Building for Equity

Building for Equity is part of a joint initiative between 4Culture, King County Executive, and the King County Council that supports cultural building projects and creates a pathway to racial equity in our facilities funding.

Estelita's Library, 2022

About the Program

Building for Equity is an interdisciplinary cultural facilities grant program providing a unique combination of funding, technical support, and strategic partnerships geared toward dismantling racism in cultural facilities funding and fostering equitable development throughout the county.

Who is this Program For?

Communities that have historically faced barriers to purchasing and stewarding cultural space are at the center of this program. Building for Equity is modeling a new facilities funding program aimed to create pathways toward a racially equitable cultural landscape throughout all corners of King County.
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Field Resources and Services

We support organizations implementing their facilities projects in ways that contribute to racial equity and equitable development. Issues of equity are different for every project and there are no cookie-cutter solutions. These resources are intended to be used as a starting point for you and your project team. More ›

Help

If your organization is looking to secure, acquire, build or improve your cultural space and you need resources beyond these grants, we're here to help.
Maya Santos, Senior Program Manager

(206) 263-0691

Jayden Robles (Chumash/Cahuilla/Ohlone), Program Manager

(206) 263-2522

Lauren Miles, Support Specialist

(206) 263-3210

Grants

Building for Equity: Anchoring Community

Letter of Interest: Jul 30, 2026
Final Application: Nov 5, 2026

Funds and fosters equitable development for organizations buying, building, or renovating buildings and specialized spaces that make cultural experiences possible. Project budgets that are 10 million+ are invited to apply.
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A Building for Equity grant

Building for Equity: Facilities

Final Application: Spring 2027

Funds organizations buying, building, or renovating the buildings and specialized spaces that make cultural experiences possible. Project budgets that are 10 million and under are encouraged to apply.
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A Building for Equity grant

Building for Equity: Project Development

Intent to Apply: Mar 26, 2026
Final Application: Apr 9, 2026

Funds and supports applicants building organizational capacity to meet long-term facility needs.
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A Building for Equity grant

Building for Equity: Native Cultural Facilities

Intent to Apply: Sep 3, 2026
Final Application: Dec 3, 2026

Supports projects including land acquisition, development, renovations, and new construction that advance the preservation, expression, and vitality of Native cultures.
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A Building for Equity grant