Outline

The Grant Explainer

The current Port of Seattle grant programs began in 2016 with a proposal by Commissioner John Creighton–responding to the uproar over the Flight Corridor Safety Program. As the name implies, the Airport Community Ecology (ACE) Fund (2016–2020) was meant as an environmental grants program. In late 2018 the Port created a separate, much broader South King County Fund (later renamed the South King County Community Impact Fund, (SKCCIF). In 2020, the ACE program was folded into the SKCCIF’s environmental track and its geographic area expanded to all of South King County. In 2025, the Port Commission again renamed and expanded the program to the South King County and Port Communities Fund (SKCPF). All programs are funded via the Property Tax Levy.

Timeline

Relationship between ACE and SKCCIF

The current official program name is South King County Community Impact Fund (SKCCIF). Its economic track is now Economic Opportunities for Communities (EOC). (Order 2021-12 · SKCCIF overview · EOC page)

Community grants

YearCityProgram TitleSummaryAmount
SeaTacImprove Angle Lake Park and Trail (Serve Ethiopians Washington)Recruited and trained forest stewards to clean up Angle Lake Park, remove invasives, and plant natives. Included education on waste management and public space stewardship.60000
BurienCommunity-Driven Stewardship at Salmon Creek Ravine Park (Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust)Partnered with the City of Burien and the Green Burien Partnership to train local youth in habitat restoration and trail connections. Included community engagement activities at Salmon Creek Ravine Park.44925
TukwilaFoster High School Learning Program (Foster HS Environmental Science via Tilth Alliance)Expanded the community garden at Foster High School, providing hands-on learning in environmental science. The project was fiscally sponsored by Tilth Alliance.60000
BurienBike Rodeo II (Toros Cycling Club)Enhanced the bicycle skills improvement area in Burien’s Annex Park parking lot. Addressed dumping, loitering, and vandalism through cleanups and improved signage.15395
Federal WayPark Cleanup and Tree Planting (Menbere Tsebaot Holy Trinity Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church)Planted trees in Adelaide Park with volunteers collaborating with the City of Federal Way. Aimed to increase green space, improve air quality, and create a welcoming atmosphere.11550
Federal WayConnect to Nature (Shyan Selah Foundation)Provided training in gardening, landscaping, and environmental education for Federal Way students. Engaged youth in park and open space restoration.57302
TukwilaBilanga (Congolese Integration Network)Conducted park cleanups and built a community garden to foster belonging among immigrant and refugee families. Included culturally relevant food to reflect the community’s heritage.60000
SeaTacGreen Stormwater Infrastructure Projects in Highline Schools (EarthGen)Worked with students and educators to implement rain gardens, native plant gardens, and bioswales on three campuses. Provided hands-on environmental improvements and learning opportunities.20000
BurienGreen Stormwater Infrastructure Projects in Highline Schools (EarthGen)Worked with students and educators to implement rain gardens, native plant gardens, and bioswales on three campuses. Provided hands-on environmental improvements and learning opportunities.20000
Des MoinesGreen Stormwater Infrastructure Projects in Highline Schools (EarthGen)Worked with students and educators to implement rain gardens, native plant gardens, and bioswales on three campuses. Provided hands-on environmental improvements and learning opportunities.20000
Normandy ParkNist Park Forest Restoration (Friends of Normandy Park Foundation)Hosted community work parties to remove invasives, plant trees, and teach forest restoration techniques. Restored portions of Nist Park’s forested land.29448
BurienSoil and Water Stewardship Training (Tilth Alliance)Yearlong environmental training and capacity-building program where trainees learned to address food and environmental solutions. Served multiple South King communities.9000
Des MoinesSoil and Water Stewardship Training (Tilth Alliance)Yearlong environmental training and capacity-building program where trainees learned to address food and environmental solutions. Served multiple South King communities.9000
