Arts Sustained Support
Sustained Support assists with the day-to-day needs of arts organizations.
The 2025 program cycle will award funding for only one year. The next two-year cycle, 2026-2027, will return in fall 2025. These funds support creativity flourishing in the places that make King County a cultural hub.
Steps to Apply
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What Sustained Support Funds
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What Sustained Support Funds
Arts organizations and Local Arts Agencies all over King County use Sustained Support funding as a modest but dependable building block in their annual budgets. Sustained Support provides operational funding that organizations and agencies receive for the robustness, creativity, and quality of the overall artistic services they provide to King County residents and visitors.
You can use this grant for:
- A variety of expenses including operating costs related to arts programs and activities accessible to King County residents and visitors; staff salaries; utilities; supplies; fees; and services.
If you are interested in funding for:
- Equipment, please consider applying for Cultural Equipment.
- Capital construction, please consider applying for Doors Open Facilities.
- Art Projects will return in 2025.
Criteria
We fund all of our grants through a competitive process, carefully evaluating each application. For this particular grant, we focus on different criteria depending on how your organization is structured and what type of work you do. (Below, under ‘Are You Eligible?’, we outline all the different types of organizations that can apply, and what we’ll look for—please contact us if you’re unsure of what category you fit into.)
For this grant, we’ll look to see how well your organization shows the following:
- Resilience: your organization has clearly stated plans to remain in operation through 2025. You have demonstrated organizational adaptability to changes in your community. You have demonstrated responsiveness to your community’s needs.
- Public benefit: your organization offers substantial public benefit through your programs, activities, and services. Public benefit may include – but is not limited to – any free or reduced cost admission, events, or programs that increase access to artistic services in King County.
- Advancing equity: your organization has a focus on marginalized communities, especially communities that are disproportionately impacted by structural racism. This is not a requirement for funding.
- Economic impact: your organization stimulates the local economy through spending on wages, goods, services; promoting tourism and visitor-related spending at local businesses; and contributions to community well-being and quality of life, which have indirect economic benefits.
- Artistic substance: your organization provides artistic services that are robust, creative, and engage with your community.
For Local Arts Agencies (LAAs):
Note: if you are not sure if you are an LAA, you are probably not; see below, under Are You Eligible?, for more details. For more information about King County Local Arts Agencies click here.
- Quality, scope, diversity, and impact of your annual programming.
- Commitment of local government through dedicated staff, commission structure, and annual financial investment in cultural programming.
- Responsiveness to community needs—including diverse populations—through strategic planning, programming, funding, collaboration, technical assistance, convening, and communications.
- What economic impact has your LAA’s public programs had on your city and the residents and visitors you serve?
- Growth and development of resources, scope, impact, and community participation.
Geographic and Equity Investments
4Culture recognizes that where an organization is based or provides its services, as well as the communities it serves, can affect access to funding and other resources. To take a step towards balancing these disparities, 4Culture will award additional funding to organizations that are based in parts of King County that are less served by other funding sources, and to organizations that specifically serve marginalized communities, especially communities that are disproportionately impacted by structural racism. Organizations with an annual budget over $5 million do not qualify for this additional funding.
Equity Investment Score
Organizations that the adjudicating panel of peer reviewers agree are excelling in advancing equity in King County will receive an additional Equity Investment.
Outside of the City of Seattle
Non-profits with a primary location outside of Seattle City limits will receive additional geographic equity funds. Eligibility will be determined based on the mailing address in your account profile. This address should be consistent with what your organization uses for IRS reporting purposes.
Communities of Opportunity
Organizations that are located in a Community of Opportunity are eligible for additional Equity Investment funds. The Communities of Opportunity (COO) index includes a set of health and socioeconomic indicators to gauge community health and well-being. 4Culture aligns our Equity investments with the COO index to identify the areas of King County in greatest need of support.
View this Communities of Opportunity map to determine whether your organization or primary venue is located in a COO. COO areas eligible for an Equity investment are outlined in purple.
Please reach out to Bret Fetzer at if you have any questions.
On-Site Reviews
Organizations that are funded by a Sustained Support grant will be evaluated by on-site reviewers, who attend a scheduled event or open hours and provide written comments for use by future grant review panels. After receiving their award letter, organizations that receive Arts Sustained Support awards for 2025 are encouraged to contact Elly Fetter at to arrange for an On-Site Review.
