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
Federal policy changes are creating real uncertainty for nonprofits and communities. Join Emerald Cities Collaborative, Resonant Energy, ACE, and several local leaders for a 3-part webinar series exploring what’s changing, how it affects local programs, and building resilience and equity on the ground. You’ll learn: What recent federal shifts mean for funding, compliance, and program delivery; Local examples of community strength and response to these shifts; How to align funding, advocacy, and partnerships for equitable outcomes
From bustling cities to small towns, Black bookstores have long been hubs of culture, activism and community. In “Prose to the People,” Mitchell combines narrative storytelling, essays, interviews, poetry and photography to capture the history, significance and ongoing vibrancy of more than 50 Black bookstores from the Northeast to the West Coast. The book also features contributions from acclaimed authors, activists and journalists, with a foreword by Nikki Giovanni.
During this webinar, Mitchell will discuss the inspiration behind the book, the stories of these essential cultural spaces, and the role Black bookstores play in shaping literature, community and activism today. She’ll be joined by University of Pennsylvania’s Jasmine Johnson, the granddaughter of the founders of Marcus Books, the oldest Black bookstore in the country. Johnson contributed an essay about her grandmother for “Prose to the People.”
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.
Federal policy changes are creating real uncertainty for nonprofits and communities. Join Emerald Cities Collaborative, Resonant Energy, ACE, and several local leaders for a 3-part webinar series exploring what’s changing, how it affects local programs, and building resilience and equity on the ground. You’ll learn: What recent federal shifts mean for funding, compliance, and program delivery; Local examples of community strength and response to these shifts; How to align funding, advocacy, and partnerships for equitable outcomes
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!
Join the Center for Healing and Liberation in partnership with Town Hall Seattle for a powerful evening of conversation and reflection with Resmaa Menakem, celebrated author of My Grandmother’s Hands, Bayo Akomolafe, internationally respected philosopher and poet, and Orland Bishop, visionary teacher and spiritual guide, renowned for his work in mentoring youth and cultivating cross-cultural healing.
Are you preparing your end-of-year finances for a family of nonprofits? Closing out end-of-year financials can feel like an overwhelming herculean effort, especially for multi-entity nonprofits. Join NLA/TCS and Pocketbook Strategies in a lively discussion on how to close the books on the prior fiscal year and complete an annual audit and tax forms. This discussion will offer tips and promising practices for a quick, accurate, and efficient financial close process to save nonprofit leaders time, money, and hopefully, their sanity
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.
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.
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.
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 COO and St. Joseph Fund will support more community power-building opportunities in King County.
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!