The COO Learning Community leverages the power of collective knowledge to accelerate change. We are currently growing the number of resources, opportunities and platforms available through the Learning Community — look here for current opportunities available to community partners.
Leading the
transformation
of King County
Through community-driven partnerships, we are creating greater racial, economic, and health equity that enables all people in King County to thrive and prosper.



ABOUT US
Communities of Opportunity is a network of residents, communities, decision-makers, and funders who believe every community can be a healthy, thriving community—and that equity and racial justice are both necessary and achievable. We are dedicated to eliminating racial, health, and economic disparities and to transforming how we create health and well-being for all people. Together, we’re advancing community-based priorities, tapping into existing community expertise and leadership, and shaping policies to promote equity.

Our
Impact
Starting in 2014 as a partnership between King County and the Seattle Foundation, the initiative has grown to more than 150 organizations partnering together, with the voices of hundreds of community members guiding the way.
Our Work
When community members have voice and power in the decisions that impact their communities, and express it through civic engagement and leadership, it leads to broader community and policy changes that assure racial, health, and economic equity. Therefore, three reinforcing elements are at the heart of Communities of Opportunity.
Place-Based & Cultural Community Partnerships
Systems & Policy Change
Learning Community

“This new process of empowering local communities to identify their priorities, which exist at the intersection of health, housing and economic opportunity, will bring positive changes to places throughout King County that have struggled for much too long.”
The Latest
Each mini workshop will prepare you to build effective, transformative, and winning campaigns. From building healthy campaign culture to ensuring safety protocols for your canvassing team to building scripts for different audiences, we’ve curated these sessions with the busiest leaders in mind. Did we mention these trainings are FREE?!
Federal policy changes are creating real uncertainty for nonprofits and communities. Join Emerald Cities Collaborative, Resonant Energy, ACE, and several local leaders for a 3-part webinar series exploring what’s changing, how it affects local programs, and building resilience and equity on the ground. You’ll learn: What recent federal shifts mean for funding, compliance, and program delivery; Local examples of community strength and response to these shifts; How to align funding, advocacy, and partnerships for equitable outcomes
How can organizations and individuals stay physically safe in an era of rising threats and growing authoritarianism? Organizations are being confronted by a number of both new and novel risks to physical safety; some longstanding, others newly emerging in a rapidly shifting social and political climate. Building on the foundation of Principled Community Safety, we will look at practical strategies for organizations and leaders to deepen their physical safety. Join NLA/TCS for a conversation on navigating safety in a time of increasing Authoritarianism.
Community Crossroads is an event that highlights the transformation of some of Seattle’s most dangerous corridors into streets that better serve the needs of the communities they pass through. Leadership from local activists has initiated the process of reimagining communities along Aurora Ave N, MLK Jr. Way S., and in the South Park neighborhood—transforming them into safer, more vibrant places for everyone. Join Seattle Neighborhood Greenways for an evening of conversation and inspiration as community leaders share their experiences, challenges, and hopes for creating safer, more vibrant neighborhoods.
This session of the Wellbeing Economy Policymakers Network will focus on participatory governance. We will be joined by the Washington Economic Justice Alliance, a multi-sector collaboration responsible for implementing Washington State's 10-Year Plan to Dismantle Poverty, with very impressive results.
The Digital Safety and Security training will support participants to better understand the difference between safety and security, to practice making their campaigns more secure across all devices, and to become more confident in their ability to protect themselves and others from potential harm online
These grants fund community projects that help residents in King County’s unincorporated areas participate in—and be more connected to—their communities and King County.
Commerce is offering grant funding to help organizations provide diapers, wipes, and other baby essentials to families in need. Apply by Oct. 28.
This Allen Family Philanthropies initiative aims to expand access to (existing) high-quality youth programs in Washington state that combine hands-on artmaking with life skill development. Submit Letter of Interest by Nov. 19.
The HEAL Community Capacity Grant program focuses on equipping communities most impacted by environmental hazards to collaborate with state agencies on environmental justice decisions. Apply by Sept. 30.
Seattle Department of Neighborhoods (DON) is currently accepting applications for the Neighborhood Matching Fund, for two funds.
Commerce has opened two new Notices of Funding Availability for multifamily rental housing projects. $212.4 million in capital financing is available. Apply by Oct. 16.
P-5 Innovation Funds aim to build up the power of community-driven Innovation to meet the emergent needs of families in King County. Apply by October 3, 2025 by 2 pm Pacific (Round 2); January 23, 2026 by 2 pm Pacific (round 3).
Developed in partnership between Front & Centered, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and community allies, the projects funded by this grant will focus on innovative, community-led solutions aimed at reducing carbon emissions, increasing accessibility, and building lasting, equitable transportation infrastructure.
Seed Money Grants support the creation of new community agriculture projects and help sustain existing projects.
The Washington State Department of Commerce has launched the first of five planned small business loan and investment programs aimed at increasing access to capital for small businesses in Washington state, particularly those that have been historically underserved or underbanked.
Learn about the keynotes, activities, workshops, and speakers at the Convening so you can plan your day.
News, stories, and recent articles from and about COO partners in community for September 2025.
A list of community forums being hosted by our community partners around King County this fall, to connect voters with candidates.
News, stories, and recent articles from and about COO partners in community for August 2025.
How King County is organizing with other local entities and fighting back against the federal administration directives that affect our communities
News, stories, and recent articles from and about COO partners in community for June/July 2025.
A new pilot partnership between COO and St. Joseph Fund will support more community power-building opportunities in King County.
We’ve compiled a list of opportunities for you to strengthen your knowledge of digital security and how to protect community data and your organizational infrastructure. You may also be able to get financial support for the sessions that charge a fee. Learn how!
COO is recruiting for up to 6 positions on our Governance Group. Learn why you might want to apply, and how. The due date for this round is May 28.
A new pilot partnership between Communities of Opportunity (COO) and BIPOC ED Coalition of Washington State is bringing wellness and sustainability resources to 15 local organizations.