Crisis and Transformation

Overview

4Culture provides consulting services via Network of Support Capacity Builders—including coaches, mentors, and consultants—paid directly by 4Culture for cultural organizations and Tribes needing assistance in times of crisis and transformation.

What Crisis and Transformation Supports

Operational emergencies (loss of executive leadership, eviction from space, financial insolvency) and planned transformational changes (hiring first staff, moving from leasing to owning, organizational mergers). Services address both immediate crises and strategic opportunities.

Key Dates

• Final Application Opens: January 1, 2027
• Applications currently closed for 2026

Eligibility

• Cultural organizations and Tribes based in King County
• Primary mailing address outside Seattle City limits qualifies for additional Equity Investment funding
• Organizations in Communities of Opportunity areas eligible for additional funding
• Annual budget must be under $5 million for Equity Investment eligibility

Evaluation Criteria

• Quality and Qualifications: thought and reasoning in responding to crisis or assessing opportunity; qualified project team; immediacy of need and clear resolution plan (crisis) or mission potential (opportunity)
• Feasibility: ability to successfully manage project and sustain outcomes; qualifications of those executing project; internal capacity
• Project Impact and Public Benefit: impact on community-serving ability; consideration of financial resources; public benefit to King County residents and visitors

Public Benefit Requirement

All 4Culture funding must serve the public interest and enriching communities throughout King County. Public benefit makes culture more accessible. Examples include free workshops/trainings/classes; events in underserved suburban/rural areas for low-income, youth, senior, disabled, immigrant, or minority communities; and free, electronically accessible materials.