Launch
Launch supports new and emerging cultural and science organizations in King County.
These guidelines reflect information for last year’s grant cycle and will be updated ahead of applications opening for the next cycle. Please contact 4Culture staff with any questions.
Steps to Apply
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What Launch Funds
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What Launch Funds
The Launch program supports new and emerging cultural and science organizations in King County. Organizations that are selected through the Launch program will receive three years of general operating support and will also have access to additional capacity-building support services.
4Culture awards Launch grants based on an organization’s overall mission and plans—this grant is not project-based. You can use this grant:
You can use this grant:
- To cover a variety of expenses, including operating and start-up costs for cultural and science programs and activities accessible to King County residents and visitors; staff salaries; utilities; supplies; fees; and services.
- To access capacity-building support and technical assistance as you build your organization.
Applicants can choose from two tracks for this program, each tailored to a specific type of start-up organization:
New Organizations
This track is for groups that:
- Began public programming within the last three years or plans to begin programming in 2026.
- Are currently operating or intend to operate as a nonprofit.
- Have never received a Sustained Support or Launch grant from 4Culture.
This can include new collaborative ventures initiated by existing organizations that offer new and distinct programs or services and have a decision-making body and leadership structure independent of the participating organizations.
New Organizations have three options for how much they can request from 4Culture’s Launch program:
- $180,000 over three years ($60,000 per year; only for organizations based outside the City of Seattle)
- $90,000 over three years ($30,000 per year)
- $45,000 over three years ($15,000 per year)
Emerging Organizations
This track is for groups that:
- Do not yet have 501(c)(3) status or have had 501(c)(3) status for less than three years.
- Are hiring their first 1.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff member working 20 or more hours per week.
- Have never received a Launch grant from 4Culture.
Emerging Organizations have two options for how much they can request from 4Culture’s Launch program:
- $180,000 over three years ($70,000 in 2026, $70,000 in 2027, and $40,000 in 2028; only for organizations not currently receiving or planning to apply for a 4Culture Sustained Support grant during the grant period)
- $135,000 over three years ($52,500 in 2026, $52,500 in 2027, and $30,000 in 2028; if eligible, organizations can also receive Sustained Support funds while receiving this level of Launch grant)
If you are not sure if your group meets either of these definitions, please email Casey Moser at with more information about your group’s history. If your group meets both of these definitions, we recommend applying as an Emerging Organization.
Please note that your group may not need to obtain 501(c)(3) or nonprofit status before applying. Please check the eligibility criteria for more information.
If you are interested in funding for:
- Producing a specific program or project, check out our Project grants or Open 4Culture grants.
- Developing a plan to secure, acquire, build, or improve a physical space, please consider our Building for Equity: Project Development grants.
Public Benefit: Why It Matters
4Culture is a public agency supporting the cultural and science sectors 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 and science resources. Public Benefit encompasses access and positive impacts for King County residents and visitors engaging with arts, culture, science and technology, 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 or science 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 and science 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.
- Providing, through technological and other means, services or programs in locations other than an organization’s own facilities.
Why Racial Equity?
With a focus on racial equity, 4Culture funds, supports, and advocates for culture and science to enhance the quality of life in King County. We acknowledge that systematic inequity takes many forms—racism, sexism, ableism, transphobia, heterosexism, and more. Our focus on racial equity provides us with the tools we use to help dismantle all oppressions.
The goal of this program is to create pathways toward a racially equitable cultural and scientific landscape where cultural and scientific activities are accessible across the entire county.
To read more visit:
Racial Equity at 4Culture
Mission, Vision, Values
Criteria
We fund all our grants through a competitive process, carefully evaluating each application. For this grant, panelists will focus on five criteria:
- Quality and Innovation: your organization has clearly stated plans to provide King County with one or more of the following: 1) programming or services that current organizations don’t offer; 2) innovation within your organization or field; and/or 3) new services to currently underserved geographic or cultural communities.
- Goals and Feasibility: your organization has clearly stated goals and a thorough plan to achieve these goals. Your organization has plans to develop a feasible and sustainable structure of operations. It is clear how organizational decisions will be made and how you will track progress toward your organization’s goals.
- Public Benefit: your organization offers or plans to offer public benefit to visitors and residents of King County through your programs, activities, and services—for example: free or reduced-cost admission, events, programs, or services that increase access to culture or science in King County.
- Advancing Equity: your organization’s focus on marginalized communities, especially communities that are disproportionately impacted by structural racism. This is not an eligibility requirement to apply for Launch funding, but it is one of the factors the peer reviewer will consider.
- Economic Impact: your organization’s work will stimulate the local economy through spending on wages, goods, and services; volunteer hours and in-kind donations; promoting tourism and visitor-related spending at local businesses; contributions to community well-being and quality of life, which have indirect economic benefits; and other economic factors that improve the vitality of King County.
All review criteria are weighted equally.
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 provide additional consideration 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.
