4Culture Launch Grant Program

The 4Culture Launch grant program is designed to support new and emerging cultural and science organizations in King County, Washington. Administered by 4Culture, a public agency funded through Lodging Tax, 1% for Art, and Doors Open revenue, the program provides general operating support over a three-year period. The Launch grant is not project-based; instead, it funds overall mission-driven organizational activities. The program aims to foster equitable access to culture and science for King County residents and visitors by supporting organizations during their formative stages and providing them with the resources to establish sustainable infrastructure and impactful public benefit. The Launch program offers two tracks tailored to organizational maturity: New Organizations and Emerging Organizations. New Organizations must have started programming within the past three years or intend to begin in 2026 and operate or plan to operate as a nonprofit entity. They are ineligible if they have previously received a Launch or Sustained Support grant from 4Culture. Emerging Organizations are either newly 501(c)(3) designated (within the last three years) or not yet formally nonprofit and are hiring their first full-time equivalent (FTE) staff member working 20 or more hours per week. Organizations eligible under both tracks are encouraged to apply as Emerging Organizations. Funding levels vary by track. New Organizations may request $45,000, $90,000, or $180,000 over three years, depending on their location and scope. The $180,000 tier is reserved for organizations based outside Seattle. Emerging Organizations may apply for either $135,000 or $180,000 over three years. The larger amount is available only if the applicant is not receiving or planning to receive Sustained Support funds during the grant period. Each award includes additional capacity-building support, such as grant writing and human resources consultations. Eligibility requires a mission focused on the arts, heritage, preservation, or science and technology. Applicants must demonstrate public benefit through activities such as low-cost programming, educational outreach, geographic reach beyond Seattle, and collaboration with other groups. Structural requirements include Washington State nonprofit incorporation and IRS 501(c)(3) designation or a fiscal sponsor pre-approved by 4Culture. Certain organizational types such as schools, broadcasters, and public health agencies are ineligible. At least 25% of Launch funding is earmarked for organizations located outside Seattle, and 10% is designated for groups in Communities of Opportunity. The application process is multi-step and starts with an Inquiry Form due by August 13, 2025, at 5:00 pm PDT. Applicants deemed eligible will be invited to submit a Full Application by August 27, 2025, at 5:00 pm PDT. Workshops, office hours, and consultant services are available to assist applicants, including recorded sessions and Lunch and Learn events. The evaluation process uses peer reviewers who assess applications based on quality and innovation, feasibility, public benefit, equity advancement, and economic impact. Award decisions are announced in December 2025, and contracts begin in January 2026. Contact information for this opportunity includes Casey Moser (casey.moser@4culture.org, 206-477-2316) for questions about the Launch application and Maisha Barnett (maisha.barnett@4culture.org, 206-477-9877) for technical support. Accessibility accommodations and translation services are available upon request. Once awarded, organizations must fulfill annual reporting requirements and publicly acknowledge 4Culture’s support.

Attend workshops and office hours, request consultant support via Inquiry Form, and submit drafts early to receive feedback from 4Culture