The Port of Seattle’s South King County Community Impact Fund (SKCCIF) Economic Opportunities for Communities (EOC) Program is now accepting applications from community-based organizations to increase economic opportunities in historically underrepresented communities that surround Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and South King County, extending up to Beacon Hill and the Duwamish Valley.
A total of $2 million is available in this cycle. Organizations can apply for up to $115,000 for a single year of funding and $100,000 to $275,000 for multiyear (up to 3 years) funding. The application period is open through April 10, 2025. Community-based organizations with a 501(c)3, 501(c)6 or fiscal sponsor with 501(c)3 or 501(c)6 are eligible to apply.
Evolution of the Economic Opportunities for Communities Program
The Economic Opportunities for Communities (EOC) Program, formerly the Economic Recovery Program, connects underrepresented communities in South King County to opportunities for living wage jobs and careers in Port-related industries. Funding supports community-led career-prep programs and services that create awareness and access for the next generation of professionals to enter the workforce in aviation, construction trades, green jobs, and maritime.
“This opportunity creates access to Port funds for communities facing environmental and economic disparities, many of whom have never received funding support from us before,” said Port of Seattle Commission President Toshiko Hasegawa. “$14 million is an unprecedented direct investment into communities closest to the issues and leading on solutions.”
In 2020, the Economic Recovery Program was established to help communities recover from the devastating economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2025, through community listening sessions, partner feedback, and utilization of the Equity Index, the Economic Recovery Program evolved into the EOC Program, refocusing funds to advance economic opportunity instead of recovery.
“This $2 million program represents our ongoing commitment to expanding pathways to good-paying, family-supporting jobs,” said Port of Seattle Commissioner Hamdi Mohamed. “By expanding our program to include additional historically underrepresented neighborhoods in South King County, the Duwamish Valley, and Beacon Hill, we’re ensuring that every community has access to training and career preparation in growing sectors like aviation, maritime, construction, and the green economy. We’re moving beyond short-term recovery to long-term opportunity — creating a more resilient region built on an inclusive workforce.”
Other changes with the 2025-2029 funding cycles include:
- Expanding the geographic region to include areas of South King County, Duwamish Valley, and Beacon Hill that the Port of Seattle’s Equity Index identifies as having disparities
- Continuing to prioritize the Port’s commitment to the six near-airport cities and identifying how applications for projects in those cities will receive priority status
Connections to port-related industries
With ties to all of Washington’s key economic sectors and connections to more than 500 employers operating at its facilities, the Port is uniquely positioned to create pathways to well-paying jobs that benefit communities most impacted by Port operations. Workforce development investments are critical as many port-related industries are experiencing staffing shortfalls. Community-led career-prep programs will help participants acquire the exposure, skills, experience, and training needed to secure increasingly complex and family-wage jobs in these industries.
“ConstructDiversity is making significant strides in transforming the construction industry landscape. Our program is not just opening doors; it’s building bridges to sustainable careers for underrepresented youth in South King County,” said ConstructDiversity Vice Chair and board member Rodell Razor. “By providing equitable access, mentorship, and hands-on experience, we’re seeing tangible results in increased diversity within construction and related fields. The impact extends beyond individual success stories – we’re fostering a more inclusive industry culture that benefits companies, communities, and the broader economy. As we continue to grow, we’re not just changing lives; we’re reshaping the future of construction.”
2025 application process
Do you have a project with outcomes related to workforce development and career prep in port-related industries? Does your organization also have experience and trust working with members of historically underrepresented communities?
Visit the EOC web page to:
- Take the SKCCIF EOC Self-Assessment to determine whether your organization and project proposal are the right match for this funding
- Learn more about the application process, proposal materials, and previously awarded projects
- Apply for Economic Opportunities for Communities Funding
- Sign up for email updates
About the South King County Community Impact Fund (SKCCIF)
The Port established the SKCCIF in 2019 to develop equity-based partnerships and provide resources and support to historically underserved, ethnically, and culturally diverse near-airport communities. From 2020 to 2024, the SKCCIF launched four cycles of the Economic Recovery (now Economic Opportunities for Communities) and Environmental Grants (now the Environmental Improvement) programs to fund community-led projects that create pathways to training and well-paying jobs, and fund environmental improvements. Since the fund’s inception, more than 50 organizations have received a total of $9.25 million, funding over 80 projects.
In 2024, the Port of Seattle Commission reauthorized $14 million to continue SKCCIF community-led projects that advance equity, environmental improvements, and access to jobs and careers in in port-related industries. The SKCCIF has strengthened the Port’s relationships with key community members and organizations serving those communities.
Contact
Kassie McKnight-Xi | Aviation Communications and Marketing Manager
mcknight-xi.k@portseattle.org