Empowering Arts and Culture in Washington State: The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation’s Community Accelerator Grant

A Legacy of Support for the Arts

For the third consecutive year, the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation is continuing its commitment to fostering creativity and cultural vibrancy across Washington state. In partnership with ArtsFund, a Seattle-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting the arts through leadership, advocacy, and grant-making, the foundation has announced a $10 million investment in the 2025 Community Accelerator Grant program. This initiative builds on the incredible success of the past two years, during which $20 million was distributed to over 900 organizations across 38 counties in Washington. The program’s goal is to provide unrestricted funding to arts and cultural organizations, allowing them the flexibility to address their most pressing needs and drive innovation in their communities.

The Power of Flexible Funding

The impact of the Community Accelerator Grant program is evident in the stories of its recipients. Organizations like Bellingham-based Children of the Setting Sun Productions, a two-time grantee, have leveraged this funding to strengthen their operations, expand their reach, and create meaningful experiences for their audiences. According to Lara Littlefield, the Allen Foundation’s executive director for partnerships and programs, “In the last two years of this program, organizations have demonstrated how flexible funding can accelerate their stability and growth.” The unrestricted nature of these grants allows organizations to use the funds where they are needed most, whether that’s upgrading equipment, hiring staff, or developing new programs. This approach not only strengthens the infrastructure of the arts and culture sector but also enriches the lives of community members through performances, exhibitions, and dialogues.

A Community-Driven Approach to Grant-Making

What sets the Community Accelerator Grant program apart is its emphasis on inclusivity and community involvement. The foundation has established a Community Advisory Panel, composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds and regions, to guide the application, outreach, and selection processes. This panel ensures that the program reflects the unique needs and priorities of communities across Washington state. By involving local stakeholders, the foundation is able to identify organizations that are making a real difference and provide them with the resources they need to thrive.

Fostering Creativity and Inclusion Across Washington

The reach of the Community Accelerator Grant program is vast, with funding supporting organizations in rural areas, urban centers, and everything in between. Since its inception in 2023, the program has impacted every corner of Washington, from small community theaters to large cultural institutions. This breadth of support underscores the foundation’s belief in the transformative power of arts and culture. By investing in these organizations, the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation is helping to create a more vibrant, inclusive, and connected state where everyone can participate in and benefit from creative experiences.

ArtsFund: A Partner in Amplifying Impact

The success of the Community Accelerator Grant program is made possible through the foundation’s partnership with ArtsFund, a nonprofit that has been a cornerstone of Washington’s arts ecosystem for decades. ArtsFund’s expertise in grant-making, combined with its deep understanding of the state’s cultural landscape, has been instrumental in identifying organizations that are poised to make a meaningful impact. Together, the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation and ArtsFund are working to ensure that arts and cultural organizations have the resources they need to not only survive but flourish.

A Vision for the Future of Arts and Culture

The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation’s investment in the Community Accelerator Grant program is more than just a financial commitment—it’s a testament to the enduring value of arts and culture in shaping communities. Founded in 1988 by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul G. Allen and his sister, Jody Allen, the foundation has long been dedicated to supporting initiatives that drive innovation, advance scientific discovery, and enrich cultural life. Through this program, the foundation is ensuring that the arts remain a vital part of Washington’s identity, inspiring future generations and fostering a sense of connection and belonging. As the program continues to grow, it serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that philanthropy can have when it is grounded in collaboration, equity, and a shared vision for a brighter future.