Summary

Sixty 2019 Community Engagement Grants will provide matching funds to help residents build stronger and healthier communities.

Story

King County Executive Dow Constantine today announced 60 grants to support community projects and events in unincorporated parts of the county.

The grants program, administered by the county’s Department of Local Services, supports programs and projects such as emergency preparedness training, movie nights, native pond habitat restoration, and purchasing a commercial dishwasher for a senior center.

“Community Engagement Grants support the best of King County. By combining our awards with local funding, we are able to maximize community-driven investments that build stronger neighborhoods, improve our quality of life, and create positive connections between residents,” said Executive Constantine. 

Grant recipients competed for a total of $90,000 in grant funds, with individual grants ranging between $300 and $4,300 each. Community organizations or volunteers must put up at least one quarter of the total cost of their project or event, which must be accessible to all residents regardless of race, income, or language spoken.

Examples of successful 2019 grant applications include:

    • Boys and Girls Clubs of King County will receive support for a teen late-night event series for youths in White Center.
    • A community group in the Enumclaw plateau will receive funds to help community engagement and education.
    • The Snoqualmie Valley Food Bank will receive funds to enhance outdoor space at their facility.

Grants were awarded to community organizations in each of King County’s seven Community Service Areas: Southeast King County, Snoqualmie Valley/Northeast King County, Vashon, Bear Creek/Sammamish, Four Creeks/Tiger Mountain, Greater Maple Valley/Cedar River, and West King County.

“Congratulations to the organizations that have been chosen to receive Community Service Area grants,” said King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert. “These grants truly serve the residents of unincorporated King County and I am excited to see so many groups working to increase community involvement opportunities. After the snowstorm we recently experienced, I hope to see an emphasis on snow and emergency preparation next year.”

Councilmember Joe McDermott said, “From investing in timely programs for immigrants and refugees with Vashon Youth and Family Services to the continued restoration of Seola Pond in White Center, this grant program remains an important way for King County to support local, volunteer-driven efforts that make a big difference in the daily lives of our friends, families, and neighbors.”

Relevant links

• 2019 Community Service Award Grant winners
• Department of Local Services

Quotes

Community Engagement Grants support the best of King County. By combining our awards with local funding, we are able to maximize community-driven investments that build stronger neighborhoods, improve our quality of life, and create positive connections between residents.

Congratulations to the organizations that have been chosen to receive Community Service Area grants. These grants truly serve the residents of unincorporated King County and I am excited to see so many groups working to increase community involvement opportunities. After the snowstorm we recently experienced, I hope to see an emphasis on snow and emergency preparation next year.

From investing in timely programs for immigrants and refugees with Vashon Youth and Family Services to the continued restoration of Seola Pond in White Center, this grant program remains an important way for King County to support local, volunteer-driven efforts that make a big difference in the daily lives of our friends, families, and neighbors.

For more information, contact:

Brent Champaco, Local Services, 206-477-9094