Best Starts for Kids Capital Program RFP

The Best Starts for Kids Capital Program request for proposals (RFP) is now open!

The Capital Program provides contracts for building repairs, renovations and new construction or expansion to improve access to high quality programs and services for low-income children, young people, and families, with a priority for those serving Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. In addition, rural areas and or low-income areas with lack of access will be prioritized. The program will focus on equitable community-driven development to ensure projects are aligned with and serve communities’ needs.     

The pre-proposal submission deadline is Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 2PM, please submit your pre-proposal application by then. Eligible applicants will be notified to submit a final proposal. The final proposal submission deadline is Friday, March 13, 2026 at 2PM. 

Learn More: Full RFP document

About this opportunity

Best Starts’ Capital Program provides contracts for building repairs, renovations and new construction or expansion to improve access to high quality programs and services for low-income children, young people, and families, with a priority for those serving Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. In addition, rural areas and or low-income areas with lack of access will be prioritized. The program will focus on equitable community-driven development to ensure projects are aligned with and serve communities’ needs.     

This RFP will fund Priority 1 projects, as outlined in the Best Starts for Kids Implementation Plan:     

Priority 1: New Construction or Renovation of existing property for Community Centers or Recreational Centers which prioritize serving Low-Income, BIPOC children, youth and families Without Physical Access to similar facilities. Construction grants awarded under Priority 1 are expected not to exceed $5 million for any single project over the life of the levy. Best Starts will also provide Capital Planning Grants of up to $100,000. 

Eligibility

This funding opportunity is open to nonprofit organizations, Community Based Organizations (CBO), tribes and tribal organizations, for-profit entities, and public or governmental agencies serving communities in King County. Small nonprofits and community-based organizations are encouraged to submit proposals.   

All proposals must meet the following minimum qualifications:   

1.    Applicant is completing New Construction or Renovation of existing property OR is requesting a Capital Planning Grant. 

2.    Project is a Community Center or Recreational Center. No other project types are permitted. 

3.    Request does not exceed $100,000 for Capital Planning Grants or $5,000,000 for other construction projects. 

4.    Project site is owned or leased by applicant organization. Note: If leased, organization must have owner support of proposed construction activities. 

5.    Facility is located in, and serves communities in, King County. 

6.    Applicant serves Low-Income children, youth, and families. The program will prioritize those serving BIPOC communities, Rural areas and/or areas Without Physical Access to similar facilities. 

Funding available

We have budgeted approximately $20,000,000 for this RFP. The maximum award amount applicants may request is $100,000 for Capital Planning Grants and $5,000,000 for Construction Grants. 

Attend our information session

We strongly encourage anyone interested in applying to attend our information session to learn more:        

Pre-Proposal Period Information Session:   

·      Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 10:00 am – 11:00 am, Pacific Time   

Proposal Period Information Session:   

·      Monday, February 9, 2026, 10:00 am – 11:00 am, Pacific Time   

Learn more about this funding opportunity and access meeting details for the information session within the full RFP document.