Emergency and Unforeseen

Overview

Emergency and Unforeseen grants meet unexpected facility needs for cultural and science organizations, as well as designated landmarks. The grant is always open as long as funds are available and operates on a faster schedule. The process starts with a conversation with 4Culture staff, who will determine eligibility. The information submitted will depend on the nature of the project.

Eligibility

Applicants must be King County-based nonprofit arts, cultural, heritage, historic preservation, and science organizations; Tribal governments; public agencies (other than K-12 schools or school districts); or stewards of locally designated landmark properties. All applicants must control the site through ownership, a long-term lease (at least 10 years or 5 years with an option to renew), or a partnership agreement, and must be able to provide a W-9 form, sign a liability contract, and provide proof of liability insurance naming 4Culture as Additional Insured. Cultural/science facility applicants must be based in and conduct majority activities in King County; be a federally recognized nonprofit, have fiscal sponsorship, or be a public agency; have a proven two-year track record; have a board of directors and minimum two-year operating history; and be able to sustain operations after project completion. Landmark applicants must comply with local historic preservation regulations.

Evaluation Criteria

• Quality and Qualifications: thought and reasoning behind the response, qualified project team, immediacy of need, and clear plan for resolution or assessment of opportunity potential
• Feasibility: ability to successfully manage the project and gain stability, demonstrated through financial and operational information
• Project Impact and Public Benefit: for facilities, impact on ability to serve the community; for landmarks, extent of aid to long-term preservation and continued use
• Advancing Equity: organization's focus on serving historically marginalized communities disproportionately impacted by structural racism (considered but not required)
• Economic Impact: local employment, volunteer hours, in-kind donations, and indirect impacts like commercial activity and community vibrancy

Key Definitions

• Emergency: a pressing situation outside applicant's control that threatens a facility, collection, or landmark with severe economic consequences; not present at last capital grant application deadline; causes irreparable damage or safety threat by next deadline; poses physical threat to patrons, staff, or collections; or results from catastrophic event or natural disaster
• Unforeseen Opportunity: an opportunity not available at the time of last application that furthers the organization's mission

Public Benefit Requirement

4Culture is funded through Lodging Tax, 1% for Art, and Doors Open funding. All funded projects must serve the public interest and enrich communities throughout King County. Public Benefit is defined as the opportunity for King County residents and visitors to access and engage in arts, science and technology, cultural activities, events, historic and cultural spaces, and works of public art.

Contact

• Arts: Bret Fetzer (206) 263-1599
• Heritage: Chieko Phillips (206) 477-6811
• Preservation: Dana Phelan (206) 263-1604
• Science: Bart J. Cannon, Ph.D. (206) 263-1584