Launch
Launch supports new and emerging cultural and science organizations in King County.
Please note: the Intent to Apply form is due Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 5:00 pm; only applicants who complete the Intent to Apply form by this date will be able to apply for Launch. Click the APPLY button to complete the Intent to Apply form.These guidelines reflect information for the previous 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 and cannot be used to support new programs at existing organizations. You can use this grant:
- To cover a variety of expenses, including operating and start-up costs; staff salaries; utilities; supplies; fees; and services.
- To access capacity-building support and technical assistance as you build your organization.
You cannot use this grant:
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For any capital costs.
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To pay for fundraising expenses.
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To fund any type of religious instruction.
If you are interested in funding for:
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Producing a specific program or project, check out our Project grants or Open 4Culture grants.
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Developing a plan to secure, acquire, build, or improve a physical space, please consider our Building for Equity: Project Development grants.
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Your more established organization, check out our Sustained Support grants.
Launch Applicant Tracks
Applicants can choose from two tracks for this program, each tailored to a specific type of organization:
New Organizations
This track is for groups that:
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Began public programming in 2024, 2025, or 2026.
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Are currently operating or intend to operate as a nonprofit.
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Have never received a Sustained Support or Launch grant from 4Culture.
This can include new collaborative ventures initiated by two or more existing organizations. These existing organizations must plan to incorporate a separate entity that offers new and distinct programs or services and have a decision-making body and leadership structure independent of the participating organizations. Collaborative ventures do not include new programs that will be housed at existing organizations or collaborations of two organizations where one of the collaborator’s sole role is providing fiscal sponsorship for the new venture. 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 primarily operating 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:
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Are working under the umbrella of a fiscal sponsor’s 501(c)(3) status or have their own 501(c)(3) status with an IRS Determination date on or after 1/1/2024.
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Are hiring their first-ever 1.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff member in 2027 (this staff member must receive a W2, not a 1099; be considered full-time based on your organization’s definition of a full-time schedule; and work at least 20 hours per week).
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Have never received a Launch grant from 4Culture.
Emerging Organizations have two options for how much they can request from 4Culture’s Launch program:
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$180,000 over three years ($70,000 in 2027, $70,000 in 2028, and $40,000 in 2029; only for organizations not currently receiving or planning to apply for a 4Culture Sustained Support grant during the grant period).
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$135,000 over three years ($52,500 in 2027, $52,500 in 2028, and $30,000 in 2029; 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 or want guidance about which track is the best fit for your organization, please email Casey Moser at with more information about your group’s history. 4Culture cannot accommodate applicants changing Launch tracks after the Intent to Apply due date of April 16, 2026. If you decide you would like to change which track you apply in, make sure to contact 4Culture on or before that date.
Criteria
We fund all our grants through a competitive process, carefully evaluating each application. For this grant, panelists will focus on four 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.
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:
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Organizations that the peer reviewer panel agrees are excelling in advancing equity in King County.
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Organizations based outside of Seattle City limits and that provide the majority of their programming outside of Seattle. At least 25% of Launch funds will be allocated to new and emerging organizations located outside the City of Seattle.
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Organizations based in a King County-designated Community of Opportunity (COO) and that provide the majority of their programming in a COO. The 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.
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
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Are You Eligible?
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Are You Eligible?
There are three types of eligibility requirements your organization must meet to be able to apply for Launch:
Discipline Requirements
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 placemaking, 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. If you’re not sure which discipline best fits your organization or if your organization fits 4Culture’s funding disciplines, you can read more about what 4Culture can and cannot fund in these disciplines on our Discipline Eligibility page. If you still have questions, please contact Casey Moser at . Please apply in the discipline that is most prominent for your group. Applications are reviewed by an interdisciplinary panel, and your discipline will not affect your likelihood of being funded. 4Culture cannot provide operating support for organizations whose primary purpose is religious. No grantee may use 4Culture funds for religious worship, exercise, or instruction, or for religious establishment according to Washington State Law.
