Inspire Olympia Comprehensive Funding

Inspire Olympia is a voter-approved cultural initiative from the City of Olympia, Washington, designed to broaden access to arts, science, heritage, and cultural experiences. Through strategic investment in nonprofit cultural organizations, the program seeks to lower participation barriers, especially for youth and historically underserved populations. Inspire Olympia represents a multi-year public funding effort and awards contracts for services to organizations whose programming benefits Olympia residents. These efforts aim to sustain and expand inspiring cultural opportunities throughout the city while promoting inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility in public programs. The 2026–2028 Comprehensive Funding opportunity under Inspire Olympia supports cultural programming delivered between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2028. Applications open January 5, 2026, and close March 6, 2026, at 5:00 pm. Contracts will be awarded by June 1, 2026, and organizations will finalize deliverables through contracting between May and June. Applications must be submitted online through Submittable. Funding decisions are based on how effectively applicants demonstrate public benefit and alignment with Inspire Olympia goals. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations registered in Washington State, with a business address within Olympia city limits or programming that primarily serves Olympia residents or students in the Olympia School District. Organizations must directly provide at least one cultural program annually to the general public or youth. Funding is competitive and capped at up to 20% of the organization's average annual income over the past two fiscal years, with a maximum of $85,000 per year for two years. Inspire Olympia provides unrestricted funds for expenses related to public programming such as staffing, supplies, education initiatives, ADA accommodations, and marketing. However, restrictions apply, including prohibitions on political activity, commercial work, and programs exclusive to private educational institutions. Applications are evaluated on multiple criteria, including programming value, alignment with funding goals, impact on youth education, community engagement, equity and access strategies, and organizational capacity. Applicants are required to articulate deliverables, submit work samples, outline programming strategies, and report attendance and financial histories. Funded organizations must submit biannual reports and invoices, demonstrate the completion of contracted deliverables, and adhere to insurance and legal compliance requirements. Organizations are also expected to participate in communication and learning opportunities offered by Inspire Olympia. The program emphasizes equity and access, encouraging applicants to implement inclusive strategies that address financial, geographic, and social barriers to participation. Specific focus areas include financial aid options, expanded outreach, and programs designed to reach marginalized communities. Special emphasis is placed on youth education, including general offerings and school-day programs in partnership with the Olympia School District. These efforts aim to cultivate a healthy, visible, welcoming, and inclusive cultural environment for all Olympia residents.

Ensure alignment with public benefit goals, equity strategies, and Olympia-specific service requirements; submit clear deliverables and evaluation plans.