Public Benefit: Why It Matters
4Culture is a public agency supporting the cultural sector through revenue from Lodging Tax, 1% for Art, and Doors Open funding sources. Core to our work and defined in our Charter is a requirement that everything we fund serves the public interest, enriching communities throughout King County.
The term Providing Public Benefit means using public funds primarily to provide members of the public residing in and visiting King County access to opportunities to experience cultural resources. Public Benefit encompasses access and positive impacts for King County residents and visitors engaging with arts, culture, historic spaces, and public art across our program areas.
As you work through your application, tell us exactly how your fellow King County residents will be able to enjoy and learn from your work. Here are some ways you can provide public benefit:
- Providing the public with access to your creative work, project, or program for free or at a reduced rate.
- Providing educational programs and experiences at cultural organizations, schools, or other venues accessible to the public.
- Exploring ways to expand and broaden your creative work and activities for the education and entertainment of the public.
- Participating in collaborative relationships with other cultural organizations, individuals, and groups to extend the reach and impact of a project or program for the benefit of the public.
- Organizational or individual capacity-building projects or activities that provide meaningful public benefits not otherwise achievable.
- For cultural organizations: providing, through technological and other means, services or programs in locations other than an organization’s own facilities.
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Are You Eligible?
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Are You Eligible?
Sustained Support is available for King County-based non-profit organizations and municipalities We award these funds based on an organization’s overall mission and activities—this grant is not project-based.
The following types of organizations may apply:
Local arts agencies (LAAs) and arts organizations with a 3-year minimum operating history and a record of artistic or cultural accomplishment.
- LAAs are designated municipal agencies or nonprofit organizations that provide a range of arts services for a specific King County community (for example, the Kent Arts Commission or the Maple Valley Creative Arts Council).
- Arts organizations are nonprofit entities that provide arts programming to the public and/or that provide services—training, administrative support, technical assistance, and more—to arts professionals (for example, Seattle Art Museum, Kirkland Choral Society, Annex Theatre, or Washington Lawyers for the Arts).
- Arts organizations that do not have 501(c)(3) non-profit status may apply, but if they are selected for funding they will need the fiscal sponsorship of another 501(c)(3) “umbrella” organization in order to claim their awards. If your organization is not a non-profit, please contact 4Culture staff for advice or recommendations for fiscal sponsorship.
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Helping You Succeed
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Helping You Succeed
4Culture staff will do their best to answer questions or provide assistance for Arts Sustained Support applicants. However, as the deadline approaches, it will become less and less likely that they will be able to respond to your queries (the number of applicants is expected to be between 400-500). The earlier you prepare your application, the more support 4Culture staff will be able to offer you.
Workshops
Workshops can make a major difference in how competitive your application is—each year, we find that the strongest applications come from people who have attended a workshop. They provide an opportunity for you to meet staff, learn about the process, meet other applicants, and ask questions.
Note: August 26 and September 3 will be Office Hours sessions. There will be no formal presentation, but grant managers will be on hand to answer any last minute questions ahead of the September 4 application deadline.
If you are unable to attend a workshop, you may view this recorded version instead:
Substitulos en Español | 中文字幕（繁體)
Application Guide + Worksheet
Watch this step-by-step application guide video to assist you in the application process:
As you draft your application, you may choose to work offline in a document. This application worksheet can be used as tool as you work. It includes helpful tips and space to draft your responses. This worksheet is not a substitute for submitting your application via the online portal and will not be accepted as your application.
Click to download the worksheet:
Arts (Organizations): PDF | Word
Arts (LAA’s): PDF | Word
Use this eligibility documentation guide to help you gather your required documents as you prepare to begin your application.
Contact
Before you begin or after starting your application, you may have questions or need some personalized feedback on an idea. We are available by email and phone to assist you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us. The earlier you contact us, the more likely we’ll be available to assist you.
Translation and Assistance
As an extension of 4Culture’s flagship grant program, Sustained Support will provide one-year unrestricted funding to meet the day-to-day needs of arts, preservation, heritage, and science and technology nonprofit organizations. You can use this grant for a variety of operating costs related to programs accessible to King County residents and visitors including staff salaries, utilities, supplies, fees, and services. King County-based nonprofit organizations whose primary purpose is the advancement and preservation of art, historic preservation, heritage, or science and technology are eligible to apply for Sustained Support.
