The Washington State Department of Commerce (DOC) recently awarded $9.8 million in grants to 28 organizations and institutions that provide financial coaching for communities disproportionately impacted by state criminal laws and penalties for drug possession, also known as the “war on drugs.”

Grants are funded by the state Community Reinvestment Account.

Funding will prioritize programs that serve Black, Latine and tribal communities, according to a DOC press release. The financial coaching and mentorships programs offered will include homebuyer education, business coaching, construction loans, debt remediation and more.

“Financial coaches employ a proven, integrated investment approach – working together across career, education, and lending programs – to help families achieve their goals,” Commerce Director Mike Fong said in the release. “We are excited to see the results of these financial wellness programs designed by and for the communities who have been most impacted by the historical design and enforcement of criminal laws and penalties for drug possession in our state.”

Grant funding has been awarded to several organizations and financial institutions that are in or serve Pierce County, including:

• Abundance of Hope Center
• CJK Community Homes
• Fiscal Finesse Consulting
• Global Majority Consortium
• Intercultural Children Family Services
• King’s Dream Business Consulting
• Sound Outreach
• Tacoma Community House
• Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity
• The STAR Project
• The Suquamish Tribe
• Tribal Technology Training
• United Indians of All Tribes
• WOW Tricities

You can find a full list of award recipients and more information here.