Yakama Nation's Swan Dancer's hold a "clean up hanford" banner next to the Columbia River at the 2019 Hanford Journey, sponsored by Yakama Nation's ERWM program and Columbia Riverkeeper. Photo by Kiliii Yuyan.

Public Participation Grants

**Special Announcement**

The 2025 - 2027 Open Application Period is coming soon

It's time to get ready!

The 2025-2027 Open Application period for the Public Participation Grant (PPG) Program is coming early! 

• Opens January 7 at 8:00 a.m.
• Closes promptly at 5:00 p.m. on February 4

Why the change? You may have heard; Ecology’s online grant management system is undergoing an upgrade. As part of this process, the entire system is expected to shut down in April 2025. This anticipated “blackout” period compels us to expedite application periods, so they are closed before the blackout period.

Stay tuned for updates about application instructions, program guidelines, and a Q&A informational session.

Can you help us?

Your Ecology PPG Team is working on an outreach plan to get the word out about the upcoming application period for the next grant cycle to potentially eligible applicants. We realize this is a competitive grant program and some of you may apply for another cycle, but hope you are willing to help. We are grateful for any support you provide.

Here are some ways you can help:

• Forward this bulletin. Share the grant, application date range, and other relevant information through your communication networks.
• Send us your contacts for organizations/individuals who are potentially eligible (or that communicate with organizations/individuals who are potentially eligible). This could be professional organizations, or other umbrella entities.
• Provide us with compelling photos of people engaged in/through your PPG task work. These need to be photos we can use widely. We may use them in a variety of communications materials. This could highlight the work you are doing too!
• Do you have other ideas for how you might help us promote PPG?

We're Hiring!

Ecology's Solid Waste Management (SWM) program is looking to fill a Public Participation Grant Manager (Environmental Specialist 4) (In-Training) position, responsible for managing all aspects of this competitive grant program. This involves providing oversight on grants awarded to individuals, communities, and nonprofit organizations and assisting with the development, planning and implementation of the grant program. Your contributions will directly support Ecology’s vision to prioritize the HEAL Act and the state’s solid waste management priorities while promoting public engagement in government action. If you are looking for a rewarding collaborative work environment, join our dynamic team.

The mission of the Solid Waste Management (SWM) program is to reduce wastes through prevention and reuse, keep toxics out of the environment, and safely manage what remains. The Public Participation Grants (PPG) program focuses on engaging the public in contaminated site awareness, hazardous waste cleanup efforts and solid waste management priorities. 

Telework options for this position: This position will be eligible for up to 90% telework schedule. 

Application Timeline: This position will remain open until filled, we will review applications on October 7, 2024. In order to be considered, please submit an application on or before October 6, 2024. If your application isn't received by this date, it may not be considered. The agency reserves the right to make a hire any time after the initial screening date. 

SALARY: $56,880 - $88,800 Annually

See the full job description here: Public Participation Grant Manager (Environmental Specialist 4) (In-Training).

Questions? Contact Jill Krumlauf, Communications, Outreach, and Grants Unit Supervisor.

Other Funding Opportunities

Waste Not Washington School Awards 

Award amounts: $5,000 

Deadline to apply: October 31, 2024 

Eligible entities: Teacher or staff member of a K-12 public, private, tribal school, or school district applying on behalf of a school or classroom 

Community Food Projects Competitive Grants Program

Award amounts: $25,000-$400,000

Deadline to apply: November 7, 2024

Eligible entities: A public food program service provider, a tribal organization, a private nonprofit organization entity, including gleaners.

Composting Microgrants to Support Food Scrap Programs and Compostable Products

Award Amounts: $500-$5,000

Deadline for applications: November 8, 2024

Eligible entities: For-profit companies (such as food waste haulers and composters), non-profit organizations, and governmental agencies actively involved in composting.

The Food Center Team | Solid Waste Management Program

Food Center | Use Food Well.org | FoodCenter@ecy.wa.gov 

Kudos

Congratulations to one of our PPG recipients, Dr. Ileana Ponce, Founder and Executive Director of Community Health Workers Coalition for Migrants and Refugees. Dr. Ponce published research about pesticide exposure prevention and the impact of their programs among migrant and refugee workers in Washington state. You can view the publication on the Sage Journals website via the link below.

Empowering Agricultural Workers Through Community Health Worker-Led Pesticide Safety Workshops in Washington State - Ileana María Ponce-González, Griselda Arias, Elmer Diaz, Michael L. Parchman, 2024 (sagepub.com)

Share and Explore

Want to learn more about these and other PPG projects? Check out this interactive map that highlights all of the 2023-2025 PPG grant recipients.

Interested in seeing YOUR project featured in a future Newsletter? Contact your grant manager to share your exciting news and project updates with us and your fellow grant recipients.

Your PPG Team

We are committed to supporting you and your projects throughout this biennium. Thank you for your contributions toward protecting our environment while building strong inclusive communities.