King County Parks is largely funded through a property tax levy, which the voters of King County approved in August 2019 by more than 70 percent. The 2020 – 2025 King County Parks, Recreation, Trails, and Open Space Levy generates an estimated $810 million over six years to pursue the following goals:

Take care of King County’s existing system of parks and trails, ensuring the system remains clean, safe, and open.
Grow and connect regional open space and natural lands to protect habitat important for fish and wildlife and to provide recreation opportunities.
Improve regional trails and mobility to ensure that essential connections are completed and existing trails are maintained.
Make parks, green spaces, and recreation opportunities more accessible for all King County residents to enjoy.

Public Access

Public access or public benefit is a contractual requirement of projects funded by King County Parks grants.

Equity in King County

King County Parks seeks to invest in projects that make parks, green spaces, and recreation opportunities more accessible for King County residents. Parks also aims to use a pro-equity lens in grantmaking to prioritize funding for projects that not only improve health outcomes and reduce disparities in underserved communities, but which are led by those communities being addressed.

2024 Grants Overview

The 2024 Request for Applications (RFA) will accept applications for the following grants:

Youth and Amateur Sports Grants: $3.5 million available funding in 2024; Awards up to $250,000 for construction and $100,000 for programs; Applications are due Monday, March 4, 2024 at 8:00 p.m.
Healthy Communities and Parks Fund – Tier 2: $1.3 million available in funding in 2024; Awards up to $250,000; Applications are due Monday, March 4, 2024 at 8:00 p.m.
Healthy Communities and Parks Fund – Tier 1: $200,000 available in funding in 2024; Awards up to $15,000; Priority deadline: Applications are due Monday, March 4, 2024 at 8:00 p.m. Additional RFAs may be opened based on available funding.

Note: Funds for Parks grant awards are delivered on a reimbursement basis and projects must be under agreement before project spending or invoicing begin. Grantees will not be reimbursed for costs incurred prior to a fully executed contract with King County.

Youth and Amateur Sports Grants Program Summary

Youth and Amateur Sports Grants: Purpose

Youth and Amateur Sports Grants (YASG) supports fit and healthy communities by investing in programs and capital facility projects that increase access to sports, play, and outdoor recreation.

The most competitive applications will focus on increasing access to youth furthest from play equity--youth of color, immigrant and refugee youth, youth qualifying for reduced price lunch, youth with disabilities, girls, and youth living in unincorporated areas of King County.

Award recommendations must be approved by King County Department of Natural Resource and Parks.

The YASG program has: $3.5 million in available funding in 2024; a maximum award amount of $100,000 for programs and $250,000 for construction; an application in 2024 and 2026

All projects must occur within King County and serve King County residents.

Youth and Amateur Sports Grants: Eligible Organizations

City or Town
Nonprofit Organization
Tribal Organization
Fiscally-sponsored Organization
Public School Districts
Park Districts
Public Agencies

Youth and Amateur Sports Grants: Eligible Project Types

Construction
Programs

Youth and Amateur Sports Grants: Examples of Possible Projects

Below are examples of eligible project costs that may be funded. This list is not all-inclusive. All grant applicants for this program must ensure that public access is provided.

Construction
- New sport/recreation facility
- Renovation or repair of an existing recreational facility
- Conversion of an existing grass soccer field to turf field
Programs
- Aquatic Classes
- Exercise and Fitness Classes
- Individual and Team Sports
- Outdoor Recreation

Youth and Amateur Sports Grants: Projects Not Funded by This Program

Projects that do not align with the goals of this grant program may include, but are not limited to:

Construction
- Non-recreation related infrastructure within a multi-use community center
- Design, permits, and contingency funds are not eligible expenses
Programs
- Before/After School Clubs that do not have a focus on youth physical activity, including: Arts education, chess, robotics competitions
- Community Gardens

Youth and Amateur Sports Grants: Background

YASG was established in 1993 and is funded by a 1% sales tax on car rentals. To date, the fund has awarded over 500 grants totaling $28 million.

