Across the unincorporated stretches of King County, grassroots projects are shaping local neighborhoods. To power these community-driven efforts, the King County Department of Local Services has officially opened applications for the 2027 Alan M. Painter Grants.

The grants program is named for a dedicated and beloved King County employee  Alan M. Painter who passed in 2021.

With a total funding pool of $90,000, these grants provide awards under $5,000 per project to support local events, civic initiatives, and community enhancements. From neighborhood cleanups and graffiti removal to cultural festivals, educational workshops, and emergency shelter initiatives during extreme weather, the funding helps turn local ideas into tangible public benefits.

Driving Engagement, Equity, and Social Justice

The Alan M. Painter Grant program is designed to advance the King County Strategic Plan while fostering civic participation and equity across rural and suburban unincorporated areas. Funding is directed toward projects that meet key community goals:

• Promoting resident engagement in civic and neighborhood activities.
• Educating local residents on critical issues while identifying community needs.
• Executing hands-on enhancements such as community signs, cleanups, or safety events.
• Providing safe environments during extreme weather events.
• Advancing equity and social justice by creating opportunities for low-income residents, communities of color, and individuals with limited English proficiency.

Who Can Apply?

Funding is intended for locally based, community-led organizations operating within King County's unincorporated community service areas. Organizations located within city limits can also apply if their project directly serves unincorporated residents or builds local cross-community partnerships.

Groups that are not formally incorporated non-profits can participate by designating an incorporated fiscal sponsor. Organizations uncertain about their location can check eligibility using the unincorporated King County Zone Lookup tool.

Grant Terms and Matching Requirements

Grants are administered through a formal Letter of Award and Memorandum of Agreement. Recipients must provide a minimum match of 25% of the total project cost. This match can be fulfilled through cash, partner resources, in-kind services, or volunteer labor.

Grant funds cannot be used for political activity, gift cards, general organizational insurance, or ongoing governmental operating costs. All approved project work must take place between March 2027 and November 2027. Applicants seeking inspiration can review projects funded in previous years through the list of Alan M. Painter Grant past recipients.

Application Process and Deadline

The deadline to apply is Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST.

Prospective applicants can access the official 2027 Alan M. Painter Grant application form and review the Community Engagement Grant Information PDF. For questions or language translation assistance, contact King County Local Services by email at AskLocalServices@kingcounty.gov or by phone at 206-477-3800.