press release

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More Than 25 Emerging Arts and Heritage Organizations to Receive $2.5M

New 4Culture Grants Made Possible with Doors Open Funds

Summary

4Culture announces $2.5 million in funding for 26 arts and heritage nonprofits in the startup stage—most less than three years old, some just planning to make their first fulltime hire. The Launch program is made possible by King County’s Doors Open legislation, with additional dollars from the lodging tax. Grantee organizations are located in Seattle and throughout King County, from Burien to Issaquah, Kirkland to Kent.

Full Release

Launch grants support new and emerging arts, heritage, preservation and science organizations with three years of general operating support funds as well as a stipend to access capacity building services through 4Culture’s Network of Support, a roster of coaches, mentors, consultants, and technical assistance providers.

The program fills an important gap in 4Culture’s existing funding programs by providing resources to organizations who do not yet have the two-or-three-year tenure required to apply for a Sustained Support grant. 4Culture anticipates that many Launch awardees will later apply for Sustained Support.

The 26 awarded nonprofits came from a pool of 110 total applications that were evaluated by one of two panels comprised of experts in their fields, representing diverse demographics and King County locations. 

All told, $2.465 million is being granted, with an average award of $84,808.

More than 34% of the investment money will be placed outside of Seattle; Doors Open requires at least 25% be distributed outside the city. Nearly 51% of the grant funding is going to King County Communities of Opportunity, areas of King County that have historically had less investment and are in greatest need of support; Doors Open requires at least 10%. 

Nearly 70% of the funding will go to organizations focused on marginalized communities and advancing racial equity.

New Organizations 

The New Organization track of Launch is designed for groups that begin public programming within the last three years, or plan to start it in 2026; are operating already or intending to operate as a nonprofit; and have never received a Sustained Support grant from 4Culture. It was also open to new collaborative ventures by existing organizations offering new programs or services. 

New organizations that will receive Launch grants include: 

Emerging Organizations

The Emerging Organizations track was for groups that are hiring their first regular full-time-equivalent staff member, and do not have their 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, or have had it for less than three years. 

Emerging organizations that will receive Launch grants include:

Expressing Gratitude 

Launch is one of six programs made possible by Doors Open, a 0.1 percent sales tax that was passed unanimously by King County Council and began accruing in 2024. Doors Open is possible because of the steadfast support and visionary leadership of former King County Executive Dow Constantine and the King County Council, the advocacy of Inspire Washington and its executive director, Manny Cawaling, and nearly 20 years of hard work by people throughout the cultural sector.

Quotes

“One reason that Doors Open was so embraced as an idea by King County Council is that it not only supports longstanding institutions but also those new organizations that are just getting beyond the great-idea stage. The Launch program fills the gap, helping new cultural organizations build momentum, make their first hire and more. This is some of the most exciting funding we have the honor of doing.”  – Brian J. Carter, Executive Director, 4Culture

“Launch is our cultural sector’s seed funding–something that can be really tough for organizations that are just getting started to find. 80% of this funding is going to groups that have never received a dollar from 4Culture before. This program is helping organizations begin to put down roots, to branch out with staff, to grow in their communities. Launch provides a window into King County’s cultural future, and I think that future is bright.” – Casey Moser, Launch Program Manager, 4Culture

4Culture is King County’s cultural funding and services agency, supported by Doors Open, Lodging Taxes and the 1% for Art ordinance. With a focus on racial equity, we fund, support, and advocate for culture to enhance the quality of life in King County. To learn more about our programs–arts, heritage, preservation,  public art and science and technology –please visit 4culture.org, email , or call 206-296-7580. We encourage you contact staff directly if you are interested in learning more about a specific program area.