Federal WaySoil and Water Stewardship Training (Tilth Alliance)Yearlong environmental training and capacity-building program where trainees learned to address food and environmental solutions. Served multiple South King communities.9000
SeaTacSoil and Water Stewardship Training (Tilth Alliance)Yearlong environmental training and capacity-building program where trainees learned to address food and environmental solutions. Served multiple South King communities.9000
TukwilaSoil and Water Stewardship Training (Tilth Alliance)Yearlong environmental training and capacity-building program where trainees learned to address food and environmental solutions. Served multiple South King communities.9000
BurienHilltop Park Restoration (EarthCorps)Collaborated with the City of Burien and community partners to restore 7.4-acre Hilltop Park. Included stewardship with youth in Partner in Employment’s green jobs program.20000
Federal WayYouth Environmental Activism Project (African Young Dreamers Empowerment Program International)Worked with Black and African immigrant youth to steward and restore parks. Built environmental leadership through multi-park restoration activities.30000
Des MoinesYouth Environmental Activism Project (African Young Dreamers Empowerment Program International)Worked with Black and African immigrant youth to steward and restore parks. Built environmental leadership through multi-park restoration activities.30000
BurienSalmon Creek Restoration (Dirt Corps)Improved Salmon Creek Park with youth-led habitat work including removal of monoculture species and native plant installation. Provided paid training and maintenance to support long-term restoration.60000
Community Garden (Multicultural Self-Sufficiency Movement)Established a community garden to promote food security and self-sufficiency for immigrant and refugee communities. Served as a space for education, community building, and intergenerational engagement.9000
SeaTacSeike Japanese Garden Expansion (Highline Botanical Garden Foundation)Expanded the historic Seike Japanese Garden at Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden, preserving rare plants and cultural heritage. Improved public access to traditional Japanese garden design.20000
TukwilaRaising an Environmentally-Conscious Generation (Bridging Cultural Gaps)Engaged Black and East African immigrant families and youth in park restoration work in Tukwila. Included nature photography competitions and multilingual podcast conversations.20000
TukwilaPark Improvement and Immigrant Inclusion Project (Congolese Basketball Team)Improved Crystal Spring Park with cleanup days, new basketball and tennis nets, and a court redesign. Built community inclusion through park updates.20000
Expanding Environmental Justice Education and Service Learning (Summer Search)Expanded environmental justice education and service-learning for high school students, including outdoor adventures and community service. Built leadership skills and understanding of environmental and social equity.20000
BurienSouth KC Community Stewardship Project (Puget Soundkeeper Alliance)Supported immigrant and refugee families through debris cleanups on kayak patrols and water quality monitoring. Developed youth leadership across multiple cities.2726
Federal WaySouth KC Community Stewardship Project (Puget Soundkeeper Alliance)Supported immigrant and refugee families through debris cleanups on kayak patrols and water quality monitoring. Developed youth leadership across multiple cities.2726
Des MoinesSouth KC Community Stewardship Project (Puget Soundkeeper Alliance)Supported immigrant and refugee families through debris cleanups on kayak patrols and water quality monitoring. Developed youth leadership across multiple cities.2726
TukwilaSouth KC Community Stewardship Project (Puget Soundkeeper Alliance)Supported immigrant and refugee families through debris cleanups on kayak patrols and water quality monitoring. Developed youth leadership across multiple cities.2726
BurienUrban Food Gardening Education (Weed Warriors)Installed green infrastructure at New Start Community Garden, adding power and WiFi for educational events. Supported workshops and classes at New Start High School.14600
SeaTacYouth-Led Park Restoration and Community Clean-Up (Partner In Employment)Continued a paid green jobs training program for refugee and immigrant youth. Covered park restoration and maintenance and plant identification across three cities.20000