Structural Requirement
Your organization also must meet all the structural requirements for your 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). | By Intent to Apply due date | By Intent to Apply due date | ||
| 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 on or after 1/1/2024. If you are currently fiscally sponsored or plan to be fiscally sponsored, please read the section below entitled “Applying to Launch as a Fiscally Sponsored Group” and contact 4Culture to see if your current or intended fiscal sponsor is pre-approved as eligible to receive public funds. | Only if awarded | By Intent to Apply due date | ||
| 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, sole proprietorships, or other business structures are not permitted. | Only if awarded | By Intent to Apply due date | ||
| Your organization must have a Board with at least three members. If you are currently fiscally sponsored or plan to be fiscally sponsored, you will need an Advisory Board that is separate from your fiscal sponsor’s Board. | Only if awarded | By Intent to Apply due date | ||
| Your organization must be based in and conduct a majority (51% or more) of your mission-based, in-person, public-facing activities in King County. | By Intent to Apply due date | By Intent to Apply due date | ||
Your organization cannot be:
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By Intent to Apply due date | By Intent to Apply due date | ||
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 that 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 that we believe are accepting new fiscal sponsees as of March 2026:
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 and you are applying as an Arts, Heritage, or Historic Preservation organization, 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 that receive a Launch grant will not be able to apply for 4Culture’s Projects or Open 4Culture grants during their Launch grant period. If you have previously applied for or received a Projects or Open 4Culture grant, you are allowed to apply to Launch.
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Helping You Succeed
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Helping You Succeed
Application Worksheets, How-To Guides, and Other Resources
4Culture has put together a variety of documents with helpful information for Launch applicants.
Launch Application Worksheets
Launch Applicant Worksheets include a worksheet with all of the questions you will be asked in the Intent to Apply form and Full Application, as well as tips from 4Culture staff on how to put together a strong submission and details on what to expect after you submit your application.
Please note: all Intent to Apply forms and applications must be submitted online at apply.4culture.org. Using the application worksheet is NOT an alternative to the online application form.
How-To Guides
These documents provide step-by-step guides to completing different parts of the application process:
Sample Applications
Here are samples of applications that received Launch funding in past cycles:
You can also see a list of last year’s grant recipients on our Awardees page.
Other Resources
Use of AI in Application Drafting
4Culture encourages applicants to represent their work in an authentic and genuine manner. Panelists review dozens of applications at a time and notice patterns of similarity. If you use AI tools to help formulate your narratives, we encourage you to edit, personalize, and make your application unique to you. Panelists are prohibited from using AI summary tools to review submitted applications or generative AI to score submissions or write application comments.
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, 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 ahead of the application due date. 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.
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. During the Launch Intent to Apply process, applicants will have the option to ask to be matched with a consultant by 4Culture staff. This resource is free to applicants up to 5 hours of support. Consultants have been vetted by 4Culture and are familiar with the Launch grant program. You can work with a consultant on:
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How to present your organization and goals in the application.
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Grant writing best practices and how to craft a compelling application narrative.
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How to put together an organizational budget and project future revenues and expenses.
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How to set goals for your organization and how to make plans to achieve those goals.
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Human Resources (HR) best practices for hiring your first staff person.
Important things to know about this resource:
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Consultant availability is limited and matching will be done on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are interested in working with a consultant, we recommend submitting your Intent to Apply form as soon as possible and make sure to answer the optional questions in the form so we know how to best assist you.
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4Culture kindly asks that groups who have hired a grant writer or have significant grant writing experience not ask to be matched with a consultant, as this resource is intended for groups who have less grant writing experience or are writing their first-ever grant application.
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If you are matched with a consultant, you must initiate contact with them by Wednesday, April 22, or the consultant may not be able to find time to meet before the grant due date. Consultants will respond to emails and inquiries from Launch applicants as soon as possible and ideally within 2 business days. Reaching out as early as possible is advised; consultant availability will likely be more limited in the final days and weeks before the grant application due date.
