The UW Climate Impacts Group has launched a small-grants program to support Washington coastal Tribes in building resilience to climate change. This initiative is a direct response to feedback gathered during the Tribal listening sessions that informed the recent report, Climate Adaptation Barriers and Needs Experienced by Northwest Coastal Tribes.

Tribal input highlighted significant barriers to accessing funding for climate resilience projects. This program aims to address two key needs identified in the report:

• More generalized and flexible sources of funding to maximize Tribal autonomy and responsiveness in allocating funds and reduce administrative burdens.
• Funding that is better aligned with Tribal priorities, rather than the priorities of funding entities, to support community-driven priorities and the incorporation of Indigenous Knowledges.

In implementing this new program, we are committed to advancing a trust-based funding model that honors Tribal self-determination.

This program supports coastal Tribes in Washington State 

The following Tribes are eligible for funding under this program:

This program was co-designed with Tribal partners

Tribal leaders and government staff were invited to participate in a survey to share their preferences regarding grant structure and reporting. Participants had the option to schedule follow-up calls to provide further insights into their preferences.

Feedback gathered through surveys and phone calls directly shaped the design of this grant program. The small grants are thus structured to be non-competitive and unrestricted: any Tribe that meets the funding criteria will receive an award, and may pursue any project that advances their Tribe’s resilience goals

Request for Applications (RFA) 

• July 1, 2025: RFA Release. The Request for Applications is available on the CIG website.
• July 14, 2025: Webinar: Application Workshop I. Webinar to walk applicants through the process. View recording here.
• July 29, 2025: Open Office Hours: Application Workshop II. Open office hours for applications support and Q&A. Register here.
• August 11, 2025: Project Proposals Due. Applicants upload completed applications by 11:59 p.m. PDT.
• October 17, 2025: Award Notifications.

Please click below to access the RFA.

RFA

If you would like support with your application or have any additional questions, you can attend one of two application workshops (see above).

Submit Your Proposal

Project proposals will be accepted starting July 1, 2025, through August 11, 2025. The submission form can be found below. Applicants should download the template file, complete all required sections, and submit their proposals using the jotform. Please reach out to Noelani Villa, Tribal Climate Adaptation Specialist (noelaniv@uw.edu), if you require any assistance accessing or completing the application.

Proposal template

SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL HERE

(Please note that we moved the application to jotform on July 8, 2025.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the University of Washington determine the indirect cost rate or should we use our Tribe’s indirect cost rate?
You should use your Tribe’s federally negotiated indirect cost rate in your project proposal. This rate should be applied to the direct costs for your base award of up to $60,000.

Is any cost share or match required?
No.

Can we use this award to fund portions of a larger project?
Sure! Just provide a brief explanation in your proposal of how this project fits into the larger effort.

Can we use this award to work on multiple smaller projects?
Yes. We just ask that you explain how each component contributes to your Tribe’s climate resilience goals.

You mentioned the base award is $60,000 with the potential to receive additional funding if all 25 Tribes do not apply and remaining funds are divided among those that do. Should we include additional tasks in our project proposal in case additional funding is available?
No. At this time, please only include tasks that can be completed with the maximum $60,000 base award. We will reach out to request a revised scope and budget if extra funds become available – we suggest considering in advance how you might build upon your proposal with additional funds.

Can we use this funding for policy analysis work?
Yes. Just be sure to explain in your proposal how the policy analysis supports your Tribe’s climate resilience objectives.

Do proposals require a Tribal resolution?
No, a Tribal resolution is not required to submit your project proposal or receive funding. However, if your Tribe has internal requirements that would make a resolution necessary, please follow your Tribe’s specific guidance.

What is the NOAA Environmental Compliance (EC) Review process?
NOAA uses a Categorical Exclusion (CE) process for projects that are administrative or planning in nature. These do not trigger a full NEPA review. However, all projects will still undergo EC review. Proposals will be grouped into two batches:

• Batch One (projects expected to receive a categorical exclusion): Funding may be available by Winter 2026.
• Batch Two (projects requiring more complex environmental compliance): Funding may be available by Spring 2026.

What might trigger a full EC review?
Projects involving fieldwork, endangered species, or activities on sensitive lands may trigger a full EC review. For example, LiDAR flights over culturally or ecologically sensitive areas could require additional review.

When will funding be available if a full EC review is required?
If a project triggers full EC review, funding may not be available until Spring 2026.

What if I have an existing permit? Will my project still need EC review?

Yes, because these are new awards, every project is required to meet environmental compliance guidelines. However, you can submit your existing permits to NOAA. NOAA’s environmental compliance team will review the permits and contact the appropriate federal agencies, which can help streamline the process.

Can work be backdated for funding purposes?

Sub-contracts will be issued only after approval by NOAA’s EC guidelines and the University of Washington’s Procurement Services. Unfortunately, contracts cannot be backdated, and work may not begin until the date contracts are issued.

How are funds passed through to organizations?
The NOAA Office for Coastal Management is the sponsor for this program, which is funded through a Climate Resilience Regional Challenge grant. The Washington State Department of Ecology is the primary recipient of the Climate Resilience Regional Challenge funds and manages the pass-through to the Climate Impacts Group, which then sub-contracts funding to Tribes.

Are Tribes that are eligible for the grants program also eligible for technical assistance (TA) through the WA Tribal Coastal Resilience Program?
Yes, Tribes eligible for this grant funding are also eligible for TA through the Washington Tribal Coastal Resilience Program.