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2023 Parks Levy Grants Guidelines (web version)
Parks Levy Grants Guidelines 2023 (web version)
Table of contents (links go to other locations on this page)
Grant Program Summaries
- Aquatic Facilities
- Parks Capital and Open Space
- Open Space - River Corridors
- Healthy Communities and Parks Fund
Applying for a Grant
Grant Evaluation
Learn More
The 2020-2025 Parks Levy
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:
1. Take care of King County’s existing system of parks and trails, ensuring the system remains clean, safe, and open.
2. Grow and connect regional open space and natural lands to protect habitat important for fish and wildlife and to provide recreation opportunities.
3. Improve regional trails and mobility to ensure that essential connections are completed and existing trails are maintained.
4. Make parks, green spaces, and recreation opportunities more accessible for all King County residents to enjoy.
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.
The 2020 – 2025 Parks levy allocates approximately $110 million over six years to fund four grant programs that launched in 2021 and will continue through the life of this levy. Below is a general overview of each grant program. Please refer to the program summaries for specific details and requirements.
- Aquatic Facilities grant program: $12.4 million in 2023 available funding; Awards up to $5 million; Applications accepted biennially; 2023 application due on March 15, 2023.
- Parks Capital and Open Space grant program: $9.9 million in 2023 available funding; Awards up to $1 million; Applications accepted biennially; 2023 application due on March 15, 2023.
- Open Space - River Corridors grant program: $9.9 million in 2023 available funding; Awards up to $1 million; Applications accepted biennially; 2023 application due on March 15, 2023.
- Healthy Communities and Parks Fund (Tier 2) grant program: $1.2 million in 2023 available funding; Awards up to $250,000; Applications accepted annually; 2023 application due on March 15, 2023.
- Healthy Communities and Parks Fund (Tier 1) grant program: $200,000 in 2023 available funding; Awards up to $15,000; Applications accepted annually; 2023 application accepted on a rolling basis, based on available funding. Priority deadlines are February 28, April 30, July 31.
See Community Partnerships & Grants and Youth & Amateur Sports Grants for other funding opportunities.
Public Access Requirement
Public access or public benefit is a requirement. Grant award recipients are contractually obligated to ensure long-term public access or public benefit, as required by the King County Parks Open Space Levy.
Eligible organizations and project types are different for each grant program. Please review the guidelines below and contact ParksGrants@kingcounty.gov with any eligibility questions.
- Aquatic Facilities grant program: Eligible organizations are City or town; school district; park district; other public entities that own public aquatic facilities. Eligible project types are: Acquisition; feasibility study; planning and design; construction.
- Parks Capital and Open Space grant program: Eligible organizations are City or town; park district. Eligible project types are: Acquisition; feasibility study; planning and design; construction.
- Open Space - River Corridors grant program: Eligible organizations are City or Town; King County Agency; Port, Flood, Conservation, or Diking and Drainage Districts; Salmon Recovery Forum; Nonprofit Organization; Tribal Organization. Eligible project types are: Acquisition; feasibility study; planning and design; construction; Project-specific outreach and education.
- Healthy Communities and Parks Fund: Eligible organizations are: City or Town; King County Agency; Nonprofit Organization; Tribal Organization; Fiscally-sponsored Organization. Eligible project types are: Acquisition; feasibility study; planning and design; construction; programs; community capacity building.
Aquatic Facilities Grant Program Summary
Aquatic Facilities: Grant Purpose
The Aquatic Facilities grant program helps communities preserve and increase public access to public pools as our region grows and existing facilities become obsolete or reach capacity. This grant program funds activities related to the renovation or expansion of existing facilities, or construction of new aquatic facilities in King County.
The Aquatic Facilities grant program has: $44 million in total funding 2020-2025 and $12.4 million in available funding in 2023; a maximum award amount of $5 million; a biennial application in 2023 and 2025.
Aquatic Facilities: Award details
- Planning or feasibility studies: Awards up to $100,000
- Awards up to $100,000 can cover the full cost of the project
- Awards between $100,001 and $2,000,000 are capped at 50% of a project's total cost
- Awards between $2,000,001 - $5,000,000 are capped at 25% of a project’s total cost
Aquatic Facilities: Eligible Organizations
City or town; school district; park district; other public entities that own public aquatic facilities.
