Unlike conventional evaluation approaches that can be top-down or perpetuate inequities, participatory evaluation brings stakeholders and evaluators together to collaboratively develop and implement the evaluation. In alignment with COO’s values of shared power and decision-making, a participatory approach ensures partners, governance group, and staff play an active role throughout the evaluation process.
Evaluation
We update evaluation findings yearly. Find these reports on our Evaluation page:
We are grateful for the participation of the Evaluation Advisory Group members in the guidance of our evaluation work.
Stories from COO & Partners
En un seminario en línea, lideres locales de organizaciones sin fines de lucro comparten lo que aprendieron.
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.
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.
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.
A list of community forums being hosted by our community partners around King County this fall, to connect voters with candidates.
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.
News, stories, and recent articles from and about COO partners in community for August 2025.
Seattle Department of Neighborhoods (DON) is currently accepting applications for the Neighborhood Matching Fund, for two funds.
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.
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.
A new pilot partnership between COO and St. Joseph Fund will support more community power-building opportunities in King County.
In the wake of and in anticipation of Congressional investigations, expansion of the counter-terrorism framework through administrative measures, and attacks on nonprofits, the Charity & Security Network (C&SN) has developed and updated resources for the non-profit sector linked here.
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.
The Washington Nonprofit Legal Checklist is intended to help nonprofits in Washington State avoid common legal risks and achieve better legal health. This is not legal advice, though the materials were created by the lawyers at Communities Rise.
An introductory toolkit for mutual aid organizing—from starting a group to sustaining it for the long haul
This program is ideal for: Anyone that is a part of movement work (activists, organizers, staff, etc.) that is ready to develop a stronger politic and take up practices of access and disability justice. General alignment with the 10 principles of Disability Justice.
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.
The Learning Community invites you to participate in a four-month virtual learning circle series designed to help community leaders, staff, and board members shift from extractive models of governance to liberatory, community-rooted practices. Register by June 4!
What do you do when a story about your community feels all wrong?
When others, detached from your struggle, reinforce messages that completely miss your dreams and reality? When your community is under attack and the truth is being flattened and replaced by disinformation? You change the narrative and we fight back!
Capacity building support is available to COO & Best Starts for Kids contracted/funded organizations - AND - support is available via the COO Learning Community for groups working in alignment with COO’s mission, vision and values who are not currently funded.
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).
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.