Grants and Funding

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How Funding Works

In recognition of the significant need for human services support in our community, the Kent City Council allocates a portion of the General Fund budget to grant funding to organizations delivering direct service in our community. In the spring of every even year (2024, 2026, etc.) Kent, along with 16 other King County cities, accepts requests for human services funding using one common application. The City will also receive from the federal government’s Community Development Block Grant and a portion of those funds are allocated for public services. Funds will be dispersed to organizations quarterly over a two-year period. Occasionally, other opportunities to apply for funding to provide programs and services to Kent residents will be announced. Sign up to receive notices via email!

Applications are submitted through the Share1 app and reviewed through a competitive process to award funding grants to non-profit agencies serving Kent residents. The application for the 2025-2026 human services funding cycle will be open in March of 2024. Additional information regarding funding priorities will be posted in early 2024. 

The Human Services Commission is responsible for making recommendations to the City Council regarding which organizations and programs to support. The overall fund is ultimately included as part of the city budget adoption process.

Funding Criteria

In order to be eligible for City of Kent funding, agencies must be able to:

  1. Submit a complete application and demonstrate the program serves City of Kent residents.
  2. Be willing and able to accept reimbursement for funds.
  3. Regularly track and submit required reports regarding services and demographics.
  4. Be current with Federal and State licensing requirements, including current 501(c)3 status.
  5. Must comply with all Federal, State, or local non-discrimination laws.
  6. Meet the City’s insurance and business licensing requirements, minimum requirements, or contact city staff for information.

The Human Services Commission uses the 2020 – 2025 Human Services Strategic Plan as a guide to review applications and makes recommendations for funding. The Commission's funding recommendations are presented to the City Council in the Fall.

Funding Priorities

In order to be considered for funding, agencies must meet one of the priority and goal areas:

Priority - A Good Start

  • Goal 1 – Children are healthy and ready to start school.
  • Goal 2 – Youth are healthy, successful in school, and have positive attachment to community.

Priority – Healthy Aging

  • Goal 1 - Older adults thrive in the community as they age.

Priority – Enhanced Individual and Community Well-Being

  • Goal 1 – Community members are safe, welcomed and included in social, civic and economic life.
  • Goal 2 – Individuals and families have the opportunity to consistently meet their basic needs.
  • Goal 3 – Residents have opportunities to improve their economic condition, build assets, and improve their long-term security.
  • Goal 4 – Residents can access culturally relevant resources to achieve quality physical and mental well-being.

Priority – Pathways to Stable Housing

  • Goal 1 - Homelessness prevention and housing assistance services are tailored to individual’s unique needs and strengths to help them achieve and maintain stable housing.
New Applicants

Please be sure to talk to staff before starting an application. Minimum requirements for each city are listed on the Minimum Requirements document

In September, a workshop was hosted to provide basic information about the Human Services Funding Collaborative and the process to apply for funding. You can view the recording of the training and the PowerPoint:

9/22/21 update: View the New Applicant Information Session recording and PowerPoint (PPT).

Application Assistance

City of Kent staff is available to help with any questions related to the City’s process and/or answer questions you may have about the content of the application. Please email Lori Guilfoyle or call at 253-856-5061 for additional information.

New organizations and entities not currently funded through the City of Kent are strongly encouraged to contact us prior to submitting grant requests.

Contracts and Reporting

Organizations funded by the city are required to submit quarterly performance reports and annual demographics and outcomes reports. For additional information on the contracting and reporting process, contact Lori Guilfoyle.

What funding is available? Is there a minimum or maximum that can be awarded?
What costs will you fund?
Can I submit more than one application for different programs?
Can we apply for existing work or will you only fund new work?

Who We Funded: 2023-2024

We provide funding for a variety of human services through grants to local and regional agencies. The City coordinates the administration of these grants with other funding providers in the region and follows a two-year grant cycle.

View the list of 2023-2024 funded programs.

For more information on the grant process and how the application and administration of grants is conducted, please email Lori Guilfoyle.

Alerts

Receive email or text notification when grants become available: Subscribe to alerts!