Commerce’s Special Initiatives implements new legislative priorities to ensure everyone in Washington has access to safety, belonging, and the basic resources needed to thrive.
Competitive grant programs currently managed by this team:
- Outreach Grants
- Religious and Nonprofit Security Grants
- Legal Aid for Low Income Immigrants
- Grants to Counties for Housing & Services
Commerce’s Special Initiatives also manages direct appropriations – grants directed to specific community organizations addressing specific community needs. About half of our current grants support asylum seekers and other new immigrants to the United States. Many other grants support historically excluded communities, low-income households, or specific demographic groups.
Some of our grantees
- Northwest Immigrant Rights Project – Immigration legal aid throughout Washington
- Thrive International – Support Ukrainians and other recent arrivals in King and Spokane Counties
- Lavender Rights Project – Elevating the power of the Black intersex & gender diverse community
- Bellevue Mini City Hall – Providing in-person services in eight languages at Crossroads Mall
Programs
Legal Aid for Immigrants
Commerce supports legal aid providers for low-income immigrants who are at the most risk of harm.
Religious and Nonprofit Security Grant
The Religious and Nonprof […]
Outreach Grants
Commerce is strengthening communities across Washington by providing grants to community-based organizations with experience and cultural skills to enroll people historically excluded from state and federal social services.