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Apr
04

2025 Parks Grants Guide

Table of Contents

(links go to other locations on this page)

About King County Parks

  • The 2020-2025 Parks Levy
  • Public Access
  • Equity in King County

2025 Grants Overview

Grant Program Summaries

Timelines

Applying for a Grant

  • The Application Process
  • Application Previews

Grant Evaluation

  • The Evaluation Process
  • Evaluation Criteria

Applicant Resources

  • Information Sessions
  • Grant Application Consulting
  • Office Hours
  • Grantee Toolkit

Contact Us

 

About King County Parks

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.

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.

2025 Grants Overview

King County Parks will be accepting applications for all our grant programs in 2025 through two Request for Applications (RFA) cycles. The first will be for our four Levy Grant programs and the second will be for our Youth and Amateur Sports Grants. See below for more details on each grant program, timeline, and funding available:

  • Levy Grants RFA - Applications open Monday, February 24 and are due Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
    • Aquatic Facilities: $16.0 million available in funding for 2025; Awards up to $5 million
    • Parks Capital and Open Space: $6.6 million available in funding for 2025; Awards up to $1 million 
    • Open Space - River Corridors: $6.7 million available in funding for 2025; Awards up to $1 million 
    • Healthy Communities and Parks Fund: $1.4 million available in funding for 2025; Awards up to $250,000
  • Youth and Amateur Sports Grants RFA - Applications open Monday, April 7 and are due Monday, May 5, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
    • ~$3.5 million available funding in 2024; Awards up to $250,000 for construction and $100,000 for programs

Go to Applicant Grant Portal

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.

Aquatic Facilities 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 Aquatics grant program has: $36 million in total funding 2020-2025 and $16.0 million in available funding in 2025; a maximum award amount of $5 million. 

Award Details:

  • Planning or feasibility studies awards are capped at $100,000
  • Awards up to $100,000 can cover the full cost of a project
  • Awards between $100,001 and $2 million are capped at 50% of project costs
  • Awards between $2 million and $5 million are capped at 25% of project costs

Eligible Organizations

  • City or Town
  • School District
  • Park District
  • Other public entities that own public aquatic facilities

Eligible Project Types

  • Acquisition (see FAQ for more information)
  • Feasibility Study
  • Planning and Design
  • Construction

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

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

Aquatic Facilities Background

Aquatics 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.

Click here to view previously awarded projects.

Parks Capital and Open Space 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 PCOS grant program has: $25 million in total funding 2020-2025 and $6.6 million in available funding in 2025; a maximum award amount of $1 million. 

Eligible Organizations

  • City or Town
  • Park District

Eligible Project Types

  • Acquisition (see FAQ for more information)
  • Feasibility Study
  • Planning and Design
  • Construction

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 for a new park
  • Trails and paths (hard or soft) and related feature such as habitat restoration, bridges, boardwalks, signage, restrooms, benches, lighting
  • Indoor or outdoor sports recreation spaces like sports courts, sports fields, rowing facilities, climbing structures, playgrounds, spray parks, or community gardens

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

Parks Capital and Open Space Background

PCOS 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.

Click here to view previously awarded projects.

Open Space - River Corridors 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.

The PCOS grant program has: $22 million in total funding 2020-2025 and $6.7 million in available funding in 2025; a maximum award amount of $1 million.

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. 

Eligible Organizations

  • City or Town
  • King County Agency
  • Port, Flood, Conservation, or Diking and Drainage Districts
  • Salmon recovery forums
  • Nonprofit Organization
  • Tribal Organization

Eligible Project Types

  • Acquisition (see FAQ for more information)
  • Feasibility Study
  • Planning and Design
  • Construction
  • Project-specific outreach and education

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

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

Open Space - River Corridors Background

OSRC 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.

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 $1.4 million in available funding in 2025; 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.

Eligible Organizations

  • City or Town
  • Nonprofit Organization
  • Tribal Organization
  • Fiscally-sponsored Organization

Eligible Project Types

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

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

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.

Click here to view previously awarded projects.

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 2025; a maximum award amount of $100,000 for programs and $250,000 for construction; an application in 2024 and 2026

Award Details: Up to $2 million will be award to Construction project proposals and up to $1.5 million will be awarded to Program project proposals.

Eligible Organizations

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

Eligible Project Types

  • Construction
  • Programs

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

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. 

Timelines

Below are the anticipated timelines for the 2025 grant programs:

Levy Grants: Aquatics, PCOS, OSRC, and HCPF Tier 2

  • February 24 to April 3: Applications open in the Parks Grant Portal
  • Submission Deadline: Thursday, April 3 at 9:00 a.m. PST
  • April to June: Review by Levy Advisory Committees
  • July to October: Approval by DNRP, King County Executive, and King County Council
  • October to December: Contracting

HCPF Tier 1

  • February 24 to April 3: Applications open in the Parks Grant Portal
  • Submission Deadline: Thursday, April 3 at 9:00 a.m. PST
  • April to June: Review by Parks and HCPF Tier 1 Evaluators
  • June to July: Approval by DNRP
  • July to September: Contracting

YASG

  • April 7 to May 5: Applications open in the Parks Grant Portal
  • Submission Deadline: Monday, May 5 at 9:00 a.m. PST
  • May to June: Review by Parks and Evaluators
  • June to July: Approval by DNRP
  • July to September: Contracting

Applying for a Grant

The Application Process

Applicants should:

  1. 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.
  2. Attend an information session to learn about each grant program and ask questions.
  3. Connect with a Parks Grants Manager. Attend Office Hours or email ParksGrants@kingcounty.gov and identify the grant program(s) of interest.

Applicants must:

  1. 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.
  2. Begin application after it opens on Monday, February 24, 2025 for Levy Grants and Monday, April 7, 2025 for YASG applicants.
  3. Submit complete application via Parks Grant Portal by Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. for Levy Grants and Monday, May 5, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. for YASG applicants. 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. Learn more about the Advisory Committees here.

  • The Aquatic Facilities and Parks Capital & Open Space Advisory Committee includes representatives from: City/Park Districts, School Districts, and Nonprofit Organizations
  • The Open Space - River Corridors Advisory Committee includes representatives from: Cities, Tribal Organizations, Nonprofit and Community Organizations, Special Flood Districts, and Salmon Recovery Forms.
  • 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.
  • Youth and Amateur Sports Grant Reviewers include representatives from: King County Play Equity Coalition Members and King County staff.

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.

Click here to learn more about the evaluation criteria for each grant program.

Applicant Resources

Information Sessions

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

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 for grant application consulting services for Levy Grants will be accepted until Monday, March 17 or for YASG applicants until Monday, April 21.

Office Hours

Parks staff will be available to answer applicant questions during office hours on:

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.

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

 

 

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