4Culture is King County’s designated agency to distribute new, increased funding made possible by Doors Open legislation, passed in December 2023. This funding has increased the Sustained Support program to $24 million for this cycle. A minimum of 25% of all Doors Open funding will go to organizations outside of the city of Seattle.
While Sustained Support traditionally awards funds over two years, this program cycle will award funding for only one year. The next two-year cycle, 2026-2027, will return in fall 2025. The deadline to apply is September 4, 2024, at 5:00 pm PDT. Award decisions will be announced in December 2024, and contracting will begin in January 2025.
We’re here to help! Please contact Fundisha Tibebe, Doors Open Operating Support Program Manager at with questions about this program.
The grant guidelines, a detailed explanation of how to apply, and the grant application are in English. If this is a barrier that stops you from applying due to limited English writing ability, visual impairment, or you would like to request assistance to create an application, please contact or call (206) 296-7580 or TTY 711, and we will ensure you get the support you need.
中文
中文
作為 4Culture 旗艦資助計劃的延伸，「持續的支持」計劃將提供為期一年的無限制資助，以滿足藝術、保護、遺產和科技類非營利組織的日常需求。該補助金可以用於支付與 King 縣居民和訪客可以享受到的計劃有關的各種營運費用，包括員工工資、水電費、用品、以及服務。以促進和保護藝術、保護歷史、遺產或科學技術為主要目的的 King 縣非營利組織均有資格申請「持續的支持」計劃。
4Culture 是 King 縣的指定機構，主要負責分配於 2023 年 12 月通過的「門戶開放」法案所增加的新資金。這筆資金使本週期的「持續的支持」計劃的資金總額增加到了 2,400 萬美元。所有「門戶開放」計劃的資金至少有 25% 將用於西雅圖市以外的組織機構。
按照往年來講，「持續的支持」計劃的資助期限為兩年，但是此次計劃的資助期僅為一年。下一個兩年週期（2026-2027 年）將於 2025 年秋季重新開放申請。申請的截止日期為 2024 年 9 月 4 日下午 5:00（太平洋夏令時間）。申請結果將於 2024 年 12 月公布，合約簽訂工作將於 2025 年 1 月開始。
我們隨時可以為您提供幫助！若對本計劃有任何疑問，請聯絡 Doors Open Operating Support Program（門戶開放營運支持計劃）經理 Fundisha Tibebe（電子郵件地址：）。
資助指南、如何申請的詳細說明以及資助申請表均為英文版。如果您因英語書寫能力有限、視力障礙而無法申請，或是在填寫申請表時需要協助，請發送電子郵件至 或致電 (206) 296-7580 或 TTY 711 進行聯絡，我們會確保您獲得所需的幫助。
Русский
Русский
Поскольку программа «Постоянная поддержка» является дополнением к основной программе грантов 4Culture, она предоставит неограниченное финансирование сроком на один год для удовлетворения повседневных потребностей некоммерческих организаций в области искусства, сохранения культурно-исторического наследия, а также науки и технологий. Этот грант можно использовать для покрытия различных эксплуатационных расходов, связанных с программами, доступными жителям и гостям округа King, включая заработную плату персонала, коммунальные услуги, расходные материалы, сборы и услуги. Некоммерческие организации округа King, основной целью которых является развитие и сохранение искусства, культурно-исторического наследия или науки и технологий, имеют право подать заявку на участие в программе «Постоянная поддержка».
4Culture — уполномоченный орган округа King по распределению нового, увеличенного бюджета, выделенного согласно закону Doors Open, принятому в декабре 2023 года. Это финансирование позволило увеличить бюджет программы Sustained Support до 24 млн долл. США в текущем цикле. Минимум 25 % всего финансирования в рамках закона Doors Open выделяется организациям за пределами Сиэтла.
Хотя обычно Sustained Support выделяет средства на проекты длительностью более двух лет, в этом программном цикле финансирование будет выделено только на один год. Следующий двухлетний цикл, 2026–2027 гг., начнется осенью 2025 г. Крайний срок подачи заявок: 4 сентября 2024 года, 17:00 (по тихоокеанскому летнему времени). Решения о присуждении контрактов огласят в декабре 2024 года, а заключение контрактов начнется в январе 2025 года.
