We are excited to share the Best Starts for Kids Capital Program request for proposals (RFP) is now open! The pre-proposal submission deadline is Friday, November 22, 2024 at 2PM, please submit your pre-proposal application by then. Eligible applicants will be notified to submit a final proposal. The final proposal submission deadline is Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 2PM.
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 3 projects, as outlined in the Best Starts for Kids Implementation Plan:
Priority 3: Expand Child Care and Early Learning Facilities to increase capacity for multipurpose uses and complement the Early Learning Facilities funding under the PSTAA Implementation Plan. The capital grant funds awarded under Priority 3 are expected not to exceed $1 million for any single facility over the life of the levy.
Eligibility:
This funding opportunity is open to nonprofit organizations, Community Based Organizations (CBO), tribes and tribal organizations, for-profit entities, and public or governmental agencies serving communities in King County. Small nonprofits and community-based organizations are encouraged to submit proposals.
All proposals must meet the following minimum qualifications:
- Applicant is completing New Construction or Renovation.
- Project is a Child Care or Early Learning Facility. No other project types are eligible.
- Request does not exceed $1,000,000.
- Project site is owned or leased by applicant organization. If leased, organization must have owner support of proposed construction activities.
- Facility is located in, and serves communities in, King County.
- Applicant serves Low-Income children, youth, and families. The program will prioritize for those serving BIPOC communities, rural areas and/or areas without physical access to similar facilities.
Funding available:
We have budgeted approximately $4,700,000 for this RFP. The maximum award amount applicants may request is $1,000,000 for New Construction or Renovation.
Attend our information session:
We strongly encourage anyone interested in applying to attend our information session to learn more:
Pre-Proposal Period Information Session:
- Thursday, November 7, 2024, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm, Pacific Time
Proposal Period Information Session:
- Friday, January 3, 2025, 10:00 am – 11:00 am, Pacific Time
Learn more about this funding opportunity and access meeting details for the information session within the full RFP document.
Timeline:
| Pre-Proposal Period | |
| RFP Issued – Pre-Proposal Open | November 1, 2024 |
| Pre-Proposal Period Information Session | November 7, 2024, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm |
| Pre-Proposals Due | November 22, 2024 by 2:00 pm |
| Pre-Proposals Reviewed | November 22 – December 17, 2024 |
| Notification of Eligibility | By December 19, 2024 |
| Proposal Period | |
| Proposal Period Open | December 20, 2024 |
| Proposal Period Information Session | January 3, 2025, 10:00 am – 11:00 am |
| Final day to submit questions via ZoomGrants | January 17, 2025 |
| Final day to initiate request for technical assistance | January 24, 2025 |
| Proposals Due | February 5, 2025 by 2:00 pm |
| Responses Reviewed | March 2025 |
| Notification of selected and non-selected applicants | Spring 2025 |
Do you have any questions?
If you have any questions about this funding opportunity, you can submit a question before Friday, January 17, 2025 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/King_County_WA/Best_Starts_for_Kids_Capital_Program_RFP. If you experience technical difficulties with ZoomGrants, you can email questions@zoomgrants.com directly. Any other questions can be sent to:
Leslie Miller, RFP Lead
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 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.
