You can download an editable version of the RFP application here:
You can access the slideshow presentation from the April 14 information sessions here:
OIRA is tracking all questions submitted to us about this RFP. This is the current list of questions and answers related to the 2026 Rapid Response Small Community Grants. We will update this list as we receive additional questions.
Through deep community listening sessions, OIRA and the City of Seattle have heard clearly that the mosaic of organizations and players supporting immigrants has expanded as needs have risen, while policy changes have plunged community members into limbo in their day to day lives.
As part of the office’s new $4 million funding, OIRA will be opening up RFPs for small community grants, aimed to help grassroots groups provide community aid, rapid response services, and address gaps in basic needs from volatile policy changes for immigrants.
Two-hundred and eighty thousand ($280,000) of this funding is being dedicated to small community grants. OIRA is seeking to enter into one-time contracts with community groups and organizations to provide community aid for basic needs, Know Your Rights (KYR) presentations/community information sessions, family safety planning; offering resources, education, and tools to empower communities in Seattle.
This funding intends to provide accessible funding to community-based organizations and neighborhood-specific groups to address service gaps and respond to the challenges imposed by the current and emerging increased immigration enforcement and federal policy changes for multiple Seattle-area communities, including neighborhood-specific groups, community members who live or work locally, and families with children in Seattle schools.
About this Opportunity
The successful applicants shall be responsible for developing a proposal designed to address an urgent need for their community as they prepare for increased enforcement and/or support community members who have been impacted by immigration enforcement and federal immigration policy changes.
Specifically, grantees are expected to fulfill one or more of the following activities:
Community Aid for Basic Needs: Groups assisting community members impacted by immigration enforcement and/or federal immigration policy changes with accessing basic needs, resources, and paying for fees.
Know-Your-Rights Training or Community Education Event: Host and deliver education on topics that are relevant and timely to immigrant communities in Seattle.
Immigrant Family Safety Planning: Assistance with creating plans for care of children or dependents and legal preparations in case of detention or deportation.
Funding Details
- Total Funds Available: Up to $280,000.
- Awards: Each application may be awarded up to $10,000. Funding decisions may be for no award, partial, or full request amount.
- Application Deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis, with funding decisions announced within six-weeks of application submission, for as long as budget is available or until funds are exhausted.
- Contract Period: All funded activities must occur within the calendar year 2026.
Who Should Apply?
We strongly encourage non-legal informal groups or ad hoc coalitions, neighborhood groups, and community-led organizations most impacted by federal immigration policy changes to apply. We will support a variety of unique and creative projects that occur within Seattle city limits.
Eligible applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications:
- Be a nonprofit organization with a 501(c)(3) status OR have a fiscal sponsor with a 501(c)(3) status.
- Organizations must show that they are significantly composed of and/or would significantly benefit the Seattle community.
Applicants can receive funding from OIRA or other City of Seattle departments and still be eligible for these funds. However, priority will be given to projects/programs that do not have other sources of funding for this specific project with this timeline. Note: any applications submitted to OIRA are subject to public disclosure.
Focus Audience
Projects must support community members who live, work, go to school, or own businesses in Seattle or individuals who have been detained or are subject to legal removal proceedings in Seattle. Priority will be given to immigrant groups whose status is impacted by recent changes in immigration laws, policies, or practices. Event eligible attendees can also include service providers who serve Seattle residents.
Submission Instructions
Applications must be received in PDF format via email to OIR_SmallGrants@seattle.gov.
A complete RFP application must include the following:
- Proposal cover sheet.
- Proof of your organization or fiscal sponsor’s IRS 501(c)3 letter.
- Proposal narrative (maximum 2 pages).
- A budget.
Applicants can send questions regarding the application process, interpretation/translation/ accessibility support, or request to schedule a one-on-one meeting with a Program Manager by emailing OIR_SmallGrants@seattle.gov or calling (206) 727-8515. OIRA staff are available to meet outside of regular business hours and weekends with advance scheduling.
Note that all applications and emails submitted to OIRA are subject to public disclosure. To learn more please see Chapter 42.56 RCW and the City’s Privacy Statement.
Helpful tools for your Application
You can download an editable version of the RFP application here:
You can access the slideshow presentation from the April 14 information sessions here:
OIRA is tracking all questions submitted to us about this RFP. This is the current list of questions and answers related to the 2026 Rapid Response Small Community Grants. We will update this list as we receive additional questions.
Previous info sessions
| Optional Q&A sessions for potential applicants (via Teams) | |
| April 14, 2026 Noon – 1 pm PST | Microsoft Teams meeting Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/25766735892354?p=Tj7rtWX7j85aC4j1sv Meeting ID: 257 667 358 923 54 Passcode: a5ev6TW3 Need help? | System reference Dial in by phone +1 206-686-8357,,927683515# United States, Seattle Find a local number Phone conference ID: 927 683 515# Join on a video conferencing device Tenant key: seattle@m.webex.com Video ID: 115 525 331 5 |
| April 14, 2026 6 – 7 PM PST | Microsoft Teams meeting Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/25506522182811?p=qpBZgvv3fYEOvqPPUr Meeting ID: 255 065 221 828 11 Passcode: Nr9E7wd2 Need help? | System reference Dial in by phone +1 206-686-8357,,773987426# United States, Seattle Find a local number Phone conference ID: 773 987 426# Join on a video conferencing device Tenant key: seattle@m.webex.com Video ID: 113 141 929 2 |
