SKCCIF Economic Opportunities for Communities Program

The South King and Port Communities Fund Economic Opportunities for Communities (SKPCF EOC) program is an initiative of the Port of Seattle designed to create equitable access to family-wage career opportunities in industries directly tied to the Port's operations. The program evolved from the earlier South King County Community Impact Fund (SKCCIF), established during the COVID-19 economic recovery efforts, and now continues with a focused mission to advance economic mobility in underrepresented communities. The 2026 grant cycle under the EOC's Partnership Track seeks to fund programs that prepare individuals for careers in aviation, construction trades, green jobs, and maritime—industries known for above-average regional wages and long-term economic viability. The program provides approximately $2 million in total funding for the 2026 cycle. Applicants can request up to $115,000 for single-year programs or between $100,000 and $275,000 for multi-year projects spanning up to three years. Funding is reserved for community-based organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) status, or those utilizing a fiscal sponsor with such designation. Eligible programs must be based in and serve South King County communities, including areas extending north to the Duwamish Valley and Beacon Hill, and must be community-led initiatives that offer meaningful access to Port-related career opportunities. The EOC Partnership Track is suited for organizations with at least one year of demonstrated workforce experience in the relevant industries. Funded programs may include career navigation, experiential learning, retention-focused efforts, or workforce training initiatives that directly connect community members to the aviation, maritime, construction, or green energy sectors. A separate Capacity Building Track for organizations new to Port-related industries is expected to launch in summer 2026. Applications for the 2026 EOC Partnership Track are accepted from March 9, 2026, through April 20, 2026, at 3:00 PM. All submissions must be completed through the VendorConnect portal, which requires registration to access application materials, RSVP for information sessions, or ask questions. A formal question cut-off deadline is set for April 13, 2026, at 3:00 PM. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend informational RFP sessions, which will explain proposal requirements, timelines, and evaluation criteria. The evaluation process will consider applicants' alignment with the Port’s goals of equity, community engagement, and sector relevance. Proposals should reflect a deep understanding of the needs of local residents and present a clear plan to help them gain access to and succeed in Port-related careers. Programs are expected to be rooted in the communities they serve and demonstrate both readiness and effectiveness in delivering career-preparation services. For further information, applicants may contact Nicole Chu of the Port of Seattle’s Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion department at [email protected] or 206-787-4548. General inquiries may also be sent to the broader team at [email protected]. The program is part of the Port’s broader commitment to community investment and workforce development, leveraging its economic position and partnerships with more than 500 employers to connect residents to sustainable and meaningful employment opportunities.

Align proposals with equity goals and sector focus; show workforce readiness experience.