Building for Equity: Facilities

Overview

Building for Equity: Facilities grants help organizations acquire, build, or renovate brick-and-mortar buildings and spaces that make culture, science, and technology experiences possible. This grant is funded by King County's Lodging Tax and sales tax through Doors Open legislation. The grant is currently closed and will reopen in Spring 2027. There is no 2026 grant cycle.

Eligibility

Organizations, governments, and public agencies that focus on the arts, heritage, historic preservation, or science and technology, and provide public benefit through their programs or activities, are eligible to apply.

Eligible Projects

• General maintenance and repairs are NOT eligible
• Purchase of consumable items like light bulbs and tools are NOT eligible
• Regular staff salaries are NOT eligible
• Program expenses are NOT eligible
• For equipment funding, check the Equipment grant instead

Funding Amounts

• Projects $250,000 and under: up to 80% of your project budget
• Projects $250,001–$1,000,000: up to $200,000 + 30% of project budget over $250,000
• Projects $1,000,001–$10,000,000: up to $400,000 + 15% of project budget over $1,000,000, with a $1,000,000 maximum request

Contract Requirements

• Acknowledging 4Culture support: required for all awards
• Building for Equity Facilities Grant contribution: 3–9 hours required depending on project budget size

Public Benefit Requirement

• Provide free or reduced-rate public access to facility, creative work, project, or program
• Offer free or low-cost facility rental to other cultural groups
• Provide educational programs and experiences accessible to the public
• Participate in collaborative relationships with other cultural organizations