King County Community Engagement Grants

The Alan M. Painter Grants, administered by the King County Department of Local Services, are designed to strengthen community connections and support civic engagement in King County’s unincorporated areas. Named in honor of Alan M. Painter, the founding director of the county’s Community Service Areas (CSA) program and a long-serving public servant, the grant program has provided over $1 million in funding to grassroots organizations that aim to enhance the quality of life in unincorporated parts of the county. The purpose of this grant program is to support local, community-driven projects that align with King County’s Strategic Plan and promote equity, access, and civic engagement. Projects must be inclusive and accessible to all residents, regardless of income level, race, or language. Eligible initiatives might include community events, education campaigns, public safety efforts, or environmental enhancements such as graffiti removal or neighborhood clean-ups. Projects must be time-limited and completed within the 2026 calendar year. The total available funding for 2026 is $90,000, with individual project awards limited to less than $5,000. Funding is delivered via a Letter of Award and Memorandum of Agreement, and the funds will be disbursed on a reimbursement basis starting in March 2026. A mandatory cost match of at least 25% of the total project budget is required; this match can be met through volunteer labor, in-kind services, or financial contributions. Eligibility is restricted to locally based, community-led organizations within King County’s unincorporated areas or city-based organizations that serve those regions. Fiscal sponsorship is required for unincorporated groups. Projects must be accessible to all residents and not involve political activities or serve ongoing operations of local government entities, except for one-time volunteer events. All funded efforts must maintain appropriate recordkeeping for three years and acknowledge King County’s support in public-facing materials. The application deadline is 5 p.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025. Applicants must submit their materials either via email or postal mail. The program selection criteria emphasize clear alignment with funding priorities, project feasibility, and strong community involvement. Awardees will be expected to submit a final report documenting outcomes and may be invited to participate in or provide input for King County Local Services initiatives. A complete list of awarded projects will be published online following the selection process.

Clearly demonstrate community need, partner collaboration, and a feasible work plan aligned with funding priorities.