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Grants in unincorporated King County
Explore our community grant programs and opportunities
About our grant programs
Our department provides community grants for individuals, community groups, and local organizations. Past recipients have used grant funding on various initiatives, such as:
- Neighborhood improvement projects
- Community-driven investments
- Revitalization efforts
Each grant program has its own purpose, eligibility requirements, and application process.
Whether you need assistance launching small community projects or establishing new community spaces, we provide community funding and design our grant projects to help support your goals.
Who can apply for unincorporated King County community grants?
Our grants are open to unincorporated King County residents, community groups, and organizations.
Each grant has requirements based on how community funding can be used. In general, applicants may include:
- Individuals or informal groups
- Neighborhood associations or community organizations
- Nonprofit organizations
- Local partners or collaborative groups
- Residents of specific program areas
What types of projects do our community grants fund?
Our grant programs support a variety of community projects in unincorporated King County. Examples include:
- Community safety and well-being projects
- Neighborhood beautification and placemaking
- Improvements to public spaces, parks, and community facilities
- Pedestrian, accessibility, and small-scale infrastructure enhancements
- Youth, senior, and family programs
- Arts, culture, and community events
- Environmental and agricultural education activities
- Projects that expand food access or community services
- Small capital projects that improve shared spaces
- Economic‑activation projects
Community grants
Our community grant programs fund resident‑led projects and neighborhood revitalization in Unincorporated King County.
Each program has a different focus, funding structure, and eligibility criteria.
Alan M. Painter community grants
The Alan M. Painter community grants provide community funding for unincorporated King County organizations. The organizations use the grant funding to host events for their local community.
These grants support community‑focused projects such as:
- Festivals
- Community events
- Art murals
- Food access
- Activities for kids
- Resident‑driven initiatives
Grant cycle
- The grant cycle for 2027 Alan M. Painter Community Grants is open.
- The deadline to apply is Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST.
Participatory Budgeting grant program
The Participatory budgeting grant program allows unincorporated King County residents to propose community‑improvement projects.
What is the participatory budgeting grant process?
- For every participatory budgeting grant cycle, the program launches an advisory board made up of community leaders.
- After hosting information sessions and engaging with residents, the board votes to decide which proposed projects receive grant funding, based on local priorities.
- Community organizations submit grant proposals that address local needs and priorities with community-driven solutions.
Grant cycle
The grant cycle for the 2026 Participatory budgeting grant program is closed.
Government contracts
If your business or organization is looking for open government contracts for bid, we award these partnerships through different procurement processes, such as requests for proposals (RFPs).
These are not community grants. Instead, they are competitive contracting opportunities that follow King County’s purchasing and procurement rules.
Government contract opportunities in unincorporated King County
The North Highline Vacant‑to‑Vibrant Program is a contracting opportunity to operate and manage a 12‑month pop‑up storefront that supports local artists, makers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses.
RFP status: We are no longer accepting North Highline Vacant-to-Vibrant Program RFPs for 2027.
Learn more about the North Highline Vacant-to-Vibrant Program
Frequently asked questions
Applicants must be able to enter into a government contract with King County and meet several requirements, such as:
- Having a valid TIN/EIN
- Being in good standing to receive government funds
- Having enough funding to cover program costs upfront (payments are made through reimbursement after expenses are incurred)
Fiscal‑sponsor‑dependent organizations are not eligible.
Alan M. Painter community grants are available to community‑led organizations based in unincorporated King County.
Organizations located in incorporated communities may apply if their work supports unincorporated residents.
Groups without formal nonprofit status may apply with a fiscal sponsor.
PB applicants must have the following:
- An active Washington State business license and EIN.
- Be eligible to receive government funds.
- Propose a project that benefits the specific PB area.
Our community grants may support:
- Community events, arts and culture activities
- Youth or senior programs
- Public murals and placemaking
- Neighborhood safety and repairs
- Community cleanups
- Food access efforts
- Environmental education, or economic‑activation projects such as community pop‑ups
Selection depends on the program:
- King County staff review some of our grants.
- For the participatory budgeting grant program, an advisory board of community members selects who receives funding.
A strong application:
- Describes the project
- Demonstrates community benefit
- Aligns with the goals of the specific grant program
- Includes a realistic scope, timeline, and budget
No. Each program has its own application window.
However, you can review eligibility requirements to prepare for the next grant cycle.
Grant recipients may need to submit progress updates, documentation, or final reports.
Reporting expectations will be included in the grant agreement.
Contact the King County Department of Local Services for help, such as:
- Eligibility questions
- Application guidance
- Timeline
- Project ideas
Our staff can connect you with extra support and resources.
Email the King County Department of Local Services