BurienYouth-Led Park Restoration and Community Clean-Up (Partner In Employment)Continued a paid green jobs training program for refugee and immigrant youth. Covered park restoration and maintenance and plant identification across three cities.20000
TukwilaYouth-Led Park Restoration and Community Clean-Up (Partner In Employment)Continued a paid green jobs training program for refugee and immigrant youth. Covered park restoration and maintenance and plant identification across three cities.20000
BurienA New Beginning: Revitalizing Arbor Lake Park (Amigos Latinos de Burien)Restored and promoted access to Arbor Lake Park to encourage healthy recreation. Engaged community members through on-site activities.19850
BurienFostering Stewardship for Nearshore Habitat (Environmental Science Center)Served Highline K–3 students with nearshore habitat and stewardship classes at Seahurst Park or virtually. Continued ESC’s longstanding environmental education work.60000
BurienSignal Box Wraps on Des Moines Memorial Drive (Des Moines Memorial Drive Preservation Association)Installed signal box wraps at fourteen intersections along the Living Road of Remembrance. Formed an art committee to create historic renderings and engage local artists.2667
Des MoinesSignal Box Wraps on Des Moines Memorial Drive (Des Moines Memorial Drive Preservation Association)Installed signal box wraps at fourteen intersections along the Living Road of Remembrance. Formed an art committee to create historic renderings and engage local artists.2667
SeaTacSignal Box Wraps on Des Moines Memorial Drive (Des Moines Memorial Drive Preservation Association)Installed signal box wraps at fourteen intersections along the Living Road of Remembrance. Formed an art committee to create historic renderings and engage local artists.2667
Federal WayFederal Way Korean Garden (Federal Way Korean American Association)Constructed the Hanwoori Korean Garden to support community enjoyment and cultural preservation. Promoted intergenerational teaching in a new public space.60000
Normandy ParkMarine View Park Forest Restoration (Friends of Normandy Park)Restored 20,000 square feet of forest by removing invasives, enriching soil, and increasing plant diversity. Helped mitigate stormwater runoff and improve air quality.15682
Des MoinesSaltwater State Park Habitat Enhancement, Community Engagement, and Education (Friends of Saltwater State Park)Held monthly work parties to restore habitat, install natives, and monitor water quality at McSorely Creek estuary. Built community stewardship at Saltwater State Park.3310
TukwilaEngaging and Empowering Bhutanese Community to Local Public Spaces (Bhutanese Community Resource Center)Educated youth and seniors about native plants, planting techniques, and composting to reduce waste. Continued prior program work in Tukwila public spaces.16000
TukwilaYouth Stewardship Project (The Service Board)Implemented long-term stewardship with native plantings at Duwamish Hill Preserve for BIPOC and low-income youth. Combined public space improvement, stewardship, and education.60000
BurienBike Rodeo (Toros Cycling Club)Built a permanent bicycle skills area and safety signage at the Burien Community Center. Hosted classes for Latino community members to promote bicycle safety and active lifestyles.19184
BurienOff-grid solar system project (Key Tech Labs)Implemented phase two of an off-grid solar system at New Start Community Garden to power events and expand production. Partnered with youth and solar experts to build STEM skills and community capacity.20000
BurienArt for New Start Community Garden Fence (New Start Community Garden)Installed a new patio garden and interpretive sign and offered free public classes. Added a new tool shed to store tools and solar components for community events.20000
Des MoinesStewardship of Marine Environment through Beachside Outreach and Clean-up Events (SR³)Engaged the public through annual beach cleanups at Des Moines Beach and a Marine Mammal Stewards program. Educated beachgoers about marine wildlife and inspired local stewardship.22384
------------
TOTAL1082535
Burien520006.7348347
Des Moines330002.7390087
Federal Way1000001.71170578
Normandy Park65006.9445130
SeaTac340003.87131667
Tukwila2140012.51267726