If you meet any of the following criteria, your group may receive additional consideration during the peer reviewer panel process and/or additional support:
- Organizations that the peer reviewer panel agrees are excelling in advancing equity in King County.
- Organizations based outside of Seattle City limits. At least 25% of Launch funds will be allocated to new and emerging organizations located outside the City of Seattle.
- Organizations based in a King County-designated Community of Opportunity. The Communities of Opportunity (COO) index includes a set of health and socioeconomic indicators to gauge community health and well-being and identify the areas of King County in greatest need of support. At least 10% of Launch funds will be allocated to new and emerging organizations located in Communities of Opportunity.
View this Communities of Opportunity map to determine whether your organization or primary venue is located in a COO. COO areas are outlined in purple.
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Are You Eligible?
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Are You Eligible?
There are three types of eligibility criteria your organization must meet to be able to apply for Launch:
Discipline Requirement
The primary purpose of the organization must be the advancement and preservation of one or more of the following disciplines:
- Arts: includes organizations focused on creative place-making, cultural festivals, dance, design, film, folk and traditional arts, literary arts, multidisciplinary arts, music, theater, and visual arts.
- Heritage: includes organizations focused on the preservation and transmission of local history; ethnic history; indigenous and traditional culture; folklore and culturally specific traditions; and historic and archaeological resources.
- Historic Preservation: includes organizations focused on advocacy or assistance to preserve, promote, and sustain historic places, education about our historic built environment, or stewarding historic properties that serve as a venue for cultural activities.
- Science and Technology: includes organizations focused on preserving or advancing natural and social sciences, characterized by a formalized framework that entails the reproducible testing and revision of falsifiable ideas based on observable facts, as well as formal and applied sciences, such as mathematics and engineering. Applicants that are zoos or aquariums must also be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
This primary purpose must be evident in your organization’s mission, programming, and plans.
Launch is an interdisciplinary grant program, so your discipline selection will not change how your application is reviewed. Please select the discipline that is most prominent for your group.
This primary purpose must be evident in your organization’s mission and plans. If you’re not sure which discipline matches your organization, please contact Casey Moser at .
Structural Requirement
Your organization also must meet all the structural requirements for their Chosen track (New or Emerging):
| Structural Requirement | Track | |||
| New Organizations | Emerging Organizations | |||
| Your organization must meet 4Culture’s definition of a New or Emerging Organization (see more information about this in Section 1, What Launch Funds). | At time of application | At time of application | ||
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Your organization must be a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or be fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization. If your organization has its own 501(c)(3) status, your IRS determination letter must be dated in 2023 or later. If you are currently fiscally sponsored or plan to be fiscally sponsored, please contact 4Culture to confirm if your current or intended fiscal sponsor is pre-approved as eligible to receive public funds. |
Only if awarded | At time of application | ||
|
Your organization must be incorporated in Washington as a Nonprofit Corporation. If you are currently fiscally sponsored or plan to be fiscally sponsored, your group must be incorporated as a Washington Nonprofit Corporation separate from your fiscal sponsor. LLCs or other business structures are not permitted. |
Only if awarded | At time of application | ||
| Your organization must have a Board. If you are currently fiscally sponsored or plan to be fiscally sponsored, you need an Advisory Board that is separate from your fiscal sponsor’s Board. | Only if awarded | At time of application | ||
| Your organization must be based in and conducting or planning to conduct a majority (51% or more) of your mission-based, in-person, public-facing activities in King County. | At time of application | At time of application | ||
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Your organization cannot be:
|
At time of application | At time of application | ||
Public Benefit Requirements
4Culture defines Public Benefit as the opportunity for King County residents and visitors to access and engage in arts, science, and other cultural activities, events, communities of practice, historic and cultural spaces, and works of public art related to our program areas. It is a service requirement for all recipients of funding from 4Culture.
In addition to providing general public benefit(s), your organization must offer at least one Equity Inclusion Public Benefit AND/OR at least one Geographic Inclusion Public Benefit.
Examples of Equity Inclusion Public Benefits:
- Providing free or low-cost attendance to cultural and science organizations and cultural and science facilities for county residents who have economic, geographic, and/or other barriers to access.
- Providing free access to curriculum-related arts, science, and heritage programs for public school students with an emphasis on underserved students.
- Increasing the diversity of staff and governing boards of cultural and science organizations.
- Increasing opportunities for access to cultural and science facilities, programs, and services for diverse and underserved communities.
- Providing programming that appeals to diverse populations within the county.
- Planning and implementing cultural or science programs or collaborating with other cultural or science organizations to extend the reach and impact of cultural or science programs to diverse and underserved populations and communities.
Examples of Geographic Inclusion Public Benefits:
- Planning and implementing cultural or science programs and activities outside of Seattle.
- Partnering with other cultural or science organizations on cultural or science programs and activities outside Seattle, through direct investment or in-kind support, on priority projects and initiatives.
