We are excited to share that the Lead in Traditional Eyeliner: Community Outreach and Education Request for Applications (RFA) is now open! This funding opportunity closes on Friday, May 29, 2026 at 2:00 pm.
Review the full funding opportunity details.
How to apply
To apply, organizations need to have a Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) Agiloft account. Best Starts funding opportunities, in both DCHS and Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC), will require organizations to have a DCHS Agiloft account when applying for funding. Learn about our new funding platform.
Apply by visiting the DCHS Agiloft Website. Log in, create, and manage accounts in Agiloft.
Next steps:
- Once you have an account, look for Funding Opportunities/Solicitations.
- Click on View Public Funding Opportunities/Solicitations.
- Click on the Lead in Traditional Eyeliner: Community Outreach and Education RFA link and follow application instructions.
About this opportunity
This RFA seeks to fund community-based organizations to partner with Public Health – Seattle & King County to reduce exposure to lead from traditional eyeliners, commonly referred to as kajal, kohl, surma, or tiro. This project will support culturally and linguistically appropriate outreach, education, and community engagement strategies designed to increase awareness of lead exposure risks from traditional eyeliners, promote safer alternatives, and encourage blood lead testing among children in communities that use these products.
Focus communities for this RFA include South Asian, Middle Eastern, North, West, and East African communities in King County where traditional eyeliners may be commonly used. Organizations that serve communities where traditional eyeliners are regularly used on infants, children, or pregnant people are strongly encouraged to apply.
Eligibility
This funding opportunity is open to nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, tribes and tribal organizations, for-profit entities and public or governmental agencies serving communities in King County. Small nonprofits and community-based organizations are encourage to submit applications.
Ideal applicants will propose activities that directly support the outcomes of this project and demonstrate the ability to effectively reach and engage the focus communities described in this RFA.
Funding available
We have budgeted approximately $279,500 for this project. We expect to award up to 5 organizations. The maximum award amount applicants may request is $55,000. Organizations will receive up to $10,000 in 2026 and up to $45,000 in 2027 for this project.
Up to $4,500 in additional funding is available for applicants interested in hosting in-person meetings for this project. We anticipate supporting up to 3 events total, up to $1,500 per event. Up to 2 organizations may be selected to host 1 or 2 events each.
Attend our information session
We strongly encourage anyone interested in applying to attend our information session to learn more:
- Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Pacific Time
Learn more about this funding opportunity and access meeting details for the information session within the full RFP document.
Timeline
| RFA Release Date | April 17, 2026 |
| Information Session (Virtual) | April 29, 2026, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm |
| Final day for to initiate request for technical assistance | May 7, 2026 |
| Final day to submit questions via Agiloft | May 21, 2026 |
| Applications due | May 29, 2026 by 2:00 pm |
| Responses reviewed | June 15, 2026 through July 10, 2026 |
| Interviews with applicants (if applicable) | June 2026 |
| Notification of selected and non-selected applicants | July 2026 |
| Anticipated program/contract start date | September 2026 |
Do you have any questions?
Submit questions in writing through the “Questions and Answers” tab in Agiloft before May 21, 2026. Answers to all relevant questions will be posted in the “Questions and Answers” tab in Agiloft.
For technical questions about using Agiloft, please email DCHSAgiloft@kingcounty.gov or visit the DCHS Agiloft Support Page
If potential applicants experience technical difficulties with Agiloft leading up to the due date, please email your proposal to the RFA Lead Phil Thompson (phithompson@kingcounty.gov) directly to avoid a late submission.
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.
