SVP Seattle’s signature program supporting small, BIPOC-led nonprofits
GrowFundMe is a six-month learning cohort where nonprofit leaders build fundraising and storytelling skills alongside SVP Partners and community volunteers who contribute their time, talent, and connections. The program culminates in a public Stories of Impact Showcase that brings nonprofits together with 100–150 community and business leaders, where pooled funds are distributed equally among cohort organizations.
Program Highlights
- 6–8 BIPOC-led nonprofits (typically with annual budgets under $500K)
- 12–20 SVP Partners & volunteers engaged as thought partners and reviewers
- Six-month cohort (Jan–Jun 2026)
- Culminates in the Stories of Impact Showcase celebrating community innovation, where all proceeds are shared equally between participating nonprofits
Why GrowFundMe?
Across King County, small, BIPOC-led nonprofits are tackling urgent challenges but receive only a fraction of available funding and visibility. GrowFundMe invests in capacity, connection, and collective learning by:
- Strengthening fundraising and storytelling
- Expanding networks between nonprofits, funders, and allies
- Modeling equity-centered philanthropy
- Mobilizing new funding for grassroots organizations
What the Six Months Look Like
- Kickoff & Goal Setting (January): Trust-building, introductions, and fundraising fundamentals
- Workshops (Feb–Apr): Fundraising, case-making, and storytelling with expert instructors
- Thought Partnership: Monthly check-ins between nonprofits and SVP Partners/volunteers
- Showcase Prep (May): Presentation coaching and practice
- Stories of Impact Showcase (June): Nonprofits present to 100–150 community and business leaders; pooled funds distributed equally
2026 Goals
- Direct $25,000 – $50,000 in new funding to small, BIPOC-led nonprofits
- Engage 20+ SVP Partners and community volunteers in equity-centered giving
- Build a network of changemakers advancing justice and sustainability across King County
Meet the Inaugural GrowFundMe Cohort
Over the next six months, these eight community-rooted organizations will work alongside SVP Partners to strengthen their fundraising and storytelling capacity:
- I AM M3 — Empowering BIPOC girls and young women in Kent to rise in confidence and purpose while working to end youth homelessness.
- Celebrating Roots — Providing holistic, culturally grounded youth and family support for immigrant and refugee communities in South Seattle (Rainier Vista).
- Al Bait Al Sudani in Washington — Supporting the Sudanese community in the Greater Seattle area with culturally responsive services and community connection, especially for newly arrived families.
- Nosotros En Naturaleza — Removing barriers so Latinx and BIPOC young adults can access outdoor experiences that build belonging, wellness, and community.
- Unity Collective — Centering collective healing by developing BIPOC therapists and offering counseling, trainings, and community programs at the intersection of spirituality, race, and mental health.
- King County Play Equity Coalition — A countywide network shifting systems and power so youth furthest from play equity have greater access to physical activity and healthy development.
- Adoptee Mentoring Society — Building connection and community through virtual mentorship for adoptees, by adoptees.
- City Fruit — Harvesting and stewarding Seattle’s urban fruit trees to expand sustainable and equitable access to fruit through community partnerships.
Interested in Volunteering?
Share your skills in fundraising, communications, storytelling, design, or org development. Typical time: 2–3 hours/month.
Sponsor the Change
Sponsors underwrite cohort workshops, coaching, and the Stories of Impact Showcase—and can engage employees as skilled volunteers.
- Recognition in GrowFundMe materials and events
- Opportunities to connect with cohort leaders
- Invitations to the Showcase and learning sessions
Questions?
Gillia Bakie, Senior Advisor, Development — gilliab@svpseattle.org
SVP Seattle — info@svpseattle.org