- Providing cultural or science programming to communities outside the city where your organization is primarily located, either directly or in partnership with other entities.
Applying to Launch as a Fiscally Sponsored Group
4Culture maintains a list of pre-approved fiscal sponsors. This is not an exhaustive list of eligible fiscal sponsors. If you don’t see your fiscal sponsor listed here, that’s okay! Please contact 4Culture with the name of your current or intended fiscal sponsor, and it is possible 4Culture can add them to our list of pre-approved fiscal sponsors.
Science and Technology organizations have additional requirements about which fiscal sponsors they can use to apply for 4Culture grants. Please contact 4Culture to learn more.
Here are 4Culture’s pre-approved fiscal sponsors as of June 2025:
4Culture does not endorse any of the fiscal sponsors listed above; they are listed for your convenience as they have been confirmed as eligible to disburse public funds. It is your organization’s responsibility to thoroughly vet your fiscal sponsor before entering into an agreement.
If your fiscal sponsor is not able to be pre-approved, we can still accept your application. 4Culture recognizes that your group may be considering other factors when selecting a fiscal sponsor besides 4Culture’s pre-approval criteria (e.g., values and mission alignment, the fiscal sponsor’s services and fee/cost-share schedule, financial processes and controls, the number of other groups in their portfolio, etc.) and we want to give you the flexibility to work with the fiscal sponsor that is the best fit. Please contact 4Culture if you want to understand more about how working with a fiscal sponsor that has not been pre-approved could affect your Launch application.
For more information about applying to Launch as a fiscally sponsored group, please read our Fiscal Sponsorship Guide for Launch Applicants.
Other Considerations
If awarded, your organization must provide a W-9 form, sign a contract that limits 4Culture’s liability, and either obtain liability insurance that names 4Culture as an additional insured or confirm that any venues in which you operate have liability insurance that covers your events.
Groups cannot receive both Launch and Projects or Open 4Culture grants at the same time. If you have previously applied for or received a Projects or Open 4Culture grant, you are not precluded from applying to Launch, but please reach out to Casey Moser at to talk about what this means for your group.
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Helping You Succeed
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Helping You Succeed
Work with a Consultant
4Culture has engaged several consultants familiar with expertise in grant writing, budgeting, and organizational development who can help you frame your project in the application.
You can work with them on:
- How to present your organization and goals in the application.
- Grant writing best practices and how to craft a compelling application narrative.
- How to put together an organizational budget and project future revenues and expenses.
- How to set goals for your organization and how to make plans to achieve those goals.
- Human Resources (HR) best practices for hiring your first staff person.
This additional resource is intended to complement the information provided through 4Culture’s website, workshops, and staff. Consultants are not involved in funding decisions and will not share anything discussed in your consultation with the 4Culture team unless they need additional information to answer your questions. Consultants cannot write applications for applicants.
Applicants who submit the Launch Inquiry Form by August 13 will be matched with a consultant by 4Culture staff. If you are interested in working with a consultant, make sure to answer the optional questions in the Inquiry Form so we know how to best assist you.
Workshops and Office Hours
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. During a grant workshop, 4Culture staff will walk attendees through a presentation on the grant guidelines and application with time for questions at the end. Workshops will be held in person and virtually. Virtual workshops will have captioning available, and you’ll need a Zoom account to join.
Office Hours are open sessions during which a grant manager will be standing by on Zoom to answer questions and provide quick feedback ahead of the application deadline. There will not be a formal presentation. You can drop in at any point during the scheduled time and leave once your questions are answered. Office Hours will have captioning available, and you’ll need a Zoom account to join.
If you are unable to attend these workshops, you may view this recorded version instead:
Substitulos en Español | 中文字幕（繁體)
Lunch and Learn Events
4Culture will host a series of Lunch and Learn events during the application period on topics relevant to Launch applicants. Lunch and Learn events will be led by experts, free for attendees, and hosted online. Learn more and register below:
Lunch and Learn: Introduction to Board Development with Dr. Naho Shioya
Wednesday, July 16, 12:00–1:30 pm on Zoom
Lunch and Learn: Introduction to Grant Writing with Gabriela Frank
Tuesday, July 29, 12:00–1:30 pm on Zoom
Even the most seasoned nonprofit leaders can find grant writing a challenging task. In this session, award-winning author and grant writer Gabriela Frank will guide you through the grant writing process. Learn how to craft compelling narratives, understand funder priorities, and align your proposals for the best shot at success. Ideal for small organizations ready to strengthen their funding strategy.
Lunch and Learn: Introduction to Hiring Your First Staff Member with Jodi Nishioka
Wednesday, August 6, 12:00–1:30 pm on Zoom
Hiring your first staff member is a big milestone for any nonprofit, and it comes with important decisions. In this session, nonprofit leader Jodi Nishioka will cover key considerations, including defining roles, ensuring equitable hiring practices, and navigating the ins and outs of having a paid staff member. If your organization is growing and preparing to hire, this session will help you do it with confidence.
