Capacity-Building Program
A pilot program that offers skills, tools, guidance, and early funding to support projects focused on repair, reuse, composting, and keeping materials in use in King County. The program is designed to make it easier for more people to access and participate in what’s known as the circular economy.
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Application Period: Closed
In partnership with:
What is this new program?
The NextCycle Washington Capacity-Building Program, sponsored by Communities of Opportunity, is a pilot that supports people working on new or early-stage projects in King County—especially projects led by or serving communities that are often overlooked.
The program supports work related to repair, reuse, composting, reducing waste, and keeping materials in use. This kind of work is often called the circular economy.
Participants take part in a 6-week program with in-person and virtual support, practical guidance, and a peer learning space to build skills and connections.
What is the circular economy?
Watch below and learn more here
Spanish translation of video above:
¡Claro que sí! Aquí tienes la traducción:
"Ahora mismo, más del 90 por ciento de nuestros productos y envases siguen una economía lineal (0:00-0:05). Tomamos materiales y recursos naturales, fabricamos el producto o envase, usamos el artículo y luego los desechamos como residuos (0:05-0:13). Menos del 10 por ciento de los productos y envases siguen una economía circular (0:16-0:18), donde los productos y envases no se desechan al final del primer uso, sino que se recirculan en la economía para ser compartidos, reparados, reutilizados o reciclados (0:20-0:30) en nuevos productos."
Who is this program for?
This capacity-building pilot program is for people who have faced barriers to working in the circular economy or whose projects or communities haven’t always had access to circular economy opportunities or funding.
We encourage you to express interest or refer someone you know who:
is working on a project connected to the circular economy, such as repair, reuse, refurbishment, community composting, waste reduction, etc.
has a new idea or project that is still developing, in its research phase, or could use support to test the idea
is from, serves, and/or led by King County-based communities that are underserved or overburdened—including Black, Indigenous, communities of color, and low-income
What will this program offer?
The NextCycle Washington Capacity-Building Program supports participants through in-person and virtual technical assistance, supportive capacity-building, and a peer learning space.
The program supports participants in three key areas:
Real-world learning to build practical skills, confidence, and early capacity
Relationship-building with peers, mentors, and coaches who are working toward a more accessible and equitable circular economy across our region
Relevant and resonant storytelling to help participants share their work, grow community support, and connect with future funding opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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This program is more than just grant funding. Participants will be expected to participate in technical assistance, supportive capacity-building, and a peer learning space.
This is a 6 week program, with a commitment of approximately 2 hours each week. There will be one in-person session and also separate virtual meetings that are required to receive the supportive funding. -
King County-based community organizations or nonprofits, entrepreneurs with small businesses or social enterprises, and research teams that are new to the circular economy and have an idea or project in its very early stages
Community-based organizations working under a fiscal sponsor are welcome and encouraged to apply. -
This grant is intended to provide flexible early, and supportive funding, reduce the cost of participation, support diverse project needs in the earliest stages, and help participants identify which next steps they would like to take in the short term as they pursue their circular economy-focused idea or project.
There will be up to 8 projects selected for the pilot. -
Anyone who has a new, King County-based idea or project that directly or indirectly strengthens waste prevention; repair, reuse, or recycling; composting or organics management; or the creation of products from materials that would otherwise end up in the landfill.
Projects may focus on anything that is intended to keep materials in use, for longer.
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Participants will receive an upfront stipend to participate in the 6-week program, followed by a supportive funding amount of $5,000 at the end of the program. Our intention is to reduce the cost of participation for people who experience high barriers to entry and participation in circular economy programs, while also offering funding to support people who are new to the circular economy in pursuing their next steps.
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Email your questions to either address:
or