here are five critical things you need to know about the HEAL Act funding available through WSCACL right now.
1. The Deadlines Are Urgent (But There Is More Coming)
First, let’s talk about the clock. Round 3 of our HEAL subgrants is open right now, and the application window closes on June 22, 2026, at 11:59 PM PST.
For this round, we are distributing a total of $167,500.
- Individual Organizations: You can apply for up to $10,000.
- Partnerships: If you are teaming up with another organization, you can apply for up to $18,000.
If you miss this window, don’t lose hope. We have a Round 4 planned for later in the 2026-2027 cycle with another $167,500 available. However, if your project is ready to go, there is no reason to wait. The need in our community is immediate, and these funds are designed to be deployed quickly to make a real impact.
2. Your Project Likely Qualifies
Many leaders hesitate to apply because they think "Environmental Justice" only means big infrastructure projects like solar farms or water treatment plants. While those are great, the HEAL Act defines environmental health much more broadly.
We are looking for projects that focus on:
- Food Sovereignty & Urban Agriculture: Building community gardens or ensuring healthy food access.
- Green Spaces: Creating or maintaining parks and nature areas in neighborhoods that lack them.
- Clean Energy & Air: Projects that address air pollution or help families transition to cleaner energy.
- Youth Engagement: Programs that teach the next generation of leaders about environmental advocacy.
- Education & Outreach: Simply getting the word out to your community about environmental health risks and resources.
If your work helps a community that faces high pollution, limited access to nature, or health inequities, you are likely eligible.
3. We Are Looking for "Geographic Diversity"
Washington has 39 counties, and environmental challenges don't stop at the King County border. One of WSCACL’s primary goals is to ensure these HEAL funds reach at least 22 of the 39 counties in our state.
Whether you are based in the Tri-Cities, Yakima, Spokane, Vancouver, or the Olympic Peninsula, we want to hear from you. We are specifically looking to support organizations that work in rural or often-overlooked areas. If you’ve felt like your region is usually ignored when it comes to state funding, this is your chance to change that narrative.
4. You Don’t Have to Be a WSCACL Member
This is a frequent question we get: "Do I have to be a member of your coalition to get a grant?"
The answer is a firm NO.
While we love our members and encourage you to join our network of over 50 organizations, these subgrants are open to any 501(c)(3) nonprofit or fiscally sponsored community group in Washington that works with overburdened and vulnerable communities.
You also don't need a decades-long history of environmental work. If you are a community-based organization that has deep trust within your neighborhood, you are exactly who we want to empower. We are a "pass-through" funder, meaning our job is to help the Department of Health's $1.4M capacity grant reach the grassroots level where it does the most good.
5. There Is Even More Funding on the Horizon
The HEAL subgrants are just one piece of the puzzle. We are also working with the Frontline Funding Collaborative (FFC) on a separate Capacity Grant Program.
- The Opportunity: 18 grants of $20,000 each.
- Next Round: Round 2 of the FFC grants opens on September 10, 2026.
This means if your organization needs deeper capacity-building support: like hiring staff, improving your internal systems, or long-term planning: you should keep a close eye on the FFC calendar.
How to Apply Before the June 22 Deadline
You have two steps to complete your application for the Round 3 subgrants:
- JustFund Portal: You must submit your project idea and answer the preliminary questions via the JustFund portal.
- Email WSCACL: In addition to the portal, you must email a project plan and budget directly to us at info@wscacl.org.
Remember, both must be done by 11:59 PM PST on Monday, June 22, 2026.
Quick Summary & Takeaways
- Deadline: June 22, 2026 (Round 3).
- Funding: Up to $10k for individuals; $18k for partnerships.
- Eligibility: 501(c)(3) or fiscally sponsored groups; membership NOT required.
- Focus: Environmental justice, food sovereignty, youth, and geographic diversity (22+ counties).
- Contact: Questions? Email info@wscacl.org immediately.
Don't let this opportunity pass you by. Your community deserves these resources, and we are here to help you secure them. Let’s build a healthier, more equitable Washington together.
