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
We know the nonprofit world wasn’t built for true liberation – but our relationships can be. This gathering is a chance to remember that solidarity is not a theory, it’s an embodied practice of listening, sharing risk, and weaving the everyday miracles of care that keep our people alive. Through story, network mapping, and embodied practice, we’ll explore how to build networks rooted in trust, reciprocity, and shared purpose — moving beyond charity into collective power.
The Seattle Office of Housing (OH) is making $27.8 million in funding available to sustain the operations of OH’s housing partners and the City’s affordable housing portfolio. Apply by December 18.
Building Changes is inviting applications from organizations across Washington state working to prevent and end youth and young adult homelessness. Apply by January 12.
Food banks, pantries, mutual aid groups, and community food programs in King County can now apply for new grant funding to support food purchase and distribution. Apply by December 8.
King County is seeking applications for 2027 King County Conservation Futures land acquisition grants. Applications are due on Monday, February 9, 2026.
Approximately $250,000-$500,000 in total funding will be awarded to organizations advancing equitable, healing-centered approaches to prevent and address family homelessness. Apply by December 8.
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. Apply by December 5.
Seattle Department of Neighborhoods (DON) is currently accepting applications for the Neighborhood Matching Fund, for two funds.
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 September 11, 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 Communities of Opportunity (COO) Learning Community (LC) & alterNative invites you to participate in a learning circle series designed to help community leaders, staff, and board members learn how to strategically and intentionally leverage governance and leadership to transform how power flows, how systems are structured, and how culture is felt at the organizations.
So, what does it take to create an economy that truly serves people? To create the economy we all deserve? Join the COO Learning Community & People’s Economy Lab (PEL) in the 2026 Economics for Emancipation King County learning series will answer this question and more, and prepare participants to take action on what they learn.
This is a new COO position created to support our Systems and Policy Change strategy. Applications are due November 23 at 11:59 p.m.
News, stories, and recent articles from and about COO partners in community for October/November 2025.
At a recent webinar, local nonprofit leaders share what they learned
En un seminario en línea, lideres locales de organizaciones sin fines de lucro comparten lo que aprendieron.
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.