Applicant Companion Guide + Other Resources
4Culture has put together an applicant companion guide with all of the questions you will be asked in the Launch Inquiry Form and the Full Application, as well as other helpful information for Launch applicants.
Launch Applicant Companion Guides include:
- A step-by-step guide to submitting your application materials.
- A worksheet with all of the questions you will be asked in the Inquiry Form and Full Application.
- Tips from 4Culture staff on how to put together a strong submission.
- Links to other resources and information about support available to Launch applicants.
- Details on what to expect after you submit your application.
Applicant Companion Guide: New Organizations
Applicant Companion Guide: Emerging Organizations
Please note: all applications must be submitted online at apply.4culture.org. Using the application worksheet contained in the Applicant Companion Guides is NOT an alternative to the online application form.
Other documents that may be helpful to applicants:
Contact
Before you begin or after starting your application, you may have questions. In addition to office hours, our staff is available by email and phone to assist you.
For questions about the Launch application, the peer reviewer panel review process, or eligibility:
Casey Moser, Launch Program Manager
206-477-2316
For technical questions about your online account or general Launch questions:
Maisha Barnett, Support Specialist
206-477-9877
Please don’t hesitate to contact us. If you would like to request 4Culture staff feedback on a draft of your application, you must request this no later than August 11, 2025.
4Culture staff will do their best to answer questions and assist Launch applicants. However, as the deadline approaches, it will become less and less likely that they will be able to respond to your queries. The earlier you start the process, the more support 4Culture staff will be able to offer you.
Translation and Assistance
Launch grants provide three years of unrestricted funding to meet the day-to-day needs of new and emerging 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 startup costs, to pay contractors and staff, utilities, supplies, fees, and services. King County-based nonprofit organizations that have been operating or been a 501(c)(3) for less than three years and whose primary purpose is the advancement and preservation of art, historic preservation, heritage, or science and technology are eligible to apply.
The deadline to submit the initial inquiry form is August 13, 2025, at 5:00 pm PDT. Groups whose Inquiry Forms show they meet the eligibility criteria for the program will be provided a link to submit a Full Application, which is due August 27, 2025, by 5:00 pm PDT. Award decisions will be announced in December 2025.
We’re here to help! Please contact Casey Moser, Launch 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 (Chinese)
新成立类资助可以为新成立和新兴的艺术类、保护类、遗产类以及科技类非营利组织提供为期三年的一般性的业务运营支持资金，以满足其日常运营需求。您可以将该资助的资金用于各种与面向 King County 居民和游客开放的项目相关的运营成本，包括启动费用、支付合同工和员工的薪酬、水电费、用品费、费用以及服务费等。在三年期间资助金额从 45,000 美元到 180,000 美元不等。位于 King County 的非营利组织，如果其运营时间或成为 501(c)(3) 组织的时间不超过三年，且其主要宗旨是促进和保护艺术、历史保护、遗产或科学技术发展，就有资格申请。
提交初步申请意向表的截止时间为 2025 年 8 月 13 日太平洋夏令时间 (PDT) 下午 5 点。在提交的申请意向表完成审核后，显示符合项目资格标准的团体将获得提交完整申请的链接，提交完整申请的截止时间为 2025 年 8 月 27 日太平洋夏令时间 (PDT) 下午 5 点。资助决定结果将于 2025 年 12 月公布。
我们随时为您提供帮助！如对本项目有任何疑问，请联系新成立类项目经理 Casey Moser，电子邮件地址：。
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 jackie.mixon@4culture.org 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 (Russian)
Программа грантов Launch (Старт) предоставляет финансирование сроком на три года для покрытия основных операционных расходов на повседневные потребности новых и развивающихся некоммерческих организаций в области искусства, сохранения культурно-исторического наследия, а также науки и технологий. Этот грант можно использовать для покрытия различных операционных расходов, связанных с программами, доступными жителям и гостям округа Кинг, включая начальные затраты, заработную плату для персонала и подрядчиков, расходные материалы, сборы, коммунальные и другие услуги. Общая сумма гранта за трехлетний период составляет от 45 000 долл. США до 180 000 долл. США. Подать заявку могут некоммерческие организации округа Кинг, действующие или имеющие статус 501(c)(3) менее трех лет, со следующей основной целью: развитие и сохранение искусства, культурно-исторического наследия или науки и технологий.
Крайний срок подачи предварительной заявки — 13 августа 2025 года до 17:00 по тихоокеанскому летнему времени. Организации, которые по результатам рассмотрения предварительной заявки будут признаны соответствующими критериям для участия в программе, получат ссылку на полную форму заявки, которую необходимо подать не позднее 17:00 27 августа 2025 года по тихоокеанскому летнему времени. Решения о присуждении грантов огласят в декабре 2025 года.
