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
Each mini workshop will prepare you to build effective, transformative, and winning campaigns. From building healthy campaign culture to ensuring safety protocols for your canvassing team to building scripts for different audiences, we’ve curated these sessions with the busiest leaders in mind. Did we mention these trainings are FREE?!
Do you worry about preparing for organizational funding changes? Would it help you sleep at night if you could develop solid strategies to respond if or when funding shifts happen?
This workshop series (4 sessions, three of which will be in-person) will help organizational leaders evaluate risks, see opportunities, develop contingency plans, build relationships and network with other organizations doing similar work.
Learn why strategic collaboration is essential and how to do it effectively. Gain insights from global pro-democracy coalitions and explore how collective action can strengthen your organization’s impact. Join NLA/TCS and Keseb as they discuss strategies for collective action and share lessons about how to do it well, sharing lessons from pro-democracy civil society coalitions across the globe.
Desde febrero, nuestros talleres mensuales han reunido a familias para aprender, prepararse y proteger sus derechos. En cada sesión, ofrecemos entrenamientos de “Conozca sus Derechos” en español y ayudamos a las familias a completar un plan de seguridad familiar. ¡Se acerca nuestro taller de junio—acompáñanos y ayuda a correr la voz a quienes puedan beneficiarse!
Desde febrero, nuestros talleres mensuales han reunido a familias para aprender, prepararse y proteger sus derechos. En cada sesión, ofrecemos entrenamientos de “Conozca sus Derechos” en español y ayudamos a las familias a completar un plan de seguridad familiar. ¡Se acerca nuestro taller de junio—acompáñanos y ayuda a correr la voz a quienes puedan beneficiarse!
Desde febrero, nuestros talleres mensuales han reunido a familias para aprender, prepararse y proteger sus derechos. En cada sesión, ofrecemos entrenamientos de “Conozca sus Derechos” en español y ayudamos a las familias a completar un plan de seguridad familiar. ¡Se acerca nuestro taller de junio—acompáñanos y ayuda a correr la voz a quienes puedan beneficiarse!
Through real examples, practical tools, and lived experiences, we'll examine how movements have transformed moments of conflict into foundations for deeper trust, sharper analysis, and transformative solidarity. This State of Solidarity will include a panel discussion and time for Q&A.
Each mini workshop will prepare you to build effective, transformative, and winning campaigns. From building healthy campaign culture to ensuring safety protocols for your canvassing team to building scripts for different audiences, we’ve curated these sessions with the busiest leaders in mind. Did we mention these trainings are FREE?!
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.
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.
Seattle Department of Neighborhoods (DON) is currently accepting applications for the Neighborhood Matching Fund, for two funds.
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.
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).
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 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.
Neighbor to Neighbor supports grassroots efforts that increase engagement, power and influence of community members affected by poverty and racial disparities.
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.
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.
A new pilot partnership between Communities of Opportunity and St. Joseph Fund will support more community power-building opportunities in King County.
News, stories, and recent articles from and about COO partners in community for May/June 2025.
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.
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.