Youth and Amateur Sports Grants Program
We have an annual grant cycle beginning in January with awards usually determined by May. Program grants range from $15,000-$75,000, while capital grants range from $25,000-$250,000.
Funding is only available to organizations serving residents of King County, including non-profit organizations, public schools, park districts, public agencies, tribes and tribal organizations. A small or emerging community organization without 501c3 status is eligible through a partnership with a fiscal agent.
The program is funded and sustained through a 1 percent car-rental tax authorized by the Legislature in 1993. Funds can only be used for programs or capital projects that increase access to health-enhancing physical activities.
Program Goals
- Increase youth access to and participation in quality physical activity programs, facilities, and parks
- Reach priority populations of low-income youth, youth of color, immigrant and refugee youth, youth with disabilities, and unincorporated area residents
- Improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities in low-income communities
Why We Invest in Youth Sports
Physical activity is vital to youth development, physical health, mental health, and social emotional learning, and is also associated with better educational outcomes. The Center for Disease Control recommends that youth get at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily to stay healthy. However, only 19% of youth in King County meet this recommendation according to the Healthy Youth Survey.
Disparities in access to physical activity and health outcomes are evident by race, place, and income. By investing in organizations and agencies serving low-income youth and youth of color King County Parks is working to increase youth access to and participation in physical activity.
Interested in collaborating on a collective impact approach toward systems change? Check out the King County Play Equity Coalition.
Resources for Grantees
Visit this link for resources.
2021 Grants
King County Parks is pleased to announce the 2021 Youth Sports Grants Recipients. Grants totaling nearly $2.4 million will support 40 programs and projects and will bolster the work of our partners improving the health and well-being of youth in our community. Congratulations grant recipients!
2020 Grants
Due to reduced revenue resulting from the pandemic, in 2020 we provided 19 grants totaling $604,275 focused on supporting community based organizations providing physical activity programming.
2019 Grants
King County Parks awarded 36 grants totaling $2.4 million for projects ranging from free soccer programs for immigrant youth and athletic programs for urban native youth to pool repairs and ballfield improvements. Some 200 applicants submitted applications this cycle, requesting more than $13 million in support.
Our Grantees
We’re proud to partner with these organizations, learn more about their impact. Learn more about our grantees and their impact.
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If you have questions about the grant program, please contact Minerva Humphrie.