Мы готовы помочь вам! Если у вас есть вопросы о программе, обратитесь к менеджеру программы Launch 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 jackie.mixon@4culture.org или позвоните по телефону (206) 296-7580, либо TTY 711. Мы предоставим вам необходимую поддержку.
Soomaali (Somali)
Deeqaha la daahfurayo waxay bixinayaan saddex sanno oo maalgalin shaqooyinka guud ah si loo daboolo baahiyaha farshaxanka cusub iyo kan soo ifbaxaya, kaydinta, hiddaha, iyo sayniska iyoo teknoolojiyada ururada aan faa’iido doonka ahayn. Waxaad deeqda u isticmaali kartaa in aad ku bixiso kharashyada hawlaha kala duwan ee la xiriira sida ay barnaamijyada u heli lahaayeen dadka degan King County iyo dadka soo booqda oo ay ku jiraan kharashaadka biloowga ah, si loo bixiyo lacagaha shaqaalaha iyo qandaraasleyaasha, adeegyada, badeecooyinka, kharashaadka, iyo adeegyada. Cadadka deeqdu wuxuu u dhexeeyaa $45,000 ilaa $180,000 in ka badan sadde sanno. Ururada aan faa’iido doonka ahayn ee uu fadhigoodu yahay King County waxay ku shaqaynayeen ama kujireen 501(c)(3) in ka yar saddex sano ayadoo 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.
Taariikhda kama danbeysta ah ii foonka codsiga ugu horeeya lasoo gudbinayo waa Ogoosto 13, 2025, saacadu markay tahay 5galabnimo PDT. Kooxaha foomkooda codsigu muujinayo inay buuxiyeen shuruudaha u qalmitaanka barnaamijka waxaa la siin doonaa lifaaqa ay kusoo gudbin lahaayeen Codsi Dhammaystiran, kaasoo laga rabo Ogoosto 27, 2025, ugu danbayn 5galabnimo PDT. Go’aanada abaalmarinta waxaa shaacin doonaa Diisambar 2025.
Waxaan diyaar u nahay inaan ku caawino! Fadla kala xiriir Casey Moser, Maareeyaha Branaamijka Launch wixii su’aalo ah oo aad barnaamijkaan ka qabto.
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 jackie.mixon@4culture.org ama wac (206) 296-7580 ama TTY 711, waxaana xaqiijin doonnaa inaad hesho taageerada aad u baahan tahay.
Español (Spanish)
Las subvenciones de lanzamiento ofrecen tres años de financiación de apoyo operativo general para satisfacer las necesidades cotidianas de organizaciones sin fines de lucro nuevas y emergentes en los ámbitos del arte, preservación, patrimonio, ciencia y tecnología. Puede usar esta subvención para cubrir diversos costos operativos relacionados con programas accesibles para los residentes y visitantes del condado de King, incluidos costos iniciales para pagar a contratistas y personal, servicios públicos, suministros, honorarios y servicios.
Los montos de las subvenciones oscilarán entre $45 000 y $180 000 durante tres años. Las organizaciones sin fines de lucro con base en el condado de King que hayan estado operando o sido una 501(c)(3) por menos de tres años y cuyo propósito principal sea el avance y la preservación del arte, conservación histórica, patrimonio o ciencia y tecnología son elegibles para enviar una solicitud.
La fecha límite para presentar el formulario de consulta inicial es el 13 de agosto de 2025 a las 5:00 p. m. hora del Pacífico. A aquellos grupos cuyos formularios de consulta muestren que cumplen con los criterios de elegibilidad para el programa se les brindará un enlace para presentar una solicitud completa hasta el 27 de agosto de 2025 antes de las 5:00 p. m. hora del Pacífico. Las decisiones en cuanto al otorgamiento se anunciarán en diciembre de 2025.
¡Estamos para ayudarle! Comuníquese con Casey Moser, gerente del programa de lanzamiento en si tiene preguntas relacionadas a este programa. 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 jackie.mixon@4culture.org o llame al (206) 296-7580 o TTY 711, y nos aseguraremos de que reciba la ayuda que necesita.
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Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
Các khoản tài trợ Ra Mắt cung cấp kinh phí hỗ trợ hoạt động chung trong ba năm nhằm đáp ứng nhu cầu hàng ngày của các tổ chức phi lợi nhuận mới thành lập và đang phát triển trong lĩnh vực nghệ thuật, bảo tồn, di sản, cũng như khoa học và 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 dành cho cư dân và du khách tại King County, bao gồm chi phí khởi động, để trả lương cho nhân viên và nhà thầu, chi phí tiện ích, vật tư, các khoản phí và dịch vụ khác. Các khoản tài trợ sẽ dao động từ $45.000 đến $180.000 trong vòng ba năm. Các tổ chức phi lợi nhuận có trụ sở tại King County, đã hoạt động hoặc được công nhận là tổ chức 501(c)(3) dưới ba năm, có mục tiêu chính là thúc đẩy và bảo tồn nghệ thuật, bảo tồn lịch sử, di sản hoặc khoa học và công nghệ đều đủ điều kiện để nộp đơn xin tài trợ.
