South King and Port Communities Fund Environmental Improvements Program

The South King and Port Communities Fund administers the Environmental Improvements Program to support projects that enhance public spaces and advance environmental stewardship in near-airport neighborhoods. This program is managed by the Port of Seattle through its VendorConnect procurement system and has a long-standing focus on addressing environmental inequities that disproportionately impact South King County communities. The program was previously called the Environmental Grants Program and has been restructured to expand its reach and deepen investment in community-led initiatives. The program’s central objective is to fund projects that improve environmental conditions and promote livability in neighborhoods affected by the impacts of the airport and related development. Eligible activities include public space enhancements such as park and playground upgrades, installation of community art or equipment, tree planting, forest restoration, and neighborhood cleanup efforts. These types of projects are designed to foster stewardship, expand access to quality green spaces, and mitigate the environmental consequences of past inequitable land use practices. Projects must be located on public property and demonstrate clear community benefit. Applicants are expected to partner with city staff where necessary to ensure proper project placement and coordination. Importantly, all awards under this program require a two-to-one matching contribution, meaning that for every dollar awarded by the Port, recipients and their partners must provide two dollars in resources, either through direct funds or in-kind contributions. This cost share requirement is intended to strengthen collaboration and leverage additional support for local improvements. Funding levels are structured to provide flexibility for both short-term and multi-year initiatives. Applicants may request up to $20,000 for a single-year project or up to $60,000 spread across three years. The total pool of funding available for this cycle is $500,000. Awards are determined through a review process that includes both written applications and direct discussions with a review panel. Applicants must show organizational experience serving communities facing economic and environmental injustice in the airport-impacted areas of Burien, Des Moines, Federal Way, Normandy Park, SeaTac, Tukwila, and extending north to the Duwamish Valley, Beacon Hill, and Rainier Valley. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) tax status as well as community groups that partner with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. Fiscal sponsorship arrangements must be formal and ensure proper separation of funds. Organizations must demonstrate cultural competency and a history of serving diverse near-airport communities. Ineligible applicants include entities outside the eligible service area, organizations without nonprofit status or fiscal sponsorship, and projects that do not take place on public property. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Port of Seattle’s VendorConnect platform by 12 p.m. Pacific Time on October 31, 2025. Prospective applicants can download the Request for Proposals package and related exhibits by searching for Procurement #00322367 in the VendorConnect system. While registration is not required to apply, organizations are encouraged to register as plan holders in order to receive automatic updates and submit questions during the open period. Questions may be directed through VendorConnect or to the designated procurement officer, who is available by email and phone. To assist applicants, the Port will host virtual information and Q&A sessions during the open period. These sessions are intended to clarify requirements, explain the submission process, and provide interpretation services if requested. Following the close of applications, proposals will be reviewed for alignment with program objectives, community impact, feasibility, and demonstrated partnerships. Awards are expected to support projects beginning in 2026, with performance periods aligned to the one-, two-, or three-year project scopes. This program is offered annually, and future cycles are anticipated to continue supporting South King County communities in advancing environmental justice and sustainability.

Register as plan holder to receive updates; match must be 2:1; projects must be on public property; demonstrate service to diverse near-airport communities