Мы готовы вам помочь! Если у вас имеются вопросы относительно программы, обратитесь к Fundisha Tibebe, руководителю отдела операционной поддержки программы Doors Open («Открытые двери»), по электронной почте .
Правила предоставления гранта, подробная инструкция по подаче заявки, а также сама заявка на грант составлены на английском языке. Если вы не можете подать заявку из-за недостаточного владения письменной английской речью или нарушений зрения, либо нуждаетесь в помощи для составления заявки, напишите по адресу или позвоните по телефону (206) 296-7580, либо TTY 711. Мы предоставим вам необходимую поддержку.
Tiếng Việt
Tiếng Việt
Một phần mới của chương trình tài trợ hàng đầu của 4Culture, Hỗ Trợ Bền Vững sẽ cung cấp nguồn tài trợ không hạn chế trong một năm để đáp ứng nhu cầu thường ngày của các tổ chức phi lợi nhuận về nghệ thuật, bảo tồn, di sản và khoa học công nghệ. Quý vị có thể sử dụng khoản tài trợ này cho nhiều loại chi phí vận hành liên quan đến các chương trình mà cư dân và du khách của Quận King có thể tiếp cận, bao gồm trả lương nhân viên, tiện ích, vật tư, các loại phí và dịch vụ. Các tổ chức phi lợi nhuận có trụ sở tại Quận King có mục đích chính là phát triển và bảo tồn nghệ thuật, bảo tồn lịch sử, di sản hoặc khoa học công nghệ đều đủ điều kiện đăng ký chương trình Hỗ Trợ Bền Vững.
4Culture là cơ quan được Quận King chỉ định để phân phối nguồn tài trợ mới, tăng dần nhờ luật Mở Cửa, được thông qua vào tháng 12 năm 2023. Khoản tài trợ này đã nâng kinh phí của chương trình Hỗ Trợ Bền Vững lên $24 triệu cho vòng này. Ít nhất 25% tổng số tiền tài trợ Mở Cửa sẽ được chuyển đến các tổ chức bên ngoài thành phố Seattle.
Trong khi chương trình Hỗ Trợ Bền Vững theo truyền thống sẽ cấp vốn trong hai năm, thì chu kỳ của chương trình này sẽ chỉ cấp vốn trong một năm. Chu kỳ hai năm tiếp theo, 2026-2027, sẽ quay trở lại vào mùa thu năm 2025. Hạn chót nộp đơn đăng ký là ngày 4 tháng 9 năm 2024, lúc 5:00 chiều theo giờ PDT. Các quyết định trao tài trợ sẽ được công bố vào tháng 12 năm 2024 và hợp đồng sẽ bắt đầu vào tháng 1 năm 2025.
Chúng tôi luôn sẵn sàng hỗ trợ! Làm ơn liên hệ với Fundisha Tibebe, Giám Đốc Doors Open Operating Support Program (Chương Trình Hỗ Trợ Hoạt Động Mở Cửa) tại nếu có câu hỏi về chương trình này.
Các hướng dẫn về khoản tài trợ, giải thích chi tiết về cách nộp đơn và đơn đăng ký tài trợ đều bằng tiếng Anh. Nếu đây là rào cản khiến quý vị không thể nộp đơn đăng ký do khả năng viết tiếng Anh hạn chế, suy giảm thị lực hoặc quý vị muốn yêu cầu hỗ trợ để tạo đơn đăng ký, Làm ơn liên hệ hoặc gọi (206) 296-7580 hoặc TTY 711 và chúng tôi sẽ hỗ trợ những gì quý vị cần.
