King County is offering up to $900,000 in grants for community tourism projects that celebrate local culture and history, with eligible organizations and businesses in South King County communities able to apply by Noon on Oct. 14.
Individual awards will range from $30,000 to $150,000, according to the county. The competitive program is designed to strengthen neighborhood economies, create jobs and help communities experiencing cultural and residential displacement benefit from tourism.
The funding opportunity extends to eligible applicants in King County, and all funded projects must be free and accessible to the public.
Funding can support public events, art, cultural activities, tourism promotion and other projects that preserve traditions or share a community’s history and experiences. Eligible activities can also highlight present challenges and efforts to resist displacement.
The county said the investment is intended to help communities tell their own stories, elevate their heritage and care for cultural spaces while keeping economic benefits within the community.
“Our local food, art, traditions, and gathering places are part of what makes King County such a unique and vibrant place to live and visit,” Executive Girmay Zahilay said. “Community-led tourism is about making sure the people who create the vibrancy have a say in how their communities and cultures are shared – and that they benefit from the opportunities that come with it. This is the kind of economic development that supports local businesses, creates jobs, and celebrates the diversity of our communities.”
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with federal 501(c)(3) status or active nonprofit registration with the Washington secretary of state, federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations. Those entities may also serve as fiscal sponsors for community organizations that lack federal tax exemption and active state nonprofit registration.
Businesses may apply if they are legally registered with Washington state and hold a valid business license when applying. Individuals and public entities are not eligible, according to the county.
King County will hold an online information session at noon Sept. 18, with Spanish and American Sign Language interpretation provided. Participants can register for the session online.
Requests for additional languages or other support at no cost should be emailed to Sean Power at spower@kingcounty.gov by 5 p.m. Sept. 16. The county asks participants to include their name, email address, phone number and requested language. Session and application times are Pacific time.
The county expects to notify award recipients during the week of Dec. 14, with contracts expected to begin Jan. 1, 2027. Eligible expenses must be incurred between the resulting contract’s effective date and Dec. 31, 2027. Proposals may receive partial funding, and all applications will be reviewed for public purpose requirements.
The program is a partnership involving the county’s Department of Community and Human Services, Equitable Development Initiative and Executive Office Budget Team. The initiative prioritizes equity and community self determination, including support for communities affected by structural racism, economic and health disparities, and heightened displacement risk.
Applicants should review the county’s request for proposals, complete the online application and submit a budget and workplan using the county’s template.
