Alan M. Painter Grants

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Program Goals

Alan M. Painter Grants will support projects that advance the King County Strategic Plan and achieve at least one of the following goals:

• Promote the engagement of unincorporated area residents in community or civic activities
• Educate local residents about issues that affect them Identify and gather community needs and priorities
• Carry out a community enhancement project Provide a safe and healthy environment in the unincorporated area during extreme weather events
• Meet King County's equity and social justice goals of increasing fairness and opportunity for all people, particularly people of color and those with low incomes and/or limited English

Funding Information

• A total of $90,000 will be reimbursed for projects in 2027.
• A minimum match of 25% of the total project cost is required. This match can be in the form of volunteer time, cash, or other forms of in-kind services and/or other resources from project partners and contributors.
• Funding for projects will begin in March 2027.
• All funded projects must be finished by November 2027.
• The King County Department of Local Services will provide funds to selected projects through a Letter of Award and Memorandum of Agreement.
• Amounts will be limited to less than $5,000 per project. A complete list of selected projects is posted on this website after funding decisions have been made.

Who can apply?

• Locally based, community-led organizations in King County's unincorporated community service areas (If your organization is not incorporated, such as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, you must designate a fiscal sponsor that is incorporated. We encourage partnership with local nonprofits).
• Organizations that are based in a city but serve unincorporated area residents and/or encourage collaboration and partnership in unincorporated King County.

Unsure if your organization located in an unincorporated service area? Use our unincorporated King County Zone Lookup tool.

What type of projects are eligible for grant funding?

• Community enhancement projects (e.g., graffiti removal or neighborhood cleanup)
• Community-led planning or training on King County government operations and programs
• Opportunities for involvement with King County programs or community priorities
• Neighborhood or community signs
• Community events like concerts, festivals, and education and/or safety events

What cannot be paid for through grant funding?

• Political activity 
• Gift cards 
• An organization’s general insurance policy (Event specific insurance is allowed)
• Infrastructure or ongoing operational costs of locally funded governmental organizations, except where the organization is seeking grant funding to support one or more one-time volunteer events 

Note: King County reserves the right to determine the nature and manner in which costs and items will be paid for in any grant.