Somali
Somali
Iyadoo ah qayb ka mid barnaamijka deeqda ee 4Culture, barnaamijka Sustained Support (Barnaamijka Taageerada Waarta) wuxuu bixin doonaa maalgelin aan xadidnayn oo hal sano ah si loo daboolo baahiyaha maalinlaha ah ee arrimaha farshaxanka, ilaalinta farshaxanka, hidaha, iyo ururada aan faa’iido doonka ahayn ee ku shaqeeya arrimaha sayniska iyo tignoolajiyada. Waxaad deeqda u isticmaali kartaa in aad ku bixiso kharashyada hawlaha kala duwan ee la xidhiidha sida ay barnaamijyada u heli lahaayeen dadka degan King County iyo dadka soo booqda oo ay ku jiraan mushaarka shaqaalaha, yutiilitida adeegyada muhiimka ah, agabka, khidmadaha, iyo adeegyada kale. Ururada aan faa’iido doonka ahayn ee uu fadhigoodu yahay King County oo ujeedadooda koowaad ay tahay horumarinta iyo ilaalinta farshaxanka, ilaalinta waxyaabaha taariikhiga ah, hidaha, ama ururada ku shaqeeya arrimaha sayniska iyo tignoolajiyada ayaa u qalma inay codsadaan deeqda Sustained Support.
4Culture waa wakaaladda ay King County u magacaawday si ay u qaybiso maalgalin cusub oo la kordhiyay oo diyaar ah taasi oo ay suurta galisay sharciga barnaamijka Doors Open, oo la ansixiyay Diseembar 2023. Maalgelintani waxay barnaamijka Taageerada Waarta ku kordhisay ilaa $24 milyan oo wareeggan ah. Ugu yaraan 25% ee dhammaan maalgelinta barnaamijka Doors Open ayaa ku bixin doontaa ururada ka baxsan gudaha magaalada Seattle.
Iyadoo barnaamijka Taageerada Waarta uu badanaa bixiyo lacagaha muddo laba sano ah, barnaamijka wareegan wuxuu bixin doonaa maalgelin hal sano oo keliya. Wareegga labada sano ee soo socda, 2026-2027, wuxuu bilaaban doonaa marka la gaaro xilliga dayrta ee 2025. Wakhtiga kama dambaysta ah ee la codsanayo waa Sebteember 4, 2024, saacada markay 5:00 galabnimo ee xilliga PDT. Ku Dhawaaqista go’aamada abaalmarinta waxaa lagu dhawaaqi doonaa Diiseembar 2024, qandaraaskuna wuxuu bilaaban doonaa Janaayo 2025.
Waxaan diyaar u nahay inaan ku caawino! Fadlan kala xiriir Fundisha Tibebe, Maareeyaha Taageerada Howlgelinta Barnaamijka Doors Open haddi aa qabto wax su’aalo ah oo ku saabsan barnaamijkan.
Tilmaamaha deeqda, sharraxaada faahfaahsan ee ku saabsan sida loo codsado, iyo codsiga deeqda waxay dhammaan ku qoran yihiin Af-Ingiriisi. Haddii arrintaan ay tahay caqabad kaa hor istaageyso codsashada oo ay sabab u tahay awoodda qorista Af-Ingiriisiga oo xadidan, naafanimo aragga ah, ama aad jeclaan lahayd inaad codsato in lagaa caawiyo in aad codsi sameyso, fadlan la xiriir ama wac (206) 296-7580 ama TTY 711, waxaana xaqiijin doonnaa inaad hesho taageerada aad u baahan tahay.
Español
Español
Como extensión del programa principal de subvenciones de 4Culture, el programa Sustained Support (Apoyo continuo) proporcionará financiación sin restricciones durante un año para cubrir las necesidades cotidianas de las organizaciones sin fines de lucro relacionadas con las artes, la conservación, el patrimonio y la ciencia y la tecnología. Puede utilizar esta subvención para distintos gastos de funcionamiento relacionados con programas accesibles a los residentes y visitantes del condado de King, como salarios del personal, servicios públicos, suministros, tasas y servicios. Las organizaciones sin fines de lucro con sede en el condado de King cuyo objetivo principal sea la promoción y preservación del arte, la conservación histórica, el patrimonio o la ciencia y la tecnología pueden postularse para el programa Sustained Support.
4Culture es la agencia designada por el condado de King para distribuir la nueva y ampliada financiación que ha sido posible gracias a la legislación sobre Doors Open, aprobada en diciembre de 2023. Esta financiación ha permitido aumentar el presupuesto del programa Sustained Support a $24 millones para este ciclo. Se destinará un mínimo del 25 % del total de la financiación de Doors Open a organizaciones que se encuentren fuera de la ciudad de Seattle.
