The City of Kent offers grant funding to organizations delivering direct human services in the community. The funding is allocated from the General Fund budget and includes a portion of the federal government's Community Development Block Grant. The grants are awarded through a competitive process, and funds are dispersed quarterly over a two-year period. Non-profit agencies serving Kent residents are eligible to apply.

To be eligible for funding, agencies must meet certain criteria, including submitting a complete application, demonstrating that the program serves City of Kent residents, accepting reimbursement for funds, regularly tracking and submitting required reports, and being current with licensing requirements. The Human Services Commission reviews applications and makes recommendations for funding based on the 2020-2025 Human Services Strategic Plan.

The funding priorities include goals such as ensuring children are healthy and ready to start school, promoting healthy aging, enhancing individual and community well-being, and providing pathways to stable housing. Existing programs as well as new programs can be funded. Organizations funded by the city are required to submit quarterly performance reports and annual demographics and outcomes reports.

The total funding available for each grant cycle is announced when grants are released, and there is no minimum or maximum amount that can be awarded. Funding can cover various aspects of a program but typically does not fully fund it, so organizations are encouraged to seek additional sources of funding. The City of Kent does not fund capital projects.

Applications for the human services funding cycle open in the spring of even years (e.g., 2024) through the Share1 app. Additional information regarding funding priorities will be posted in early 2024. New applicants are advised to contact city staff before starting an application.

For more information or assistance with the application process, organizations can contact Lori Guilfoyle at the City of Kent. A list of organizations funded in previous cycles is provided as an example of who has received grants from the City of Kent for human services programs.