Hạn chót để nộp đơn yêu cầu thông tin ban đầu là 5:00 chiều (giờ PDT) ngày 13 tháng 8 năm 2025. Những nhóm có Đơn Yêu Cầu Thông Tin cho thấy họ đáp ứng các tiêu chí đủ điều kiện của chương trình sẽ được cung cấp một liên kết để nộp Đơn Đăng Ký Đầy Đủ, với hạn chót là 5:00 chiều (giờ PDT) ngày 27 tháng 8 năm 2025. Quyết định trao tài trợ sẽ được công bố vào tháng 12 năm 2025.
Chúng tôi luôn sẵn sàng hỗ trợ! Vui lòng liên hệ với Casey Moser, Giám Đốc Chương Trình Tài Trợ Ra Mắt để được giải đáp thắc mắc 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 jackie.mixon@4culture.org hoặc gọi (206) 296-7580 hoặc TTY 711 và chúng tôi sẽ hỗ trợ những gì quý vị cần.
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After You Submit
4
After You Submit
Timeline
Complete your account profile and submit a short inquiry form via the online form by August 13, 2025, at 5:00 pm PDT. 4Culture staff will review your inquiry and ensure you are eligible to apply for Launch funding. If your group is eligible, you will be provided with a link to complete an online application.
Applications for Launch, as well as your organization’s demographic and financial information, are due August 27, 2025, at 5:00 pm PDT.
Selection Process
4Culture facilitates panels of peer reviewers to evaluate all eligible applications. Peer reviewers are cultural or scientific practitioners, administrators, and subject-matter experts with ties to the King County community. Reviewers change from cycle to cycle. 4Culture staff do not score applications or try to influence the outcome.
The peer reviewer panel makes recommendations, which are sent to one of 4Culture’s Community Advisory Committees for review and then to 4Culture’s Board for final approval. The entire process, from application deadline to final award notification, takes three to four months. We will notify you about the status of your Launch application in December 2025. Contracting will begin in January 2026 for awardees.
Contracts and Payment
If we select your organization for funding, your 4Culture grant manager will work with you to create a contract. The contract defines deliverables and public benefits, sets a timeline, and governs project evaluation and the payment of funds. All award recipients must sign their contracts before they can receive any grant funds.
In addition to 4Culture’s standard funding contract language, there will be three requirements for organizations who are awarded Launch grants:
- Acknowledging 4Culture support: you will need to publicly recognize the support you receive from 4Culture. 4Culture’s support should be noted anywhere you recognize other donors who have contributed similar amounts.
- Contributions to the future of Launch: if you receive an award, your organization is committing to provide three to five hours of time over the duration of your grant contract to support the future of 4Culture’s Launch grants. You may be asked to complete a survey, participate in a focus group, interview with 4Culture staff, provide a testimonial, and/or participate in peer-to-peer mentoring opportunities.
- Geographic requirement: If your application receives consideration based on your geographic location, there may be a requirement that a certain number of your programs take place outside the City of Seattle.
Additionally, your organization must provide a W-9 form and either obtain liability insurance that names 4Culture as an additional insured or confirm that any venues in which you operate have liability insurance that covers your events.
In order to receive payment, your group will need to provide 4Culture with yearly updates about your programming, attendance, public open hours, progress on the goals identified in your application, financials, communities served, and other information. More information about what data 4Culture requires to issue payments will be provided to awardees.
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
There are five steps to apply for a Launch grant. You must complete all of these steps to be considered for this grant.
- Request an organization account on 4Culture’s grant portal and complete your Account Profile no later than 5:00 pm PDT on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. If you have applied for a 4Culture grant before, confirm that you still have log-in access and that your organization has answered all the questions under “Organization Accounts Only”. You can create an account at any time, and your profile must be complete prior to submitting the Launch Inquiry Form in Step 2. Use this link to request an account, and please note that it can take up to two business days for your new account to be active.
- Submit the Inquiry Form by 5:00 pm PDT on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. 4Culture staff will review this form to confirm your eligibility for a Launch grant. If you are eligible, 4Culture staff will send you a link to complete the full application.
- Submit the full application on the online grant portal no later than 5:00 pm PDT on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. This application is what will be reviewed by the peer panel making grant decisions.
- Submit your organization’s 2025 demographic information no later than 5:00 pm PDT on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. Information about our applicants is used by 4Culture to help us understand who we serve and how we can increase program access for all King County residents and communities. Your specific answers cannot be seen by program managers or panels and will not affect funding decisions.Watch a tutorial video on how to complete your organization’s demographic survey. Substitulos en Español | 中文字幕（繁體)
- If your organization was operating prior to 2025 and has financial information, please enter it in your account profile no later than 5:00 pm PDT on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. Organizations will need to enter only Total Revenue and Total Expense data for previous years of operation, if applicable. Note: if you are applying for Sustained Support in addition to Launch, please disregard the instructions for Launch and use the instructions provided for the Sustained Support program. If your organization began operations in 2025 or later, skip this step.
