Accelerating Federal Grant Access and Long-Term Resilience in Washington State

Project Overview

When the Washington Department of Commerce (Commerce) sought to launch a new statewide technical assistance initiative, they outlined two core objectives: to establish a program that could help eligible organizations apply for federal funding and to provide targeted federal grant support to projects serving vulnerable populations in overburdened communities.

The vision led to a partnership with Hagerty Consulting to create the Federal Funds Grant Writing Assistance Program (FFGWAP), a statewide initiative designed to expand access to federal funds and grant writing assistance for communities across the state. FFGWAP supports Washington community-based organizations, local government agencies, ports, housing authorities, tribes, businesses, state agencies, and other eligible entities by helping them prepare and submit federal grant applications. It also helps the state meet its clean electricity and greenhouse gas reduction goals through approaches that promote equity, innovation, economic growth, and job creation.

Through this engagement, Hagerty has supported projects in several resilience and energy sectors: solar, hydrogen energy, infrastructure improvements, renewable wave energy, weatherization and energy efficiency measures, geothermal energy, energy system improvements in rural and remote areas, workforce development, circular economies, food waste reduction, greenhouse gas emission reduction, and more.

Understanding the Mission

FFGWAP participants pursue a wide range of energy and climate priorities, covering different and innovative alternative energy sources. To expand federal grant access, Commerce provides technical assistance, offers workshops, and guides participants step-by-step through the full application process. These services not only improve individual organizations’ access to critical federal resources—they also strengthen a resilient regional network capable of delivering community-driven energy and climate projects.

Additionally, to build statewide capacity and increase the number of organizations able to secure federal funding, Hagerty designed and implemented services that would reduce barriers and help eligible organizations navigate the complex federal grant applications process. In alignment with Commerce’s “No Wrong Door” approach, Hagerty ensures organizations receive responsive, inclusive support tailored to their specific needs.

Under state legislation, Commerce set an ambitious goal to direct 60 percent of FFGWAP’s funds toward serving vulnerable populations in overburdened communities. To support this objective and expand equitable federal grant access, Hagerty took a proactive approach to defining, tracking, and executing the requirement operationally.

First, Hagerty identified how and when program participants would qualify toward the 60 percent threshold by consolidating relevant state and federal resources that reflected existing state goals and values. Next, the team developed processes that creatively integrated existing administrative systems—avoiding the need for new software or major workflow changes.

As a result, Commerce gained real-time, reliable access to detailed insights on where funds and services were being directed, enabling strategic oversight and accountability throughout the program.

The Hagerty Approach

Whether navigating shifts in the federal funding or helping clients recover from extreme weather events, Hagerty brings a longstanding eye for resilient program management, a responsive mindset, and a commitment to enhancing the strengths and expertise found within local communities. Leveraging its deep knowledge of complex federal rules and regulations, strategic writing, and extensive, ongoing tracking of the federal landscape, Hagerty partnered with Commerce to design, stand up, and implement a new statewide technical assistance program aimed at expanding federal grant access.

To achieve this, Hagerty designed a program model that extended beyond technical subject matter expertise. The team prioritized a personal, accessible style to grant writing, advising on goals, and building the systems, processes, and operations that gave Commerce consistent data and real-time visibility into every aspect of the program. As a result, Commerce could track exactly where and how state funds and federal grant access services were being delivered, ensuring transparency, accountability, and impact across Washington communities.

Achieving Results

In under a year, Hagerty expanded federal grant access across Washington by helping 307 organizations—ranging from local governments to tribal nations and small businesses—better prepare to navigate the federal grant application process. The team supported 55 competitive federal grant submissions totaling $173 million, with 92 percent of requested funds benefiting vulnerable populations. Hagerty also led eight in-person workshops that reached over 250 participants and multiple virtual webinars that reached another 500 participants statewide. By year’s end, 62 percent of expended funds served overburdened communities, exceeding Commerce’s equity goals.

Hagerty’s Ongoing Support

Hagerty continues to expand federal grant access across Washington by working with a broad network to coordinate complex federal applications. The team provides ongoing administrative support to Commerce and its local partners. This helps advance clean energy projects, reduce burdens on communities, and streamline access to federal funds. As a result, Hagerty maximizes funding and scales innovative, community-driven solutions.