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
In King County and curious about the ballot initiative process and what it takes to win? Join House Our Neighbors and other grassroots groups that have won initiative elections to learn about this avenue for policy and systems change
Documentarian Laura Gabbert (City of Gold) and chef/writer/editor Ruth Reichl chronicle the plight of the American food industry in the wake of greedy conglomerates and the COVID-19 pandemic, talking to independent farmers, ranchers, and restaurant owners alike. This special one-time screening and discussion panel with local farmers and those working to build a more equitable food system.
Join HIP for the launch of two comprehensive new resources: The Five Dimensions of Inside-Outside Strategy Guide and Toolkit. You’ll learn how these resources can help you strengthen relationships, build power, and develop inside-outside strategy and tactics. This webinar is open to anyone working at the intersection of public health and social justice.
By the end of the webinar, participants will:
Describe two potential strategies a local public health department could implement to help increase vaccine access.
Describe how the increased cost and complexity of providing immunizations contributes to gaps in vaccine access.
Navigating DEI under federal scrutiny? Join Stephen Menendian to explore what’s possible—and legal—in today’s shifting landscape.
In King County and curious about the ballot initiative process and what it takes to win? Join House Our Neighbors and other grassroots groups that have won initiative elections to learn about this avenue for policy and systems change
In moments of uncertainty, organizations have a choice: do they retreat in the face of shifting political tides, or do they stand firm in their values? In this session, Logan Gelabert from Ascend People will cover three ways nonprofit organizations can continue to center equity through people-centered HR practices
Is your organization prepared to defend against financial fraud? With increasing threats like check fraud, compromised business emails, and unauthorized electronic fraud, it's essential to stay vigilant. Learn practical strategies to protect your funds, strengthen internal controls, and leverage bank products to safeguard your organization's assets.
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 J.M.K. Innovation Prize seeks to identify and support bold problem-solvers leading transformative, early-stage projects in the fields of heritage conservation, the environment, and social justice. Apply by April 25.
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.
The Collective Grants are made on an annual basis. The application process begins with an online Letter of Inquiry (LOI), which opens in October of each year after our priorities have been announced at our Annual Meeting. Funding decisions are made and announced each June. Organizations selected for a WA Women’s Collective Grant Awards will be provided with a Letter of Understanding (LOU) that outlines the relationship between the foundation and the grantee.
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.
Partners came together to collect rich stories and visualize impact through a process called Ripple Effects Mapping (REM).