Washington State Department of Commerce is accepting applications to help public, private, and tribal building owners comply with the Clean Buildings Performance Standard.

This funding can support child care providers who own or operate in eligible buildings with costs related to energy benchmarking, energy management plans, operations and maintenance planning, energy audits, and building efficiency upgrades.

Multiple funding pools are available, with a total of $32.4 million statewide, made possible through the Climate Commitment Act.

Key details:

• Eligible applicants: Public, private, and tribal building owners

• Eligible uses: Benchmarking, energy plans, audits, and efficiency retrofits

Application deadline: March 4, 2026.

Learn more and apply through Washington State Department of Commerce.

Contact: CBPSGrants@commerce.wa.gov

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is accepting applications for the Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program to help rural communities develop and improve essential public facilities.

This funding supports the construction, expansion, renovation, or equipment needs of facilities that provide critical services in rural areas with populations of 20,000 or fewer.

Multiple funding options are available, including direct low-interest loans, grants, and loan-grant combinations. Grant amounts vary based on community size and median income levels.

Key details:

• Eligible applicants: Public bodies (cities, counties, special purpose districts), nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized Tribes

• Eligible uses: Construction, acquisition, or improvement of essential community facilities; equipment and vehicle purchases; related project costs

• Eligible areas: Rural communities with populations of 20,000 or fewer

Application deadline: Open year-round (funding is available on a rolling basis)

Learn more and apply through USDA Rural Development.

Contact: terry.butler@usda.gov