WA SB6245

Department of Commerce may advance funds to public benefit nonprofit corporations that have received department grants and demonstrated need for upfront funding to perform grant work

Eligible nonprofits must have annual budgets under $5,000,000, been awarded a department grant within 6 months, operated in their field for at least 3 years, and performed satisfactorily on prior department grants within 10 years

Advance payments are one-time and capped at 25% of the grant or $200,000, whichever is less, with the advance deducted from the total grant award

Department must develop equity-driven procedures for demonstrating need in consultation with impacted communities and execute enforceable contracts before disbursing funds

Pilot program expires June 30, 2029, with a report due to the legislature by September 1, 2028 evaluating outcomes and recommending whether to continue or expand the program