We are excited to share that the Prenatal to Five (P-5) Innovation Fund Request for Proposals (RFP) is now open! This funding opportunity has multiple application rounds. We are now accepting round 3 applications:
- Round 1 applications due: May 9, 2025 at 2PM [Closed]
- Round 2 applications due: October 3, 2025 at 2PM [Closed]
- Round 3 applications due: May 15, 2026 at 2PM
View the full funding opportunity details and apply.
About this opportunity
P-5 Innovation Funds aim to build up the power of Community-led Innovation to meet the emergent needs of families in King County. King County seeks community leaders to design, develop, test, and build the potential of innovative Anti-racist approaches (e.g. policies, programs, products, media, places, and services) so that ALL babies and children in King County grow up to be happy, healthy, safe, and thriving.
Proposed projects must:
- Directly contribute to advancing Community-led Innovative and responsive Anti-racist approaches, including but not limited to policies, programs, products, media, spaces, and services.
- Prioritize and center communities and families in King County with children prenatal to age five (P-5) who are most impacted by disparities, including BIPOC families; immigrant and refugee families; LGBTQ+ families; families with disabilities; families involved in the child welfare system; low-income families; and those in geographically isolated areas.
- Include a clear plan and timeline to implement the project activities within a 6 to-12 month period.
View project examples in the full RFP document.
Proposers may choose to respond to Narrative Questions in writing, video recording, or a virtual interview.
Eligibility
This RFP is open to community groups, nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, tribes and tribal organizations, for-profit entities, and public or governmental agencies serving communities in King County, WA. Partnerships of two or more organizations, small community groups, nonprofits, and community-based Black, Indigenous, and other Communities of Color-led organizations are encouraged to submit proposals.
Attend our Information Sessions + Community Building and Idea Sharing
We strongly encourage anyone interested in applying to attend our information session to learn more.
These sessions will include facilitated time for Community Building and Idea Sharing with the goal to connect community leaders and innovators, share ideas, and explore collaboration opportunities.
- Round 1: March 27, 2025, 10:00 am – 11:30 am (In-Person in Tukwila, WA & Virtual)
- Round 2: September 9, 2025, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm (In-Person & Virtual)
- Round 3: March 17, 2026, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm (In-Person & Virtual)
Register and access meeting details for the information sessions within the full RFP document.
Funding available
We have budgeted $1,400,000 for this project. Proposers may request up to $30,000 for all activities, with the exception that proposals for Small Scale Implementation (pilot) activities may request up to $50,000.
Additional award amounts of up to $5,000 may be negotiated to cover the cost of King County insurance policy requirements.
Timeline
| RFP Issued | March 10, 2025 |
| Information Sessions + Community Building and Idea Sharing Space | March 27, 2025, 10:00 am – 11:30 am September 9, 2025, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm March 17, 2026, 1:00 pm –2:30 pm |
| Round 1 (up to $400,000) | Submission deadline: May 9, 2025 by 2:00 pm Notifications: June 2025 Projected Start Date: August 2025 |
| Round 2 (up to $500,000) | Submission deadline: October 3, 2025 by 2:00 pm Notifications: November 2025 Projected Start Date: January 2026 |
| Round 3 (up to $500,000) | Submission deadline: May 15, 2026 by 2:00 pm Notifications: July 2026 Projected Start Date: January 2027 |
Do you have any questions?
If you have any questions about this funding opportunity, you can submit a question to the RFP Lead Shannon Brooks at shabrooks@kingcounty.gov.
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.
