Community project organizers in unincorporated King County can now apply for 2025 Alan M. Painter Grant Program

October 10, 2024

SUMMARY

The Alan M. Painter Grant Program — formerly known as Community Service Area grants— is now accepting applications for 2025. The grants fund community projects that allow residents of the unincorporated areas to engage with and be more connected to their communities.

STORY

The Alan M. Painter Grant Program is now accepting applications for 2025. One of the Department of Local Services’ most popular programs, they focus on projects and investments that promote inclusivity and enhance their communities, regardless of race, income, or language spoken.

A total of $90,000 will be awarded for projects in 2025, in individual grants of less than $5,000 per project. Funding for the projects will begin in March 2025. Funds may not be used for political activities. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, December 13.

More than 40 projects and programs received money in 2024, including the following recipients:

• Nia Fest, which celebrates positive Black culture in Skyway

• A Music in the Park program in Cottage Lake

• Local farm programs in the Sammamish Valley

• Senior dance classes on Vashon Island

• Several local National Night Out celebrations and local farmer’s markets

To learn more or to apply, visit the Alan Painter Grant Program page(https://kingcounty.gov/alan-painter-grants)

Alan M. Painter

The King County Council approved renaming the grants program to honor Alan M. Painter, the founding director of King County’s Community Service Areas program. Alan was a long-time public servant who also worked in the City of Seattle and communities across King County.

The grant program that now bears his name supports projects that advance the King County Strategic Plan and achieve one or more of the following goals:

• Promote the engagement of unincorporated area residents in community or civic activities.
• Educate local residents about issues that affect them.
• Enhance a community.
• Identify and gather community needs and priorities.
• 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.

Since the program began, King County has awarded more than $1 million in grant money to community organizations.

QUOTES

• King County Executive Dow Constantine: “The programs and events funded through the Alan M. Painter grants are vibrant, engaging, and truly community focused. I am grateful that King County continues to build on Alan’s commitment to bringing people together."

• Local Services Director Leon Richardson: “The Alan M. Painter Grant Program embodies the spirit of community that Local Services strives to foster. It’s not just about funding—it's about bringing people together, creating moments of connection, and enriching the lives of our neighbors. Whether it’s a vibrant community festival, a National Night Out gathering, or a youth summit, these grants empower organizations to reach further and touch more lives. It’s fitting that these grants now honor Alan Painter, who laid the foundation for how Local Services effectively delivers these much-needed funds to our communities.”

LINKS

• Alan M. Painter Grant Program (Community Service Areas Programs)

MEDIA CONTACT

Brent Champaco, Department of Local Services, brent.champaco@kingcounty.gov, 206‑477‑9094