Elma awarded no-match grant for playing fields

Elma, WA – Elma School District has been awarded a no-match grant from the Washington Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) for playing fields that will be placed behind Elma Elementary School. No-match grants are rare, so the district will not have to apply matching funds as is common with numerous grants.

The grant does have detailed and specific stipulations, though the lack of a matching funds requirement made it extremely appealing. One of the key stipulations is the grant must be applied to promote physical activity, a key factor for why the grant will be used to install athletic fields behind the Elementary School. While there is a big need for covered bleachers at Davis Field, such a project does not promote physical activity, while the Elementary School was able to show detailed historical evidence of physical activity in the area where the new fields will be installed.  

This grant is worth an estimated $1.2 million in total. This should cover significant construction, equipment, and any other associated costs for required materials and services. For instance, during the first full week of January 2026, Elma School District had Antiquity Consulting provide a required archaeological survey. This ensures the area where the athletic fields will be installed are free from any safety hazards before digging begins. 

Current plans call for two large field plots and 13 small field plots, though plans are still ongoing.