Washington — King County 2027 Alan M. Painter Community Engagement Grants (Under $5,000)

King County, Washington offers 2027 Alan M. Painter Community Engagement Grants of less than $5,000 per project to organizations serving unincorporated county communities. A minimum 25% match of total project cost is required. Apply by November 17, 2026, 11:59 p.m. PST.

Broad Eligibility

Community-led organizations serving unincorporated King County WA Community Service Areas. Organizations based within cities may be eligible if they demonstrably serve unincorporated residents; informal/unincorporated groups must have incorporated fiscal sponsor. One-time or limited-duration local civic events, neighborhood improvements, resident education, youth/cultural engagement, environmental cleanups or extreme-weather safety. Projects must align county strategic plan goals. Ineligible: political activities, gift cards, standard organization general insurance, ordinary ongoing programming/government operating/infrastructure costs. Applicant match at least 25% of total project cost, including documented cash, volunteer hours ($20/hour) or in-kind contributions.

Atlas Analysis

2027 Alan M. Painter Community Engagement Grants — Unincorporated King County

The King County Department of Local Services is accepting applications for its 2027 Alan M. Painter Community Engagement Grant Program. The program funds locally led, limited-duration events, civic-engagement activities and community improvements primarily benefiting residents of unincorporated King County, Washington. It is a competitive applicant grant program, not a vendor procurement opportunity.

Individual Funding and Match

Individual applicants must request less than $5,000 per project—a request for exactly $5,000 does not meet the published limit. The County lists $90,000 in total 2027 program funding, which is not an individual award amount. Awards are reimbursable under the County’s grant rules. Projects require a minimum match equal to 25% of total project costs. Eligible match may include cash, in-kind partner contributions or volunteer labor. The application directs applicants to value volunteer time at $20 per hour and to include letters of support for in-kind contributions.

Selected recipients execute a Letter of Award and Memorandum of Agreement. The county’s current program page anticipates a March 2027 funding start with projects completed by November 2027. The dated application packet mentions February 2027; applicants should confirm the precise eligible expenditure/start date with King County before committing costs.

Eligible Applicants and Places

Locally based, community-led organizations in unincorporated King County’s Community Service Areas may apply. Groups based in an incorporated city can be eligible if their activities benefit or engage residents of unincorporated King County. Informal, unincorporated community groups must identify an incorporated fiscal sponsor to receive funds. A 501(c)(3) IRS determination is not universally required for the organizing group, but County vendor/tax documentation, including a W-9, will be required before funds are paid.

Fundable Projects and Restrictions

Examples include one-time or limited-duration neighborhood cleanups, community improvements, resident engagement and education, community safety events, youth or local cultural gatherings, neighborhood signs and preparedness or extreme-weather safety activities. Projects must advance at least one County priority: resident civic engagement, issue education, community needs gathering, community enhancements, safety during extreme weather, or equity and social justice.

County rules exclude political activity, gift cards, the organization’s general liability insurance policy (event-specific coverage may be eligible), and regular governmental infrastructure or ongoing operational expenses. Ongoing weekly routine programming is not fundable merely because it includes staff wages; projects must have a limited-duration or special-event purpose. Grantee payments and documentation are subject to the County’s reimbursement requirements.

Deadline and Required Application

Tuesday, November 17, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST). The official county program page explicitly identifies PST, and the application requires receipt by that deadline.

Use the official 2027 Alan M. Painter Community Engagement Grant Application, updated October 16, 2026, linked on the County program page. The written narrative must be no more than three pages, not counting the cover page and budget Forms A and B. Give organizational legal/tax status and primary/secondary contacts; identify the project’s Community Service Area and Council District; give amount requested, goals, work plan, needs assessment, measurable outcomes, outreach, expected beneficiaries and partners; and explain how the project includes unincorporated-area residents. Include Form A’s project cost breakdown, Form B’s matching contribution details and any necessary in-kind partner letters.

Submit the completed packet by email to AskLocalServices@kingcounty.gov or by mail to ATTN: Alan Painter Grant, King County Local Services, KSC-LS-0815, 201 S Jackson Street, Seattle WA 98104. Mailed applications must arrive by the cutoff, not merely be postmarked. Questions about eligibility can be sent to the County’s Department of Local Services.

Controlling Source

Official King County Alan M. Painter Grants page, application, updated funding and questions. Consult its 2027 Community Engagement Grant Application PDF (updated October 16, 2026) before applying. Research verified October 24, 2026.