The Building for Equity program, designed to support the creation and improvement of facilities that promote equity and inclusion in our communities, is opening its next funding round on February 20, 2025. This year’s Building for Equity: Facilities grant will be available for projects with budgets of $10 million or less, and it comes with several exciting updates aimed at making it easier for organizations to access support for acquiring, building, or renovating spaces that foster culture, science, and technology experiences. 

Pre-Screening Deadline: for the first time, the Building for Equity program will require all applicants to complete a pre-screening process by March 25, 2025. This step ensures that applicants are eligible and have a well-defined project before proceeding to the full application. We recommend completing the pre-screening as early as possible to allow time for any necessary revisions before the final application deadline. After March 25, access to the application will still be available, but eligibility will not be pre-screened.

Free Technical Assistance: another new feature for 2025 is free technical assistance for all eligible applicants. You will have access to consultants who can help refine your project, advise you on the application process, and offer insights on project scope, budgeting, and feasibility. This support will be invaluable for those needing assistance navigating the application or gaining expertise in specialized areas. To connect with a consultant, simply complete your pre-screening by contacting Maya Santos, Building for Equity Program Manager, at .

Three Funding Tracks: in response to the diverse needs of applicants, the Building for Equity: Facilities grant now offers three distinct funding tracks to ensure the program better aligns with different project scopes and capacities:

• Track 1: Small Projects–projects with budgets of $250,000 and under.
• Track 2: Mid-Sized Projects–projects with budgets between $250,001 and $1,000,000.
• Track 3: Large Projects–more complex projects with budgets ranging from $1,000,001 to $10,000,000.

Each track has specific award limits and requirements. Full guidelines will be available on January 30, 2025, so be sure to carefully review the information and determine which track best aligns with your project.

Updated Criteria: economic Impact has been added as a new evaluation criterion looking at how the project benefits the local economy. This includes considering job creation, volunteer hours, in-kind donations, and other economic multipliers that positively impact King County. Indirect benefits, such as increased commercial activity, revitalized spaces, and enhanced community vibrancy, will also be part of the assessment.

Updated Eligibility Requirements: finally, nonprofit organizations and their fiscal sponsors must be incorporated in Washington State to be eligible for funding. If your organization or fiscal sponsor is not incorporated in Washington, you will need to complete the incorporation process to qualify. To incorporate in Washington State visit Washington State Corporations and Charities Filing System.

Don’t miss this opportunity for facility project budgets of $10 million and under.As you prepare to apply, keep the pre-screening deadline of March 25, 2025 and the application deadline of April 17, 2025 in mind! Please feel free to contact Maya Santos, Program Manager, at with any questions or to discuss your project.