Click here to view previously awarded projects.

Healthy Communities and Parks Fund Program Summary

Healthy Communities and Parks Fund: Grant Purpose

The Healthy Communities and Parks Fund (HCPF), also called the Targeted Equity Grants program, supports projects that increase access to recreation and use of parks, open spaces, and recreational facilities in underserved areas and communities. This grant program intends to reduce health disparities in various underserved communities and invest in their capacities to meet the unique needs of their residents.

Tier 1 offers awards up to $15,000. Award recommendations do not require approval by the King County Executive or Council.

Tier 2 offers awards between $15,000 and $250,000. Applications are reviewed by an Advisory Committee and must be approved by the King County Executive and Council.

The HCPF grant program has: $10 million in total funding 2020-2025 and $1.5 million in available funding in 2024; a maximum award amount of $250,000. An additional application will be available in 2025.

All projects must occur within King County and serve King County residents.

Healthy Communities and Parks Fund: Eligible Organizations

City or Town
Nonprofit Organization
Tribal Organization
Fiscally-sponsored Organization

Healthy Communities and Parks Fund: Eligible Project Types

Acquisition (see FAQ for more information)
Feasibility Study
Planning and Design
Construction
Programs
Capacity Building

Healthy Communities and Parks Fund: Examples of Possible Projects

Below are examples of projects that may be funded. This list is not all-inclusive. All grant applicants for this program must ensure that public access is provided.

Projects that provide or improve access to recreation, parks, or open spaces for people with disabilities or other underserved communities
Capacity building to engage community in outreach and planning around new or improved access to recreation, parks, and open/green spaces, in and for underserved communities
Recreation activities and programs, such as: Aquatics Programs; Exercise and Fitness Programs; Individual and Team Sports Programs; Camping and Outdoor Recreation Programs; Arts and Cultural Activities; Environmental Stewardship Programs; Park Activation and Events; Nutrition and Food Justice Programs

Healthy Communities and Parks Fund: Projects Not Funded by This Program

Projects that do not align with the goals of this grant program may include, but are not limited to:

Lobbying and attempts to influence legislation
Removal of unauthorized encampments
Properties acquired via condemnation action of any kind
Specific projects or actions identified as mitigation as part of a habitat conservation plan approved by the federal government for incidental take of endangered or threatened species or other projects identified for habitat mitigation purposes

Healthy Communities and Parks Fund: Background

HCPF is one of four grant programs created by the 2020 – 2025 Parks levy, which allocates approximately $110 million through the life of the levy to funding these grant programs. The other levy grant programs are Aquatic Facilities, Parks Capital and Open Space, and Open Space – River Corridors.

Click here to view previously awarded projects.

Timelines

Below are the anticipated timelines for the 2024 grant programs. All applications must be submitted by Monday, March 4 at 8:00 p.m. PST.

YASG

January to March: Applications open in the Parks Grant Portal
Submission Deadline: Monday, March 4 at 8:00pm PST
March to May: Review by Parks and YASG Evaluators
May: Approval by DNRP
June to August: Contracting

HCPF Tier 1

January to March: Applications open in the Parks Grant Portal
Submission Deadline: Monday, March 4 at 8:00pm PST
March to May: Review by Parks and HCPF Tier 1 Evaluators
May: Approval by DNRP
June to August: Contracting

HCPF Tier 2

January to March: Applications open in the Parks Grant Portal
Submission Deadline: Monday, March 4 at 8:00pm PST
March to May: Review by Parks and Advisory Committee
May to September: Approval by DNRP, Executive, and King County Council
September to December: Contracting

Applying for a Grant

The Application Process

Applicants should:

Join the Parks Grants email list to stay up to date on Parks grants and other opportunities. This is a two-step process that requires confirmation after sign up.
Attend an information session to learn about each grant program and ask questions.
Connect with a Parks Grants Manager. Attend Office Hours or email ParksGrants@kingcounty.gov and identify the grant program(s) of interest.