City Grants

Grants to local governments are funded from the tax levy and same pool, but managed separately.

YearCityDescriptionAmountPrgMatchRefsStatus
2016BurienTourism/wayfinding planning and marketing to support local businesses and community identity.48810EDPM50/25S1OK
2016CovingtonWebsite redesign and business support collateral.18520EDPM50/25S1OK
2016Des MoinesPre‑design feasibility for a multi‑use facility at the Marina; market demand and parking studies for Marina/downtown as destination.30100EDPM50/25S1OK
2016Federal WayMarketing, business recruitment, tourism promotion/wayfinding.65000EDPM50/25S1OK
2016KentPer‑capita allocation at the program cap; city economic development initiatives.65000EDPM50/25S1OK
2016Normandy ParkHighline College SBDC trainings; launched EDC 'buy local' outreach.6420EDPM50/25S1OK
2016SeaTacWebsite enhancements and economic development content updates.27650EDPM50/25S1OK
2016TukwilaMarketing and business recruitment including buy‑local promotion.19300EDPM50/25S1OK
2017Burien2017–2018 cycle: POS funds allocated (per‑city table).50000EDPM50/25S2OK
2017Covington2017–2018 cycle: POS funds allocated (per‑city table).16000EDPM50/25S2OK
2017Des Moines2017–2018 cycle: POS funds allocated (per‑city table).30800EDPM50/25S2OK
2017Federal Way2017–2018 cycle: POS funds allocated (per‑city table).65000EDPM50/25S2OK
2017Kent2017–2018 cycle: POS funds allocated (per‑city table).65000EDPM50/25S2OK
2017Normandy Park2017–2018 cycle: POS funds allocated (per‑city table).6420EDPM50/25S2OK
2017SeaTac2017–2018 cycle: POS funds allocated (per‑city table).EDPM50/25N1, S2MIA
2017Tukwila2017–2018 cycle: POS funds allocated (per‑city table).EDPM50/25N1, S2MIA
2018Burien2017–2018 cycle: POS funds allocated (per‑city table).50000EDPM50/25S2OK
2018Covington2017–2018 cycle: POS funds allocated (per‑city table).16000EDPM50/25S2OK
2018Des Moines2017–2018 cycle: POS funds allocated (per‑city table).30800EDPM50/25S2OK
2018Federal Way2017–2018 cycle: POS funds allocated (per‑city table).65000EDPM50/25S2OK
2018Kent2017–2018 cycle: POS funds allocated (per‑city table).65000EDPM50/25S2OK
2018Normandy Park2017–2018 cycle: POS funds allocated (per‑city table).6420EDPM50/25S2OK
2018SeaTacEDP 2017–2018 allocation (SeaTac).27810EDPM50/25N2, S3OK
2018TukwilaEDP 2017–2018 allocation (Tukwila).19540EDPM50/25N2, S3OK
2019BurienEDP annual cycle authorized; per-city amounts executed in contracts.EDPM50/25N3, S4MIA
2019CovingtonEDP annual cycle authorized; per-city amounts executed in contracts.EDPM50/25N3, S4MIA
2019Des MoinesEDP annual cycle authorized; per-city amounts executed in contracts.EDPM50/25N3, S4MIA
2019Federal WayEDP annual cycle authorized; per-city amounts executed in contracts.EDPM50/25N3, S4MIA
2019KentEDP annual cycle authorized; per-city amounts executed in contracts.EDPM50/25N3, S4MIA
2019Normandy ParkEDP annual cycle authorized; per-city amounts executed in contracts.EDPM50/25N3, S4MIA
2019SeaTacEDP annual cycle authorized; per-city amounts executed in contracts.EDPM50/25N3, S4MIA
2019TukwilaEDP annual cycle authorized; per-city amounts executed in contracts.EDPM50/25N3, S4MIA
2020BurienEDP 2020 cycle authorized; COVID reprogramming briefing mid‑year.EDPM50/25N4, S5,S6MIA
2020CovingtonEDP 2020 cycle authorized; COVID reprogramming briefing mid‑year.EDPM50/25N4, S5,S6MIA
2020Des MoinesEDP 2020 cycle authorized; COVID reprogramming briefing mid‑year.EDPM50/25N4, S5,S6MIA