What’s in the Inquiry Form and Application
The following materials are required for this application cycle. We strongly recommend assembling them before you log in and begin your application.
Inquiry Form for all Applicants
This section is required and will be reviewed by 4Culture staff to confirm your group is eligible to apply for Launch. The information you include in this section will NOT be seen by review panelists or have any bearing on your application aside from verifying eligibility. You will be asked to:
- Select your organization’s primary discipline.
- Provide a date for your group’s first public program.
- Please provide a brief description of your first public program or a typical public program your group hosts.
- Provide a sample list of people in your group who hold key board, staff, and/or volunteer positions.
- Tell us about any funding history you have with 4Culture.
- Select your Launch track (New or Emerging).
- (Emerging Organizations only) Tell us the title of the FTE position you are hiring and the number of hours they will work per week.
- Pick one or more public benefits your group plans to offer.
- Tell us about your state incorporation status.
- Tell us about your federal nonprofit status.
- Let us know who your fiscal sponsor is (if applicable).
There are also several optional questions that will not be used to evaluate your group’s eligibility to apply for Launch but will be used by 4Culture’s staff to improve our outreach efforts and connect applicants with support. You can choose to let us know:
- How you heard about the Launch program.
- How much experience you or someone in your group have with
- Writing grant applications.
- Nonprofit budgeting.
- Project planning and/or organizational development.
- Recruiting, Labor Law Compliance and Taxes, Compensation Strategy, and Other Human Resource Topics.
- Purchasing, Securing a Long-Term Lease for, and/or Making Renovations to a Facility.
- If you anticipate needing translation assistance, disability accommodations, or other support to complete your application.
Application
Application questions will be slightly different depending on whether you are applying as a New or Emerging Organization. Submitting the Inquiry Form will help us make sure you complete the correct application. What you write in the application will be seen by review panelists and used to make award decisions.
Please contact 4Culture if you have a question about which track is the best fit for your group.
Once you’ve started your application, you can save after each step and sign out—your progress 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.
4Culture is here to help! Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions during the process.
Application for New Organizations
Organization Description
Please provide an overview of your group. How long ago did you start? What made you want to start a new organization? What is your vision for the organization?
Programming
Please describe a sampling of programs, services, and/or events your group is planning or has produced in the last few years that represent your organization’s work. How were the ideas for those programs, services, and/or events developed? Where did/will they take place? Please provide dates for past or upcoming programs, services, and/or events when known.
Community
Please describe the community(ies) you are operating in or plan to operate in. Who are you planning to reach with your work? What will your organization add to your community(ies) that has not existed before? How is your programming distinct from what already exists?
General Public Benefits
4Culture defines Public Benefit as the opportunity for King County residents and visitors to access and engage in arts, science, and other cultural activities, events, communities of practice, historic and cultural spaces, and works of public art related to our program areas. It is also a service requirement for all recipients of funding from 4Culture. Learn more about public benefit and how it shapes 4Culture’s work here. Please select any efforts your group will undertake in the coming years to make your work more accessible to King County residents, particularly for underserved populations. A list of public benefits will be provided.
Other Public Benefit(s)
If you selected “Other” from the provided list of public benefits, please describe any other efforts your group will undertake to make your work more accessible to King County residents, particularly for underserved populations.
Relevant Expertise/Experience/Accomplishments
Who will be involved in managing your group (staff, volunteers, consultants, contractors, etc.)? What role(s) will they play? Describe the experience and skills your team possesses to complete the work successfully (resumes are not required – brief summaries are preferred). Describe how your team works together and makes decisions.
Planning and Goals
Tell us about your plans to get your group’s operations up and running (planning, raising money, bringing in volunteers and staff, setting up operating structure, developing programs and services, etc.) What are the top 2-3 goals of your organization for 2026-28? Why are these goals a priority for your group, and how will you measure your progress toward those goals?
Request
How much are you requesting from 4Culture’s Launch program?
Income
Do you have other projected sources of income over the next three years (2026-2028)? Your best estimate is fine, and 4Culture will not hold you to these numbers if things change. Please include your Launch grant request in your calculations.
Expenses
Tell us about your group’s expenses for the next three years (2026-2028). What costs will your group incur to successfully start your work and achieve your preliminary goals? Your best estimate is fine, and 4Culture will not hold you to these numbers if things change. Ensure your total income is greater than or equal to your total expenses (in other words, the budget must demonstrate your group’s plans are financially feasible).
Budget Notes
Provide details of any items that require further information for the panel to understand project finances, e.g., if any of the income or expenses listed above have already been confirmed, what is included in “other” expenses and income; sources of grants; rational for totals, etc.