Si bien Sustained Support tradicionalmente concede fondos durante dos años, este ciclo del programa solo concederá fondos durante un año. El próximo ciclo de dos años, para 2026-2027, volverá en otoño de 2025. La fecha límite para postularse es el 4 de septiembre de 2024, a las 5:00 p. m. (hora del Pacífico). Las decisiones de adjudicación se anunciarán en diciembre de 2024 y las contrataciones comenzará en enero de 2025.
¡Estamos para ayudar! Si tiene preguntas, comuníquese con la administradora del Doors Open Operating Support Program (programa de apoyo operativo de Doors Open), Fundisha Tibebe, escribiendo a .
Las directrices de la subvención, la explicación detallada de cómo solicitarla y la solicitud de la subvención están redactadas en inglés. Si esto supone un impedimento para presentar la solicitud debido a una capacidad limitada para escribir en inglés, una discapacidad visual o necesita ayuda para crear una solicitud, póngase en contacto con o llame al (206) 296-7580 o TTY 711, y nos aseguraremos de que reciba la ayuda que necesita.
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After You Submit
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After You Submit
Timeline
Applications for Arts Sustained Support are due September 4, 2024, by 5:00 pm PDT. Most 4Culture funding decisions take approximately four months from application deadline to when we announce awards. We will notify you about the status of your application on or before December 31, 2024. Contracting will begin in January 2025.
Selection Process
After the application deadline, 4Culture Program Managers first review all applications to ensure eligibility. We then facilitate panels of peer reviewers (artists and arts administrators) to evaluate all eligible applications. The peer reviewers change from cycle to cycle. 4Culture staff do not score applications or try to influence the outcome.
Award amounts will have three components:
- A base award determined by the recipient organization’s budget size.
- A possible additional award for organizations that the panel agrees demonstrate exceptional merit.
- A possible Geographic or Equity Investment based on geographic location and/or an organization’s score on the Equity criterion (see Equity Investments section under “What Sustained Support Funds,” above).
The panel’s award recommendations are then sent to the Arts Advisory Committee for review, and then onto 4Culture’s Board for final approval. The entire process, from application deadline to final award notification, takes three to four months.
Contracts and Payment
If we select your organization for funding, your 4Culture grant manager will work with you to create a contract outlining a payment schedule.
Requirements and Appeals
Learn about what will be required if you are awarded a grant, and about the process for appeal of a 4Culture decision.
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Apply
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Apply
Once you’ve started your application, you can save after each step and sign out—your application will be saved as a draft that you can continue to work on up to the deadline. Once you hit “Submit,” your application is final. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions during the process.
What’s in the Application
The following materials are required for this application cycle. We strongly recommend assembling them before you login and begin your application.
For Organizations
Narrative
Narrative questions will be slightly different depending on whether you are a nonprofit or a Local Arts Agency (LAA). Please be sure to select the correct application. There are seven questions you will answer for the 2025 application cycle.
- Community: please describe your community.
- Programming: please tell us how your organization’s programs or services have evolved during the past two years (2022 and 2023) in response to community needs and/or to changes in the field of your artistic discipline.
- Management: describe how your organization plans for the future and makes decisions. Describe your staff, volunteer, and board expertise or experience, especially with regard to your artistic discipline.
- Future: what are the goals of your organization for the next 2-3 years? In what way has your organization evolved? This can be in relation to your artistic process or output, broader mission objectives, or the way in which you are responding to your community’s needs.
- Economic impact: what economic impacts does your organization have in King County? This can include wages, contractors and employment; tourism impact; provision of affordable cultural space or reduced cost-services and offerings; community well-being and quality of life; direct spending on goods and services; and visitor spending at other local businesses.
- Advancing equity: is your organization led by and serving marginalized communities, especially communities that are disproportionately impacted by structural racism?
- Public benefit: please describe the Public Benefit your organization provides. Public Benefit, in this context, refers not to artistic or social value, but to your organization’s efforts to make your work more accessible to King County residents, particularly for underserved populations. This may include free or discounted admissions to events or activities; free or discounted educational services; or outreach efforts towards underserved regions or communities. For a more detailed discussion of possible Public Benefit, visit this page.)
