There are several steps to applying for a SRFB grant in the Yakima Basin Lead Entity process. Yakima Basin SRFB grant proposals must be submitted through the YBFWRB Lead Entity, and must address YBFWRB recovery goals as outlined in the Yakima Steelhead Recovery Plan and/or the Yakima Bull Trout Action Plan (see 2017 update). A full description of the local process is outlined in the Lead Entity Manual.
See 2026 Grant Round updates here.
Summary of changes to Manual 18 in 2026 (from RCO; cannot guarantee is comprehensive)
Application Timeline
(does not apply to Monitoring Grant Program)
Yakima River – Benton County
SRFB Grant Process Summary
2026 SRFB Grant Round Schedule
Submit Application to Lead Entity: Applicants for Salmon Recovery Funding must complete a pre-application, due in February, before submitting a full application. The pre-application process is meant to provide early feedback to applicants as they determine which proposals to pursue and how to develop them. Applicants will attend a conference with the pre-application review team. When an applicant decides to carry a proposal beyond the pre-application, they will complete a formal application using the RCO’s PRISM database, due in April.
Local Project Evaluation: Our local technical and citizen committees attend presentations and site tours by sponsors to ask questions and provide feedback in April and May. Sponsors have the opportunity to update their application accordingly. Following submission of final applications, committees meet in July to evaluate and rank projects for funding. This process helps the project applicant to develop proposals that are scientifically sound, rooted in regional recovery plans, and consider potential socio-economic impacts. The Recovery Board then forwards their funding recommendations to the SRFB in Olympia, due in August.
State Project Evaluation: Through their technical review panel, the state evaluation process happens simultaneously with our local process in May-July. Reviewers on the state review panel participate in site tours and evaluate applications to ensure they each have a high benefit to salmon, a high likelihood of being successful, and costs that don’t outweigh the anticipated benefits of the project.
Funding: Project proposals are officially awarded at the September SRFB meeting. Sponsors generally do not have to be present at this meeting. After this meeting, the SRFB Grant Manager assigned to the Yakima Basin will contact the sponsor for contracting details.
Long-term Commitments for Funded Projects: Acquisition projects must be operated and maintained in perpetuity. Restoration project applicants must demonstrate a commitment to 10 years or more of stewardship for the project.