Advancing Equity
Does your organization specifically benefit communities of color and/or historically marginalized communities in King County? If so, how and why? Does the project collaborate with members of these communities, and if so, how? This is not required for funding, but it will be a criterion that panelists will consider when evaluating your application.
Economic Impact
What economic impacts will your group have in King County? This can include wages, contractors, volunteers and employment; tourism impact; provision of affordable space or reduced-cost services and offerings; community well-being and quality of life; direct spending on goods and services; visitor spending at other local businesses; or other impacts.
Optional Upload
You may upload one document of no more than five pages that helps to tell the story of your group and its history and/or goals for the peer reviewer panel. This is not required.
Application for Emerging Organizations
Organization Description
Please provide an overview of your group. How long ago did you start? Where are you on your organizational development journey? What is your vision for the organization in the future?
Programming
Please describe a sampling of programs, services, and/or events your group is planning or has produced in the last few years that represent your organization’s work. How were the ideas for those programs, services, and/or events developed? Where did/will they take place? Please provide dates for past or upcoming programs, services, and/or events when known.
Community
Please describe the community(ies) you are operating in or plan to operate in. Who are you planning to reach with your work? What will your organization add to your community(ies) that has not existed before? How is your programming distinct from what already exists?
General Public Benefits
4Culture defines Public Benefit as the opportunity for King County residents and visitors to access and engage in arts, science, and other cultural activities, events, communities of practice, historic and cultural spaces, and works of public art related to our program areas. It is also a service requirement for all recipients of funding from 4Culture. Learn more about public benefit and how it shapes 4Culture’s work here. Please select any efforts your group will undertake in the coming years to make your work more accessible to King County residents, particularly for underserved populations. A list of public benefits will be provided.
Other Public Benefit(s)
If you selected “Other” from the provided list of public benefits, please describe any other efforts your group will undertake to make your work more accessible to King County residents, particularly for underserved populations.
Position Details
Tell us about your plans for your first staff member. What is the title of the position you’d like to hire for and what will the position’s responsibilities be? Who will this person report to, and how will they work with other members of the team? Approximately how many hours will they work per week? What is your hiring timeline?
Planning and Goals
What are the top 2-3 goals of your organization for 2026-28? Why are these goals a priority for your group, and how does adding an FTE staff member support these goals?
Staff Plans
Launch grants for Emerging Organizations provide payments that are higher in the first two years and lower in the third and final year of your grant contract. How does your organization plan to fund your new staff member’s compensation in the third year of this grant and into the future?
FTE Expense Detail
Please provide estimates for your new FTE’s total compensation over the next three years (salary and benefits).
Budget
How much are you requesting from 4Culture’s Launch program?
Income
Do you have other projected sources of income over the next three years (2026-2028)? Your best estimate is fine, and 4Culture will not hold you to these numbers if things change. Please include your Launch grant request in your Launch grant request in your calculations.
Expenses
Tell us about your group’s expenses for the next three years (2026-2028). What costs will your group incur to build your group, add a staff member, and achieve your goals? Your best estimate is fine, and 4Culture will not hold you to these numbers if things change. Launch grants provide general operating support, and your organization can decide how to spend your grant dollars if awarded. Launch grants can be used to pay for salary and benefits for your new staff person, as well as other operating or programming costs. Ensure your total income is greater than or equal to your total expenses (in other words, the budget must demonstrate your group’s plans are financially feasible). Under “People”, include your FTE’s total compensation and payments to anyone else you hire as a contractor.
Budget Notes
Provide details of any items that require further information for the panel to understand project finances, e.g., if any of the income or expenses listed above have already been confirmed, what is included in “other” expenses and income; sources of grants; rational for totals, etc.
Advancing Equity
Does your organization specifically benefit communities of color and/or historically marginalized communities in King County? If so, how and why? Does the project collaborate with members of these communities, and if so, how? This is not required for funding, but it will be a criterion that panelists will consider when evaluating your application.
Economic Impact
What economic impacts will your group have in King County? This can include wages, contractors, volunteers and employment; tourism impact; provision of affordable space or reduced-cost services and offerings; community well-being and quality of life; direct spending on goods and services; visitor spending at other local businesses; or other impacts.
Board List
Please list your Board members. Include their names, titles/community affiliations, how long they’ve held this position, and when their board term ends.
IRS Determination Letter
Please upload a copy of your organization’s 501(c)(3) determination letter. If you are currently fiscally sponsored, please upload a copy of your fiscal sponsor’s 501(c)(3) determination letter.
Certificate of Incorporation as a Washington State Nonprofit Corporation
Please upload a copy of your organization’s Washington State Certificate of Incorporation. If you are currently fiscally sponsored, you should have an incorporation that is specific to your group. Do not upload your fiscal sponsor’s Certificate of Incorporation.
Optional Upload
Applicants may upload one document of no more than five pages that helps to tell the story of your group and its history and/or goals for the peer reviewer panel. This is not required.