Public Benefit: General, Equity Inclusion, and Geographic Inclusion
If you are awarded funding, these public benefits will appear in your contract; only select the public benefits on which you would like to report. The panel will only review your public benefit statement above; these questions are only for 4Culture’s internal use. Please select up to three General Public Benefits and up to three Equity Inclusion and Geographic Inclusion Public Benefits your organization provides throughout the year. You can find the full list of General, Equity Inclusion, and Geographic Inclusion Public Benefits in the application worksheet linked above in the Helping You Succeed section.
Required Support Materials
- Organizational board list: you must submit a list of your organization’s board members, their term limits, and their employment or community affiliation.
- Staff list: please list your primary or decision-making staff members. Include their names, titles, how long they’ve held this position
- Program/event list: you must submit a list of your organization’s events, programs, and/or primary activities from the last 24 months. Include date or date range, location, and estimated attendance.
Required Uploads
- Articles of Incorporation: you must submit your Articles of Incorporation for your application to be complete. Need support accessing your Article of Incorporation? Read this flowchart
- IRS Letter of Determination: you must submit your IRS Determination Letter for your application to be complete. Need support accessing your Letter of Determination? Read this flowchart
Completed Account Profile
Nonprofit organizations will need to enter IRS 990 (or equivalent) information for the previous three years. Organizations should also confirm the accuracy of their address. LAA’s are required to submit their Arts Program Budget. This budget should include only expenses directly related to your arts programming.
Not sure how to find your organization’s 990? Watch this tutorial video. Substitulos en Español | 中文字幕（繁體)
Demographic Information
Your organization profile in our portal must provide demographic information for your board and staff for the current year. We use this information to help us understand how well we are doing in our efforts to reach all communities in King County.
Watch a tutorial video on how to complete your organization’s demographic survey.
Substitulos en Español | 中文字幕（繁體)
For Local Arts Agencies
Narrative
Narrative questions will be slightly different depending on whether you are a nonprofit or a Local Arts Agency (LAA). Please be sure to select the correct application. There are seven questions you will answer for the 2025 application cycle.
- Community: please describe the community your agency serves. What are some of the demographics for the people that experience your programs? (Exact numbers are not required.) How is it changing?
- Programming: in this field, please describe a single project (new or existing) that you will implement in the coming year to address your community’s needs. You’ll be able to list your full programming further below.
- Management: how is your agency structured? Are you part of a city’s government structure or is your agency an independent non-profit? How do you collaborate with other municipal departments and community agencies? How does your agency foster the development of art, local artists, and local arts organizations?
- Future: what plans does your agency have for advancing its mission for the next 2-3 years? What are the challenges? This can relate to the art your agency oversees, the way you work with other community organizations or individual artists, broader mission or city-wide objectives, or the way you respond to your community’s needs.
- Economic impact: what economic impact has your LAA’s public programs had on your city and the residents and visitors you serve? This includes the financial support your LAA may provide through artist calls, grants to individual artists, and/or funding to arts organizations in your community.
- Advancing equity: how does your organization support marginalized communities, especially communities that are disproportionately impacted by structural racism?
- Public benefit: Please describe the Public Benefit your organization provides. (Public Benefit, in this context, refers not to artistic or social value, but to your organization’s efforts to make your work more accessible to King County residents, particularly for underserved populations. This may include free or discounted admissions to events or activities; free or discounted educational services; or outreach efforts towards underserved regions or communities. For a more detailed discussion of possible Public Benefit, visit this page.)
Required Support Materials
- Organizational board list: you must submit a list of your organization’s board members, their term limits, and their employment or community affiliation.
- Staff list: please list your primary or decision-making staff members. Include their names, titles, how long they’ve held this position
- Program/event list: you must submit a list of your organization’s events, programs, and/or primary activities from the last 24 months. Include date or date range, location, and estimated attendance.
Completed Account Profile
Nonprofit organizations will need to enter IRS 990 (or equivalent) information for the previous three years. Organizations should also confirm the accuracy of their address. LAA’s are required to submit their Arts Program Budget. This budget should include only expenses directly related to your arts programming.
Not sure how to find your organization’s 990? Watch this tutorial video. Substitulos en Español | 中文字幕（繁體)
Demographic Information
Your organization profile in our portal must provide demographic information for your board and staff for the current year. We use this information to help us understand how well we are doing in our efforts to reach all communities in King County.
Watch a tutorial video on how to complete your organization’s demographic survey.
Substitulos en Español | 中文字幕（繁體)