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Launch supports new and emerging cultural and science organizations in King County.
Two Paths for the Launch Grant 2025
Two Paths for the Launch Grant 2025
The Launch program supports new and emerging cultural and science organizations in King County. Organizations that are selected through the Launch program will receive three years of general operating support and will also have access to additional capacity-building support services.
This track is for groups that:
Began public programming within the last three years or plans to begin programming in 2026.
Are currently operating or intend to operate as a nonprofit.
Have never received a Sustained Support or Launch grant from 4Culture.
This can include new collaborative ventures initiated by existing organizations that offer new and distinct programs or services and have a decision-making body and leadership structure independent of the participating organizations.
New Organizations have three options for how much they can request from 4Culture’s Launch program:
$180,000 over three years ($60,000 per year; only for organizations based outside the City of Seattle)
$90,000 over three years ($30,000 per year)
$45,000 over three years ($15,000 per year)
This track is for groups that:
Do not yet have 501(c)(3) status or have had 501(c)(3) status for less than three years.
Are hiring their first 1.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff member working 20 or more hours per week.
Have never received a Launch grant from 4Culture.
Emerging Organizations have two options for how much they can request from 4Culture’s Launch program:
$180,000 over three years ($70,000 in 2026, $70,000 in 2027, and $40,000 in 2028; only for organizations not currently receiving or planning to apply for a 4Culture Sustained Support grant during the grant period)
$135,000 over three years ($52,500 in 2026, $52,500 in 2027, and $30,000 in 2028; if eligible, organizations can also receive Sustained Support funds while receiving this level of Launch grant)
grant_workshop__2025_launch.mp4 2025 Launch Workshop Presentation - Recording - 7.10.25
2025 Launch Workshop Presentation - Recording - 7.10.25
This video is an informational workshop by 4Culture on the 2025 Launch Grants, led by Casey Moser, the program manager. It introduces 4Culture’s mission, highlights the program’s purpose, and explains the two funding tracks available for applicants. Viewers will learn about eligibility requirements, funding priorities, and how applications are reviewed. The workshop provides a step-by-step walkthrough of the application process, along with resources and support to help applicants submit strong proposals. It is designed to help artists, cultural organizations, and community groups understand how to access funding for creative and cultural projects in King County.
2025 Launch Workshop Presentation - Slides.pdfLink to Video - 2025 Launch Workshop Presentation - Recording - 7.10.25
Launch Workshop Presentations 7.10.25
Launch Workshop Presentations 7.10.25
The 4Culture 2025 Launch Grant program offers three years of operating support and capacity-building to new and emerging King County arts, heritage, historic preservation, and science organizations. Eligible groups, defined by their operational history and staffing, must demonstrate public benefit and align with equity or geographic inclusion priorities. The application involves an Inquiry Form (due August 13, 2025) and a Full Application (due August 27, 2025), with review criteria focusing on quality, feasibility, public benefit, advancing equity, and economic impact. 4Culture provides extensive applicant support, including workshops, consultations, and resources, with award notifications in December 2025.
2025 Launch Workshop Presentation - Recording - 8.4.25.mp42025 Launch Workshop Presentation - Recording - 8.4.25
2025 Launch Workshop Presentation - Recording - 8.4.25
In a workshop presentation, Casey Moser, the Launch program manager for For Culture, explained the organization's 2025 Launch grant program, which supports new and emerging cultural and science organizations in King County. The grants provide general operating support for a three-year period and are funded by King County tax revenues. The application process has two steps: a quick inquiry form to verify eligibility and a full application that is due on August 27th at 5:00 PM. Organizations can apply under one of two tracks, "New" or "Emerging," each with slightly different requirements and award levels. The presentation also detailed eligibility criteria, including discipline and structural requirements, public benefit provisions, and the grant review process. For Culture offers various resources to help applicants, such as workshops, office hours, and consultations with grant writing experts.
Lunch and Learn Events
Lunch and Learn Events
Lunch and Learn Events
Lunch and Learn Events
4Culture will host a series of Lunch and Learn events during the application period on topics relevant to Launch applicants. Lunch and Learn events will be led by experts, free for attendees, and hosted online. Learn more and register below:
Lunch and Learn: Introduction to Board Development with Dr. Naho Shioya
July 16,
12:00–1:30 pm
Lunch and Learn: Introduction to Hiring Your First Staff Member with Jodi Nishioka
August 6,
12:00–1:30 pm
Grants that Qualify can apply to both Launch and Sustianable
Grants that Qualify can apply to both Launch and Sustianable
5:35 - If you are eligible for launch as an emerging organization and you also meet the requirements to apply for for Culture Sustained support program, you can apply for both.
6:40 - However, you will only be able to request 135 from that emerging organization track as opposed to organizations who are not applying for sustained support that are applying as an emerging organization and can request $180,000.
If you are not a 501(c)(3), you can use a fiscal sponsor to apply,
If you are not a 501(c)(3), you can use a fiscal sponsor to apply,
All applicants must submit a 2025 demographic survey
All applicants must submit a 2025 demographic survey
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