Funding for Tenant Services

Tenant Services Grants

SDCI's Code Compliance Division is seeking proposals from organizations with experience and/or expertise in providing services to communities in Seattle. If you are currently providing relevant services, we encourage you to apply. This request for proposal supports the City’s ongoing commitment to tenant protections, focusing on renters most impacted by housing instability. A total of $2,686,015 is expected to be available in 2027, pending final approval of the City’s 2027 budget. Of this total, $200,000 will be awarded for education and outreach related to rental agreement regulation, including new protections from excessive fees and improved transparency.

Funding Priorities

Proposals should support one or more of the following goals:

right to legal counsel in eviction proceedings
eviction prevention
assist and support tenants in rental relationships
supplement and support the City’s Renting in Seattle resource for renters
increase awareness of renter protections with emphasis on Seattle’s new rental agreement regulation
connect the renting community to resources

Who Should Apply

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with experience serving Seattle tenants or focus communities. Applications must meet all City licensing and contracting requirements. Applicants may partner with a fiscal agent who meets the eligibility requirements.

Ineligible applicants are: for-profit organizations, government agencies, political groups, hospitals, new organizations, or organizations that are unable to obtain licensing and contracting requirements.

What Makes a Strong Proposal

establish partnerships with other tenant service providers to reduce duplicative and gaps in services
serve one or more goals or action areas
leverage other sources and volunteer time
strategies to serve Seattle renters and the underserved communities
provide locations and hours convenient for tenants
demonstrate measurable outcomes for evaluations

Timeline

October 26, 2026 – Funding Opportunity Released
November 3, 2026, 1 -2 PM – Information and Help Session
Location: Online Session, Email your questions and a request for the meeting link to Hoa.Mai@seattle.gov
November 18, 2026, by 3 PM – Application Deadline
December 16, 2026 – Planned Award Notification
On or near January 1, 2027 – Anticipated Contract Start Date

SDCI reserves the right to change any dates in the request for proposal timeline.