King County Grants for Community-Led Tourism Projects
King County is launching a new initiative to encourage community-led tourism, offering a total of $900,000 in grant funding to support projects that celebrate local culture and history while bolstering neighborhood economies.
Key Details:
- Grant Amounts: Individual grants will range from $30,000 to $150,000.
- Purpose: The funding aims to support projects that enhance cultural heritage, strengthen local economies, and create job opportunities, especially in communities facing residential and cultural displacement.
- Community Focus: The initiative emphasizes putting local residents and organizations at the forefront of how their neighborhoods are represented, ensuring that economic benefits remain within the community.
Quotes from County Officials:
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay highlighted the initiative’s intent to ensure that “the people who create the vibrancy have a say in how their communities and cultures are shared” and that local businesses and traditions are celebrated.
Eligible Projects:
Funding can support:
- Public events
- Artistic endeavors
- Cultural activities
- Projects that share and preserve cultural traditions
All funded projects must be free and accessible to the public.
Application Process:
- Interested applicants can access the Request for Proposals (RFP) portal for more information on eligibility and selection criteria.
- Applications are due by October 14, 2026, at noon, with contracts expected to start on January 1, 2027.
Community Involvement:
An Advisory Board of community leaders will oversee the initiative, aligning with King County’s Equitable Development Initiative’s focus on supporting communities at risk of displacement.
For more information on eligible activities and application details, please visit King County’s RFP portal.