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Consultants cannot write applications for applicants and are only able to support your Launch application; they also cannot help with applications to other grant programs at 4Culture or other funders.
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This additional resource is intended to complement but not replace the information provided through 4Culture’s website, workshops, and staff. Consultants are not decision-makers on grant guidelines or eligibility questions.
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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.
Lunch and Learn Session Recordings
Last year, 4Culture hosted a series of Lunch and Learn events on topics relevant to Launch applicants. View recordings of these sessions below:
Contact
Before you begin or after starting your application, you may have questions. In addition to office hours, our staff are 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 submitting the Intent to Apply Form, 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 April 22, 2026. 4Culture staff will do their best to answer questions and assist Launch applicants. However, as the due date 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 general operating support 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 due date to submit the initial Intent to Apply form is April 16, 2026, at 5:00 pm PDT. Groups whose Intent to Apply forms show they meet the eligibility criteria for the program will be provided a link to submit a Full Application, which is due May 6, 2026, by 5:00 pm PDT. Award decisions will be announced in October 2026, and the funding period will be January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2029. We’re here to help! Please contact Casey Moser, Launch Program Manager at casey.moser@4culture.org 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)
启动补助金为新兴艺术、文物保护、文化遗产及科技类非营利组织提供为期三年的常规运营支持，以满足其日常运作需求。该补助金可用于支付与金县居民及游客相关项目的各类运营成本，包括启动资金、承包商及员工薪酬、水电费、物资采购、各类费用及服务支出。符合申请资格的机构需满足以下条件：注册于金县、运营或获得501(c)(3)免税资格未满三年，且主要宗旨为推动与保护艺术、历史遗产、文化传承或科学技术领域的发展。 提交初始申请意向表的截止日期为2026年4月16日下午5点（太平洋夏令时）。经初步申请意向表审核符合资格的团体，将获得提交完整申请表的链接，截止时间为2026年5月6日下午5点（太平洋夏令时）。资助结果将于2026年10月公布，资助周期为2027年1月1日至2029年12月31日。 我们随时为您提供帮助！如对本项目有任何疑问，请联系启动项目经理凯西·莫泽(Casey Moser),邮箱:casey.moser@4culture.org。 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)
Гранты на запуск предоставляют трехлетнюю общую операционную поддержку для удовлетворения повседневных потребностей новых и развивающихся некоммерческих организаций в области искусства, сохранения культурного наследия, науки и технологий. Вы можете использовать этот грант для покрытия различных операционных расходов, связанных с программами, доступными для жителей и гостей округа Кинг, включая стартовые расходы, оплату подрядчиков и персонала, коммунальные услуги, расходные материалы, сборы и услуги. Право на подачу заявки имеют некоммерческие организации, базирующиеся в округе Кинг, которые работают или имеют статус 501(c)(3) менее трех лет и основной целью которых является продвижение и сохранение искусства, исторического наследия или науки и технологий. Срок подачи первоначальной формы «Намерение подать заявку» — 16 апреля 2026 года, 17:00 по тихоокеанскому времени. Группы, которые в своих формах «Намерение подать заявку» подтвердят, что соответствуют критериям участия в программе, получат ссылку для подачи полной заявки, срок подачи которой истекает 6 мая 2026 года в 17:00 по тихоокеанскому времени. Решения о