We are excited to share the Best Starts for Kids Capital Program request for proposals (RFP) is now open! This funding opportunity closes on Friday, May 26 at 2PM, please submit your application by then.
Click here to view the full funding opportunity details and apply.
Note: please create a log-in to view details and access the ZoomGrants webpage.
About this opportunity:
Best Starts Capital Program will provide contracts for building repairs, renovations and new construction or expansion to improve access to high quality programs and services for low-income children, young people, and families, with a priority for those serving Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. In addition, rural areas and or low-income areas with lack of access will be prioritized. The program will focus on equitable community-driven development to ensure projects are aligned with and serve communities’ needs.
This RFP will fund Priority 2 projects, as outlined in the Best Starts for Kids Implementation Plan:
Priority 2: Renovations and repairs to existing multi-use Community Centers, Early Learning Centers, Child Care or Recreational Facilities to address critical health and safety issues. The capital grant funds awarded under Priority 2 are expected not to exceed $500,000 for any single facility over the life of the levy.
Eligibility:
This funding opportunity is open to nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, community-based organizations, tribes and tribal organizations and public or governmental agencies serving communities in King County. Small nonprofits and community-based organizations are encouraged to submit proposals.
Funding available:
We have budgeted approximately $4,700,000 for this RFP. We expect to award 8-12 applicants. The maximum award amount applicants may request is up to $500,000 for Priority 2 across the life of the levy. Funds must be aligned with Best Starts’ Capital Priority 2.
Attend our information session:
We strongly encourage anyone interested in applying to attend an information session to learn more:
- Tuesday, April 25, 2023, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Pacific Time
- Thursday, May 4, 2023, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm, Pacific Time
Learn more about this funding opportunity and access meeting details for the information session within the full RFP document here.
Timeline:
| RFP Issued | April 14, 2023 |
| Information Session | April 25, 2023, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm May 4, 2023, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm |
| Final day to Submit Questions via ZoomGrants | May 12, 2023 |
| Final day to initiate request for technical assistance | May 19, 2023 |
| RFP Application Due | May 26, 2023 by 2:00 pm |
| Applications Reviewed | June 9 – June 23, 2023 |
| Notification of Selected and Non-Selected Applicants | July 2023 |
Do you have any questions?
If you have any questions about this funding opportunity, you can submit a question before Friday, May 12, 2023 through the Contact Admin tab in ZoomGrants. The response to all questions received will be posted as an RFP amendment on ZoomGrants.
For complete details, please view the RFP on ZoomGrants: https://www.zoomgrants.com/zgf/bskcapital. If you experience technical difficulties with ZoomGrants, you can email questions@zoomgrants.com directly. Any other questions can be sent to:
Joanna Armstrong
Would you like support? Access Best Starts technical assistance!
Free application support is available for organizations interested in applying for this Best Starts funding opportunity! Best Starts partnered consultants can support by: helping to determine appropriate fit between your work and this funding opportunity, providing guidance on how best to answer application questions, supporting your application development (including editing and reviewing), and supporting you in explaining your qualifications in the most clear and concise way.
If you are interested in partnering with a technical assistance consultant, learn more here.
1. Check out our funding calendar
This calendar shares upcoming funding opportunities staggered throughout the year. Subscribe to our blog and newsletter to the right of the calendar to receive notices whenever we post a new funding opportunity.
2. Watch our latest recorded info sessions
If you were unable to make it to the info session for an open funding opportunity, check out the recordings and slideshows here.
3. Keep an eye out for our next open house!
Keep an eye out for our next Best Starts virtual open house! View the recordings from the latest open house on March 1, 2023.