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 training will equip organizers to better navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by working at a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) organization. The training promises to be engaging and informative, leaving you better prepared to achieve your electoral goals through your respective c3 or c4 organizing arms. P.S. This will not be a legal or compliance training. Instead of telling what you can’t do, the training will focus on the distinction between c3 and c4, what the entities can do, and creative ways to move beyond the limitations to build power for your community and people.
This 3-hr training lays the groundwork for people leading meetings, supporting decisions, and guiding conversations in social justice work. Through dynamic storytelling and real meeting examples, this training introduces two of AORTA’s facilitation pedagogy principles: remove barriers to full participation and the practice of principled disagreement.
During the meeting, you'll have an opportunity to:
Hear from America Walks about our bold new plan to build a national coalition
Engage in a live discussion with our Executive Director and staff
Share your experiences — including challenges, successes, and stories from your own community
In this interactive, hands-on 5-hour session, participants will learn and practice the fundamentals of Story-based Strategy (SBS). This training helps organizers, activists, community leaders, and grassroots communications experts practice creative storytelling and critical narrative analysis.
The workshop is intended to help transform conflicts into opportunities for growth and understanding. Participants will be guided through interactive exercises and real-life scenarios to begin to practice in a supportive setting. Whether you're a manager dealing with team dynamics or an individual looking to navigate workplace conflicts more effectively, this workshop will provide you with tools that are not only valuable at work but also in your home and community.
The US Federation of Worker Cooperatives hosts this monthly webinar for groups and people at the very early stages of their worker cooperative project. The webinar describes key steps toward getting off the ground, and where problems often occur. Attendees are offered 30 minutes of free consulting after the webinar from the US Federation of Worker Cooperatives!
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.
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.
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.