присуждении грантов будут объявлены в октябре 2026 года, а период финансирования продлится с 1 января 2027 года по 31 декабря 2029 года. Мы готовы помочь! С вопросами об этой программе обращайтесь к Кейси Мозер, менеджеру программы Launch, по адресу casey.moser@4culture.org 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 bilowga ah waxay bixiyaan saddex sano oo taageero guud ah si loo daboolo baahiyaha maalinlaha ah ee ururada aan faa’iido doonka ahayn ee farshaxanka cusub iyo kuwa soo koraya, ilaalinta, dhaxalka, iyo sayniska iyo tignoolajiyada. Waxaad deeqdan u isticmaali kartaa kharashyo kala duwan oo hawlgal ah oo la xiriira barnaamijyada ay heli karaan dadka degan King County iyo booqdayaasha oo ay ku jiraan kharashyada bilowga, si loo bixiyo qandaraaslayaasha iyo shaqaalaha, adeegyada korontada, agabka, khidmadaha, iyo adeegyada. Ururada aan faa’iido doonka ahayn ee fadhigoodu yahay King County kuwaas oo shaqeynayay ama ahaa 501(c)(3) muddo ka yar saddex sano oo ujeeddadoodu ugu weyn tahay horumarinta iyo ilaalinta farshaxanka, ilaalinta taariikhiga ah, dhaxalka, ama sayniska iyo tignoolajiyada ayaa xaq u leh inay codsadaan. Taariikhda kama dambaysta ah ee lagu gudbinayo foomka Ujeedada Codsiga ee bilowga ah waa Abriil 16, 2026, 5:00 galabnimo PDT. Kooxaha ujeeddadoodu tahay inay codsadaan foomamkooda waxay muujinayaan inay buuxiyeen shuruudaha u-qalmitaanka barnaamijka waxaa la siin doonaa xiriiriye si ay u soo gudbiyaan Codsi Buuxa, kaas oo ku eg Maajo 6, 2026, 5:00 galabnimo PDT. Go’aannada abaalmarinta waxaa lagu dhawaaqi doonaa Oktoobar 2026, muddada maalgelintuna waxay noqon doontaa Janaayo 1, 2027, ilaa Diseembar 31, 2029. Waxaan halkaan u joognaa inaan ku caawinno! Fadlan la xiriir Casey Moser, Maareeyaha Barnaamijka Furitaanka casey.moser@4culture.org haddii aad qabtid su’aalo ku saabsan barnaamijkan. 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 proporcionan tres años de apoyo operativo general para satisfacer las necesidades diarias de las organizaciones sin ánimo de lucro nuevas y emergentes dedicadas a las artes, la conservación, el patrimonio y la ciencia y la tecnología. Esta subvención se puede utilizar para sufragar diversos gastos operativos relacionados con programas accesibles a los residentes y visitantes del condado de King, incluidos los gastos de puesta en marcha, el pago a contratistas y personal, los servicios públicos, los suministros, las tasas y los servicios. Pueden solicitarla las organizaciones sin ánimo de lucro con sede en el condado de King que lleven menos de tres años en funcionamiento o que sean 501(c)(3) y cuyo objetivo principal sea el avance y la conservación del arte, la conservación histórica, el patrimonio o la ciencia y la tecnología. La fecha límite para presentar el formulario inicial de intención de solicitud es el 16 de abril de 2026 a las 17:00 horas PDT. Los grupos cuyos formularios de intención de solicitud demuestren que cumplen los criterios de elegibilidad del programa recibirán un enlace para presentar la solicitud completa, cuyo plazo vence el 6 de mayo de 2026 a las 5:00 p. m. PDT. Las decisiones sobre la concesión de las subvenciones se anunciarán en octubre de 2026, y el periodo de financiación será del 1 de enero de 2027 al 31 de diciembre de 2029. ¡Estamos aquí para ayudarle! Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre este programa, póngase en contacto con Casey Moser, director del programa Launch, en casey.moser@4culture.org. 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. .
Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
Các khoản tài trợ khởi động cung cấp hỗ trợ hoạt động chung trong ba năm để đáp ứng các 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 và khoa học công nghệ. Bạn có thể sử dụng khoản tài trợ này cho các chi phí hoạt động liên quan đến các chương trình dành cho cư dân và du khách của Hạt King, bao gồm chi phí khởi nghiệp, thanh toán cho nhà thầu và nhân viên, điện nước, vật tư, phí và dịch vụ. Các tổ chức phi lợi nhuận có trụ sở tại Hạt King đã hoạt động hoặc được công nhận là 501(c)(3) trong vòng ba năm trở lại đây và có mục đích chính là thúc đẩy và bảo tồn nghệ thuật, bảo tồn lịch sử, di sản hoặc khoa học và công nghệ có thể nộp đơn xin tài trợ. Hạn chót nộp đơn đăng ký ý định nộp đơn là ngày 16 tháng 4 năm 2026, lúc 5:00 chiều PDT. Các nhóm có đơn đăng ký ý định nộp đơn cho thấy họ đáp ứng các tiêu chí đủ điều kiện của chương trình sẽ được cung cấp liên kết để nộp đơn đăng ký đầy đủ, với hạn chót là ngày 6 tháng 5 năm 2026, lúc 5:00 chiều PDT. Quyết định trao giải sẽ được công bố vào tháng 10 năm 2026, và thời gian cấp kinh phí sẽ từ ngày 1 tháng 1 năm 2027 đến ngày 31 tháng 12 năm 2029. Chúng tôi luôn sẵn sàng hỗ trợ! Vui lòng liên hệ với Casey Moser, Quản lý Chương trình Launch, qua email casey.moser@4culture.org 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.
4
After You Submit
4
After You Submit
Timeline
Complete your account profile and submit your Intent to Apply form online by April 16, 2026, at 5:00 pm PDT. 4Culture staff will review the information provided in your Intent to Apply form 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. (Please note that you can access a copy of the application with all of the questions before being provided the application link by using one of the application worksheets above, linked under “Helping You Succeed”). Applications for Launch, as well as your organization’s demographic and financial information, are due May 6, 2026, 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 due date to final award notification, takes approximately four months. We will notify you about the status of your Launch application in October 2026. Contracting will begin in early 2027 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 that 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 periodic 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.
5
Apply
5
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, April 16, 2026. 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 Intent to Apply 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 Intent to Apply form by 5:00 pm PDT on Wednesday, April 16, 2026. 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, May 6, 2026. This application is what will be reviewed by the peer panel making grant decisions.
- Submit your organization’s 2026 demographic information no later than 5:00 pm PDT on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. 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 2026 and has financial information for the previous year, please enter it in your account profile no later than 5:00 pm PDT on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. 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 2026 or later, skip this step.
What’s in the Intent to Apply 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.
Intent to Apply 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:
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Select your organization’s primary discipline.
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Provide a date for your group’s first public program.
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Please provide a brief description of your first public program or a typical public program your group hosts.
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Provide a sample list of people in your group who hold key board, staff, and/or volunteer positions, and tell us if any staff members receive a W2.
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Give us a physical address that represents where your organization provides the majority of your programming.
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Select your Launch track (New or Emerging).
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(Emerging Organizations only) Tell us the title of the FTE position you are hiring, and the number of hours they will work per week.
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Provide an address for where the majority of your programming takes place
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Pick one or more public benefits your group plans to offer.
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Tell us about your state incorporation status.
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Tell us about your federal nonprofit status.
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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.
- If you’d like to be matched with a consultant.
- 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 Intent to Apply 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 due date. 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 has produced that represent your organization’s work. How were the ideas for those programs, services, and/or events developed? Where did they take place? Please provide dates for past or upcoming programs, services, and/or events when known.
Community
Please describe the community(ies) you operate in. Who do you reach with your work? What does your organization add to your community(ies) that has not existed before?
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. Please describe any 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 2027-29? 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 (2027-2029)? 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 (2027-2029). 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; rationale 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.
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 has produced that represent your organization’s work. How were the ideas for those programs, services, and/or events developed? Where did 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. Please describe any 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 2027-29? 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 (2027-2029)? 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 (2027-2029). 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; rationale 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.
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
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.