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 Wednesday, January 14, 2026 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 Friday, March 13, 2026 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 provides 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 1 projects, as outlined in the Best Starts for Kids Implementation Plan:
Priority 1: New Construction or Renovation of existing property for Community Centers or Recreational Centers which prioritize serving Low-Income, BIPOC children, youth and families Without Physical Access to similar facilities. Construction grants awarded under Priority 1 are expected not to exceed $5 million for any single project over the life of the levy. Best Starts will also provide Capital Planning Grants of up to $100,000.
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 of existing property OR is requesting a Capital Planning Grant.
- Project is a Community Center or Recreational Center. No other project types are permitted.
- Request does not exceed $100,000 for Capital Planning Grants or $5,000,000 for other construction projects.
- Project site is owned or leased by applicant organization. Note: 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 those serving BIPOC communities, Rural areas and/or areas Without Physical Access to similar facilities.
Funding available
We have budgeted approximately $20,000,000 for this RFP. The maximum award amount applicants may request is $100,000 for Capital Planning Grants and $5,000,000 for Construction Grants.
Attend our information session
We strongly encourage anyone interested in applying to attend our information session to learn more:
Pre-Proposal Period Information Session:
- Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 10:00 am – 11:00 am, Pacific Time
Proposal Period Information Session:
- Monday, February 9, 2026, 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 | December 15, 2025 |
| Pre-Proposal Period Information Session | December 17, 2025, 10:00 am –11:00 am |
| Pre-Proposals Due | January 14, 2026 by 2:00 pm |
| Pre-Proposals Reviewed | January 14 – January 23, 2026 |
| Notification of Eligibility | January 26 – January 30, 2026 |
| Proposal Period | |
| Proposal Period Open | February 2, 2026 |
| Proposal Period Information Session | February 9, 2026, 10:00 am – 11:00 am |
| Final day to submit questions via ZoomGrants | February 27, 2026 |
| Final day to initiate request for technical assistance | March 6, 2026 |
| Proposals Due | March 13, 2026 by 2:00 pm |
| Responses Reviewed | March 13 – May 1, 2026 |
| Notification of selected and non-selected applicants | June – July, 2026 |
Do you have any questions?
If you have any questions about this funding opportunity, you can submit a question before Friday, February 27, 2026 through the Contact Admin tab in ZoomGrants. The response to all questions received will be posted as an RFP amendment on ZoomGrants.
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.
Learn more about Best Starts Funding Opportunities
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.