Aquatic Facilities: Eligible Project Types
Acquisition; feasibility study; planning and design; construction.
Aquatic Facilities: 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.
- Development of a new aquatic facility
- Renovation or repair of an existing aquatic facility
- Expansion of an existing aquatic facility
Aquatic Facilities: 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:
- Spray parks (funded under the Parks Capital and Open Space program)
- Public swim beaches
- Non-aquatic related infrastructure located within a multi-use community center
- Routine operation and maintenance costs
Parks Capital and Open Space Grant Program Summary
Parks Capital and Open Space: Grant Purpose
The Parks Capital and Open Space grant program supports a range of projects that expand and improve recreation opportunities for the region’s growing population, including the development of active and passive recreation and trail facilities, and the acquisition of open space for future public parks.
The Parks Capital and Open Space grant program has: $25 million in total funding 2020-2025 and $9.9 million in available funding in 2023; a maximum award amount of $1 million; a biennial application in 2023 and 2025.
Parks Capital and Open Space: Eligible Organizations
City or town; park district.
Parks Capital and Open Space: Eligible Project Types
Acquisition; feasibility study; planning and design; construction.
Parks Capital and Open Space: 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.
- Land acquisition
- Trails and paths (hard or soft surface) and related features such as: Habitat restoration; Paths, access roads, trails; Bridges and boardwalks; Interpretive kiosks, signs, wayfinding; Picnic shelters, restrooms, benches
- Indoor or outdoor sports and recreation spaces: Sports courts; Sports fields and lighting; Rowing facilities; Climbing structures; Playgrounds and spray parks; Community gardens
Parks Capital and Open Space: 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:
- Concessionaire buildings
- Environmental cleanup of illegal activities (i.e., removal of derelict vessels, trash, methamphetamine labs, etc.)
- Properties acquired via condemnation action of any kind
- Specific projects or actions identified as mitigation
- Routine operation and maintenance costs
Open Space - River Corridors Grant Program Summary
Open Space - River Corridors: Grant Purpose
The Open Space – River Corridors grant program supports projects that help restore the natural functions of rivers, create or restore public access, and/or increase public awareness of river corridors as valuable natural resources. This grant program incentivizes multi-benefit projects that integrate recreation and habitat restoration with larger floodplain management efforts. All projects must be located within King County and be associated with one or more of the following rivers:
- Cedar
- Duwamish
- Green
- Raging
- Sammamish
- Snoqualmie
- South Fork Skykomish
- Tolt
- White
The Open Space - River Corridors grant program has: $22 million in total funding 2020-2025 and $9.9 million in available funding in 2023; a maximum award amount of $1 million; a biennial application in 2023 and 2025.
Open Space - River Corridors: Eligible Organizations
- City or town
- King County agency
- Port, Flood, Conservation, or Diking and Drainage Districts
- Salmon recovery forums
- Nonprofit organization
- Tribal organization
Open Space - River Corridors: Eligible Project Types
- Acquisition
- Feasibility study
- Planning and design
- Construction
- Project-specific outreach and education
Open Space - River Corridors: 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.
- Restoration of natural floodplain systems by removal or setback of flood protection features such as levees, revetments, etc.
- Development of passive recreation amenities along rivers, such as trails, viewpoints, interpretative signage, etc.
- Enhancement of ecological function through invasive species removal, native species revegetation, or the installation of critical habitat features
- Land acquisition for future natural areas or protect and restore habitat function
- Outreach and educational programs associated with capital projects to increase public awareness and local community engagement
Open Space - River Corridors: 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:
- Active recreation facilities such as play areas or ballfields
- Fish or wildlife production facilities
- Indoor facilities such as swimming pools, community centers, museums, interpretive and environmental centers
- Routine operation and maintenance costs
- Legally mandated clean-up or costs of required mitigation actions not associated with the approved project
Healthy Communities and Parks Fund Program Summary
Healthy Communities and Parks Fund: Grant Purpose
The Healthy Communities & Parks Fund (HCPF), part of the Targeted Equity Grant 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. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, based on available funding. Priority deadlines: February 28, April 30, July 31. Applications are evaluated by a Review Panel. 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 due on March 15, 2023. 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 $1.4 million in available funding in 2023; a maximum award amount of $250,000; an application in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Healthy Communities and Parks Fund: Eligible Organizations
- City or town
- King County agency
- Nonprofit organization
- Tribal organization
- Fiscally-sponsored organization
Healthy Communities and Parks Fund: Eligible Project Types
- Acquisition
- Feasibility study
- Planning and design
- Construction
- Programs
- Community 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.
