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
This grant writing assistance program from Communities Rise is designed to support community-based organizations that serve communities impacted by systemic oppression and do not have the internal capacity to hire a grant writer or have staff dedicated to grant writing. These services are free of charge and available by appointment only. Email cbclinics@communities-rise.org with questions or to schedule!
WA Ecology Textile Web Series: #3 Hemmed in to Cutting Loose: Adopting New Innovations
To explore cutting-edge technologies in textile identification, tracking, laundering, and exchange platforms while addressing logistical and economic challenges.
Join the Seattle Cooperator Meet-up and COO as we welcome Alex Porteshawver, Adam Powers and Amy Bettle to explore how communities can collaboratively start, invest in, and sustainably manage cooperative solar gardens. This event conversation will engage participants with the practical insights, strategies, and models for building community-owned renewable energy solutions. Join us to network, learn, and help catalyze a cooperative solar future! Free food will be provided.
What do we mean by social housing in the United States? How has it worked in the past, and how can and should it be expanded? Join organizers, practitioners, and authors to discuss both how to develop a vision and practical steps to build caring communities that meet everyone’s housing needs.
#4 Fastening the Textile Community: Advocacy & Coalition Building
To unify and empower stakeholders across national and regional levels by fostering dialogue on textile policy, resilient communities, and industry led collaboration—culminating in actionable steps for ongoing advocacy, coalition-building, and sustained community engagement in Washington.
Hear firsthand how strategic policy and innovation can mobilize our climate community to drive meaningful impact across the state.
A virtual watercooler for organizers of repair, share, and remaking programs - and anyone considering starting one! No Agenda • No Time Limit • Lightly Moderated. Monthly - Every Third Thursday 5pm Pacific.
The Vets Engaged program strives to reduce veterans' feelings of isolation by providing socialization opportunities for them and their families, to help address the inequities they may face while creatively building community. Apply by May 30.
Applicants have an opportunity to be awarded federal HUD funds for eligible 2026 CDBG non-housing projects that serve low- and moderate-income communities. Pre-application closes May 19; full application closes June 20.
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 May 9, 2025 by 2 pm Pacific (Round 1); October 3, 2025 by 2 pm Pacific (Round 2); January 23, 2026 by 2 pm Pacific (round 3).
City of Seattle’s Office of Sustainability & Environment (OSE) is now accepting applications for the 2025 Building Decarbonization Grants. Apply by July 10.
The $100,000 Bullitt Prize recognizes people in Washington state advancing conservation and environmental justice. Apply by May 16.
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.
Seattle Department of Neighborhoods (DON) is currently accepting applications for the Neighborhood Matching Fund (NMF). NMF is a granting program that consists of two funds – the Community Partnership Fund (CPF) and the Small Sparks Fund (SSF) – which support grassroots projects that build stronger communities.
Seed Money Grants support the creation of new community agriculture projects and help sustain existing projects.
Philanthropy Northwest will be distributing $40 million in grants over the next three years in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and tribal nations in these four states. These funds are intended for projects that address a range of environmental issues and focus on promoting healthy communities.
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.
News, stories, and recent articles from and about COO partners in community for April/May 2025.
News, stories, and recent articles from and about COO partners in community for March 2025.
For the past six months, the COO Learning Community has been exploring cooperatives, or co-ops, as an alternative and innovative economic development strategy.
A recap of the recent Black Providers Network gathering, featuring several of our funded partners.
News, stories, and recent articles from and about COO partners in community for February/March 2025.
News, stories, and recent articles from and about COO partners in community for January/February 2025.
News, stories, and recent articles from and about COO partners in community for December 2024/January 2025.
Communities of Opportunity celebrated our anniversary – and 10 years of community power – this fall.
60 philanthropists and government grant-makers met October 3 and began shaping a vision for collaboratively transforming funding practices
News, stories, and recent articles from and about COO partners in community for November/December 2024.