2020Federal WayEDP 2020 cycle authorized; COVID reprogramming briefing mid‑year.EDPM50/25N4, S5,S6MIA
2020KentEDP 2020 cycle authorized; COVID reprogramming briefing mid‑year.EDPM50/25N4, S5,S6MIA
2020Normandy ParkEDP 2020 cycle authorized; COVID reprogramming briefing mid‑year.EDPM50/25N4, S5,S6MIA
2020SeaTacEDP 2020 cycle authorized; COVID reprogramming briefing mid‑year.EDPM50/25N4, S5,S6MIA
2020TukwilaEDP 2020 cycle authorized; COVID reprogramming briefing mid‑year.EDPM50/25N4, S5,S6MIA
2021BurienDigital Main Street and 'Rebuilding Mainstreet' media; Eat Streets features; regional buy‑local.23880EDPM50/25S7OK
2021CovingtonEATS restaurant support; citywide shop local marketing.20000EDPM50/25S7OK
2021Des MoinesCentralized tourism/economic development website and drone video (marinasteps.com).32260EDPM50/25S7OK
2021Federal WayTech Hub Action Plan; WSU partnership for off‑season tourism; small business support.60000EDPM50/25S7OK
2021KentDirect outreach/technical support; immigrant/refugee business navigation; capital access.60000EDPM50/25S7OK
2021Normandy ParkSmall Business Survey; referrals to Highline College SBDC and Seattle Southside Chamber.3300EDPM50/25S7OK
2021SeaTacBusiness survey and outreach focused on hospitality/airport‑related businesses during COVID‑19.20589EDPM50/25S7OK
2021TukwilaDigital training/consulting for 10 businesses; content creation for Experience Tukwila.4000EDPM50/25S7OK
2022BurienEDP two‑year cycle (2022–2023) authorized.EDPM50/25N5, S8MIA
2022CovingtonEDP two‑year cycle (2022–2023) authorized.EDPM50/25N5, S8MIA
2022Des MoinesEDP two‑year cycle (2022–2023) authorized.EDPM50/25N5, S8MIA
2022Federal WayEDP two‑year cycle (2022–2023) authorized.EDPM50/25N5, S8MIA
2022KentEDP two‑year cycle (2022–2023) authorized.EDPM50/25N5, S8MIA
2022Normandy ParkEDP two‑year cycle (2022–2023) authorized.EDPM50/25N5, S8MIA
2022SeaTacEDP two‑year cycle (2022–2023) authorized.EDPM50/25N5, S8MIA
2022TukwilaEDP two‑year cycle (2022–2023) authorized.EDPM50/25N5, S8MIA
2023BurienEDP two‑year grant cycle (2022–2023).EDPM50/25N6, S8,S9MIA
2023CovingtonEDP two‑year grant cycle (2022–2023).EDPM50/25N6, S8,S9MIA
2023Des MoinesEDP two‑year grant cycle (2022–2023).EDPM50/25N6, S8,S9MIA
2023Federal WayEDP two‑year grant cycle (2022–2023).EDPM50/25N6, S8,S9MIA
2023KentEDP two‑year grant cycle (2022–2023).EDPM50/25N6, S8,S9MIA
2023Normandy ParkEDP two‑year grant cycle (2022–2023).EDPM50/25N6, S8,S9MIA
2023SeaTacEDP two‑year grant cycle (2022–2023).EDPM50/25N6, S8,S9MIA
2023TukwilaEDP two‑year grant cycle (2022–2023).EDPM50/25N6, S8,S9MIA
2024BurienEDP 2024 cycle authorized; per-city amount to be captured from memo/deck or city agreement.EDPM50/25N7, S10MIA
2024CovingtonGreen River College SBDC 1:1 assistance; small business counseling (per memo).13333EDPM50/25S10OK
2024Des MoinesEDP 2024 city award.66200EDPM50/25N8, S11OK
2024Federal WayEDP 2024 cycle authorized; per-city amount to be captured from memo/deck or city agreement.EDPM50/25N7, S10MIA
2024KentEDP 2024 cycle authorized; per-city amount to be captured from memo/deck or city agreement.EDPM50/25N7, S10MIA
2024Normandy ParkEDP 2024 cycle authorized; per-city amount to be captured from memo/deck or city agreement.EDPM50/25N7, S10MIA
2024SeaTacEDP 2024 cycle authorized; per-city amount to be captured from memo/deck or city agreement.EDPM50/25N7, S10MIA
2024TukwilaEDP 2024 city award.44000EDPM50/25N8, S11OK
1142152