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Land acquisition located specifically within an Opportunity Area or that serves a community of need that will improve access to parks, open space, and recreation opportunities
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Development or renovation of recreational facilities to improve access and use by an underserved community
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Projects that provide or improve access to recreation, parks, or open spaces for people with disabilities
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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
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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:
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Lobbying and attempts to influence legislation
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Removal of unauthorized encampments
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Properties acquired via condemnation action of any kind
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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
Applying for a Grant
2023 Grants Timeline
- Mid-January to mid-March: Applications open on Foundant
- Mid-March to mid-May: Review by Parks and Advisory Committees
- Mid-May to mid-September: Approval by DNRP, Executive, and King County Council
- Mid-September to mid-November: Contracting
Note: *Healthy Communities and Parks Fund (Tier 1) applications are accepted on a rolling basis, based on available funding. Applicants are encouraged to submit applications as early as possible. Applicants should anticipate a 6-week timeline from application submission to decision notification.
The Application Process
Applicants are encouraged to:
- Sign up for the Parks Grants email list (link opens email sign up in new page) to stay up-to-date on Parks grants and other opportunities.
- Attend a webinar (link opens webinar registration in new page) to learn about each grant program and ask questions.
- Connect with a Parks Grants Manager. Email ParksGrants@kingcounty.gov and identify the grant program(s) of interest.
- Register with Foundant, the online grant portal where applicants submit grant application. Tutorials are available to guide applicants through the process.
- Begin application after it opens on Tuesday, January 17, 2023.
- Submit complete application by Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 5:00pm. Late applications will not be accepted.
Grant Evaluation
The Evaluation Process
There are three Advisory Committees that evaluate grant applications and make award recommendations. Advisory Committee members from a variety of organizations and agencies bring expertise and a diversity of perspectives to the evaluation process.
The Aquatic Facilities plus Parks Capital and Open Spaces Advisory Committee includes representatives from: City/Park Districts; School Districts; and Nonprofit Organizations.
The Health Communities and Parks Fund Advisory Committee includes representatives from: City/Park Districts; Open Space Equity Cabinet; Nonprofit Organizations; and Community Organizations.
The Open Space - River Corridors Advisory Committee includes representatives from: Cities; Tribal Organizations; Nonprofit Organizations; Special Districts (Flood, Diking, Conservation); Community Organizations; and Salmon Recovery Forums.
Evaluation Criteria
Below are the criteria used to evaluate grant applications. The criteria reflect the grant application sections and content that will be scored. Content may vary by grant program and project type.
- Project Overview (50% of score): Describe the proposed project, alignment with grant goals, and intended project outcomes. Illustrate the feasibility of project implementation if awarded.
- Equitable Access and Partnerships (30% of score): Demonstrate how the project addresses disparities, improves access to underserved communities or areas, and engages with communities and partners.
- Budget and Resources (20% of score): Provide project budget expenses, share any cost estimates, and/or clarify budget details.
Learn More
Upcoming Webinars
King County Parks is hosting a series of 90-minute webinars to share details about these grant programs, procedures, and policies with prospective applicants and community partners. Click the events below to view details and register.
- DNRP Funding Open House: Monday, January 30 (11:00 a.m.)
- Parks Capital and Open Space Grant: Tuesday, January 31 (11:00 a.m.)
- Aquatic Facilities Grant: Wednesday, February 1 (11:00 a.m.)
- Open Space – River Corridors Grant: Thursdays, February 2 (11:00 a.m.)
- Healthy Communities and Parks Fund: Friday, February 3 (11:00 a.m.)
Contact Parks
Parks staff are here for you! Please contact us if you need help understanding
- Which grant to apply for
- Eligible organizations and projects
- Partnership opportunities
- The application questions
- Which documentation to submit
- How your proposal will be scored
- Technical assistance, translation, or accommodation options
- Any details of the grant programs or application process
Email: ParksGrants@kingcounty.gov
Phone: (206) 848-0699