Grant Exchange

The Grant Exchange is a clearinghouse of grant and technical assistance programs offered by the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks with the goals of protecting and enhancing the environment, increasing community stewardship, and providing expertise and consultation to projects.

Grants and technical support are an important way in which King County increases opportunities for community stewardship of natural resources. These funds go a long way by developing and strengthening partnerships with community organizations and local governments. On average, every dollar invested through grants is matched by three dollars in cash and in-kind contributions. This leverage makes projects possible that couldn't be done alone.

This Web page provides:

• How-to tips about writing grants
• Applications that can be down-loaded as well as submitted electronically
• Information on the grant review process
• Contact names for further information and assistance

What's new in 2009

Waterworks
The maximum award has been raised to $75,000

Focus points have been replaced. New incentive to fund projects in under-served areas with a focus on jobs
There are no longer any focus points. However priority funding will be considered for projects:

• Located or serving populations where the median family income for the community is lower than that for king county;
• Employing people who have been referred by a job bank because of their vulnerability in the job market;
• Serving populations at risk through volunteering experience

Fast-track extension of funding for qualifying recipients (fund availability permitting). The application contains specific information regarding this incentive option (Environmental Equity Addendum).

 

Conservation crew time for new, current and past projects
This summer king county will partner with the King County Work Training program which is hiring at-risk youth to work on a variety of Department of Natural Resources and Parks projects. Current and past recipients of grant funds (closed out no earlier than 1/1/08) may request crew days for such activities as monitoring and maintenance. Deployment will be based on crew availability. Past and current recipients can also receive up to $2,400 for related supplies and equipment. However, new applications will not be able to benefit from this allowance and must include them in their application which is due June 26, 2009. All applicants for crew time, whether this is for a new project, a current one or one that has been completed, must complete an application by May 31, 2009. To obtain such an application, please contact Ken Pritchard.

Salmon-related projects
All salmon-related projects will be funded through the community salmon fund. The 2009 deadline for proposals has not yet been established. For more information, please consult

No more Small Change for a Big Difference grants
The Small Change for a Big Difference grants have been eliminated. There is no floor for proposals, all requests, small and large will be evaluated competitively.

Personnel and consultant costs
The amount of the grant that can be applied to this cost category has been raised from 25% to 50% of the combined project cost (award plus applicant cash and in-kind match).

Who Can Apply

For all grant programs, the applicant must be one of the following:

• School
• Special district (such as utility district)
• Tribe
• Local government
• Private non-profit corporation (501(c)3 status required for some programs)
• Individuals (only eligible for grants less than $2,500, excluding Natural Resource Stewardship Network and Community Salmon Fund)

If you are not incorporated, you must designate a grant sponsor. Businesses and King County departments are not eligible.

For More Information on:

All grant programs (except Natural Resource Stewardship Network and Forestry Opportunity Grants), please contact:

Ken Pritchard, Grant Exchange Coordinator
King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks
201 Jackson Street, Suite 600
Seattle, WA 98104-3855
206-296-8265
800-325-6165 ext. 68265

Natural Resource Stewardship Network and Forestry Opportunity Grants, please contact:

Linda Vane, Urban Forestry Program Coordinator
King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks
201 Jackson Street, Suite 600
Seattle, WA 98104-3855
206-296-8042
800-325-6165 ext. 68042

Information presented here is available in alternate formats upon request.
TTY: 800-833-6388 or 711.