Applicants must:

Create an account or log in to the Parks Grant Portal, where applications are submitted. Tutorials are listed on the right side of the log-in screen.
Begin application after it opens on Wednesday, January 3, 2024.
Submit complete application via Parks Grant Portal by Monday, March 4, 2024 at 8:00 p.m. Incomplete, late, or emailed applications will not be accepted.

Application Previews

Application previews are available to help applicants prepare for online submission in the Parks Grant Portal. Application questions and length vary by grant program.

Click here to view and download application previews.

Grant Evaluation

The Evaluation Process

There are separate groups that evaluate grant applications and make award recommendations for each grant program. Reviewers from a variety of organizations and agencies bring expertise and a diversity of perspectives to the evaluation process.

Youth and Amateur Sports Grant Reviewers include representatives from: King County Play Equity Coalition Members and King County staff.

The Healthy Communities and Parks Fund – Tier 1 Review Panel includes representatives from King County Staff.

The Healthy Communities and Parks Fund – Tier 2 Advisory Committee includes representatives from: City/Park Districts; Open Space Equity Cabinet; Nonprofit Organizations; and Community Organizations.

Evaluation Criteria

Each application section is worth a portion of the total score.

Project Overview (50% of score): Describe the proposed project’s intent, alignment with grant program goals, and outcomes. Highlight the project goals and which aspects of the project this grant would support.
Equity and Social Justice (40% of score): Demonstrate how the project addresses disparities through intentional planning, community involvement, and strategic partnerships.
Budget and Resources (10% of score): Provide a budget that is complete, accurate, and aligns with stated project goals.

Applicant Resources

Information Sessions

King County Parks is hosting information sessions about these grants, procedures, and policies. Click below to view details and register:

Wednesday, January 10 (12 to 1:30 p.m.): Online via Zoom
Wednesday, January 17 (6:30 to 8 p.m.): In person; Green River College, Emerald City room
Wednesday, January 24 (10 to 11:30 a.m.): Online via Zoom

Grant Application Consulting

Grant application consulting is available at no cost for eligible small and emerging organizations, defined as having fewer than 20 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff and an operating budget of less than $4 million in the prior fiscal year.) Consultants can:

Assist in determining appropriate fit between your proposal and the RFA
Provide guidance on how best to answer questions
Support application review, including editing and budget review

Requests for grant application consulting services will be accepted beginning January 3, 2024. The link will be posted on the Parks Grants website. Requests should be submitted by February 16, 2024.

Office Hours

Parks staff will be available to answer applicant questions on Wednesdays from January 17 to February 28, 12 to 12:45 p.m. Download the calendar invitations or join a meeting in progress.

Grantee Toolkit

The Grantee Toolkit helps grantees navigate their awards. Review this information before submitting an application to understand requirements related to:

Contracting
Insurance
Invoicing
Reporting and Monitoring
Public Acknowledgements of Grants

Note: Grantees are notified of project-specific requirements prior to contracting.

More Information

Future Funding Opportunities

Parks offers the following grant programs on either an annual or biennial basis. Click a grant program to learn more about its specific goals and eligibility requirements.

Aquatics Facilities: Awards up to $5 million Awards up to $5 million
Parks Capital and Open Space: Awards up to $1 million
Open Space – River Corridors: Awards up to $1 million
Healthy Communities and Parks Fund: Awards up to $15,000 for Tier 1 or $250,000 for Tier 2
Youth and Amateur Sports Grants: Awards up to $250,000
Community Partnerships and Grants: Awards vary

Contact Parks Grants

The Parks Grants staff is here for you! Contact us if you need help understanding:

Which grant to apply for
Eligible organizations and projects
Partnership opportunities
Application questions
How applications are evaluated
How to request technical assistance, translation, or accommodations
Any details of our grant programs

ParksGrants@kingcounty.gov

(206) 848-0699

Language and region

Table of Contents

The 2020-2025 Parks Levy