King County’s Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) is excited to announce a new funding opportunity to support rural, community-driven behavioral health services in unincorporated areas of King County.  

The Behavioral Health Services in Rural King County Request for Proposals (RFP) is now open, with applications due by Friday, August 22, 2025, at 2:00 PM (PST). The RFP seeks to fund organizations located in King County’s rural Community Service Areas (CSA). Eligible applicants must provide mental health or substance use services, including but not limited to prevention, treatment, recovery support, peer-based services, and care coordination with a goal of reducing geographic barriers to care. Funding comes from King County’s local MIDD behavioral health sales tax.

 Applicants are invited to submit a proposal in response to one of the following options: 

  • Option 1: Behavioral Health Services in Rural King County: (Up to $1,720,000 is available for the full investment period, from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027, to support prevention, recovery support, peer-based services, and care coordination). 
  • Option 2: Mobile Behavioral Health Services in Rural King County: (Up to $400,000 is available for the investment period, from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027, to support mobile van services). 

Funded programs should increase access to publicly funded behavioral health services for rural residents through community-informed, and culturally responsive approaches. 

For more information and to apply now, see the full RFP here.  

About the Behavioral Health Services in Rural King County Grants 

The Behavioral Health Services in Rural King County grants are part of King County’s ongoing commitment to equitable development and inclusive community access to behavioral heath care. This RFP seeks proposals from organizations serving rural unincorporated areas of King County. Applicants must acknowledge that, to be eligible for funding under this RFP, all proposed services must be delivered entirely within these defined rural CSA boundaries including but not limited to: 

  • Bear Creek/Sammamish 
  • Snoqualmie Valley/Northeast King County 
  • Four Creeks/Tiger Mountain 
  • Greater Maple Valley/Cedar River 
  • Southeast King County 
  • Vashon/Maury Island 

This also includes the adjoining cities and towns including Skykomish, Duvall, Carnation, Snoqualmie, North Bend, Covington, Maple Valley, Black Diamond, and Enumclaw.  

Who Should Apply? 

We welcome proposals from nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations, Community-Based Organizations, Tribes and Tribal organizations, and public or governmental agencies serving communities within rural King County. Small nonprofits and grassroots organizations are especially encouraged to apply.  

RFP Timeline 

Final day to submit questions via Zoomgrants: August 15 

Proposal due: August 22, by 2:00 p.m. 

Responses reviewed: September 2025 

Interviews with applicants: September 2025 

Notification of selected and non-selected applicants: October 2025 

Anticipated contract start date: January 1, 2026 

How to Apply 

Applications must be submitted through ZoomGrants. The platform allows you to save your progress, upload documents, and communicate directly with the grant team. 

Questions? 

Please contact Nikki Nguyen, RFP Lead, at nnguyen@kingcounty.gov. 

Why Rural Communities Need Better Access to Behavioral Health Care 

People living in rural parts of King County often have a harder time getting the mental health and substance use care they need. Compared to people living in cities, rural residents use these services less—even though they face just as many challenges. 

Based on what we’ve heard from rural communities and national research, here are some of the reasons why: 

  • There aren’t enough nearby programs in rural areas. 
  • It’s hard to get to services in cities—especially without reliable transportation. 
  • Traveling takes time and money, and many people don’t have childcare or someone to care for loved ones while they’re away. 
  • In small, close-knit towns, people may worry about being judged for seeking help. 
  • Some groups—like youth, LGBTQIA+ people, immigrants, and refugees—feel even more isolated and struggle to find services that understand their culture and needs. 

In 2021, King County’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Division (BHRD) asked rural residents to share their thoughts. Over 700 people responded to surveys and joined listening sessions. We also looked at national research and local service data. Here’s what we learned: 

  • Rural communities want services that are easy to reach, respectful of different cultures, and built around the needs of the community. 
  • Young adults in rural areas have high mental health needs, but face big barriers like cost, long waitlists, and not knowing where to go. 
  • Many people prefer a mix of in-person and online (telehealth) care. 

Since then, we’ve kept talking with rural partners and community groups. Their feedback continues to shape our work. Based on what we’ve heard, here are the top priorities for future funding: 

What Rural Communities Say They Need 

  • Local care: Bring mental health and substance use services to rural areas so people don’t have to travel far. 
  • Community-led support: Fund programs that help people feel less alone—like peer support groups and social connection activities. 
  • Support for youth and diverse communities: Create programs that help young people, people who speak languages other than English, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) thrive. 
  • Strengthened collaboration: Help health care, social services, and community groups work together so people can find the help they need more easily. 
  • Outreach and education: Make sure rural residents know what services are available and how to get them. 
  • Transportation help: Fund creative ways to help people get to appointments and reduce missed visits.