South King County Port Fund Grants

With the new program, $2.7 million in grants were awarded to the following organizations.

YearOrganizationHeadquarters AddressProgram Area (City/County/Region)SummaryAmount
2025African Community Housing and Development16256 Military Rd S, Suite 206, SeaTac, WA 98188Year-round career navigation and workforce preparation for adults in port-related industries including aviation and logistics.
2025Boys and Girls Club of King CountyAdministrative HQ: Bellevue, WA (countywide organization)Youth (ages 16–24) workforce development with pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship pathways in construction trades.
2025CARES of Washington1833 N 105th St, Suite 201, Seattle, WA 98133Career advancement and support services leading to pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship placement in construction trades.
2025Latino Civic Alliance14031 Ambaum Blvd SW, Burien, WA 98146South King County cities (living or working)Career preparation and readiness for port-related industries through cohort-based and navigation programs.
2025Orion Industries1590 A St NE, Auburn, WA 98002Paid transitional employment and training in aerospace manufacturing and aviation-related careers.
2025Progress House AssociationProgram-based at Cleveland High School, Seattle, WA (no separate HQ address publicly listed)Beacon Hill (Seattle)Skilled-trades exposure, training, and certification programs for BIPOC youth connected to Cleveland High School.
2025Success Foundation + Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce16500 Southcenter Pkwy, Suite 200, Tukwila, WA 98188Burien, Des Moines, SeaTac, Tukwila, Normandy ParkWorkforce Discovery Lab providing high-school students exposure to multiple port-related industries and career pathways.
2025Serve Ethiopians19550 International Blvd, Suite 106, SeaTac, WA 98188Dual-track workforce programs focused on aviation careers and green jobs, including youth environmental career pathways.
2025Washington Maritime Blue1900 W Nickerson St, Suite 301, Seattle, WA 98119Paid internship cohort program preparing participants for maritime industry careers.
2025World Relief23835 Pacific Hwy S, Suite C-106, Kent, WA 98032Career preparation and workforce access programs in aviation for newly arrived residents and refugee communities.
SKPCF-eligible communities (Port service area) = workers or residents in the near-airport cities Burien, Des Moines, Federal Way, Normandy Park, SeaTac, and Tukwila, plus Port-designated Equity Index areas such as Beacon Hill, Duwamish Valley, and Rainier Valley (Seattle and South King County tracts identified by the Port of Seattle).

Footnotes

Match Requirements

  • M50/25: 50% city match (up to 25% in‑kind allowed)

Notes

  • N1: Amount not legible in extract; see source PDF appendix.
  • N2: From Exhibit 2 – Awarded and Expended Funds by City.
  • N3: Per-city table not included in authorization memo; requires contract records or city packets.
  • N4: Per-city amounts appear in individual city agreements/packets; not summarized in one table.
  • N5: Per-city amounts not listed in one public table; executed by contract/ILA.
  • N6: Per‑city awards executed by contract; public docs show cycle totals, not a single per‑city dollar table.
  • N7: Placeholder added to track completion for SKC cities.
  • N8: From 2/13/2024 EDP memo – city project descriptions list.

Sources

V V