In the aftermath of the tragic shooting at Bite of Seattle, our community continues to carry deep sorrow, grief, and concern for the lives lost, those injured, and everyone impacted by gun violence. Moments like this test our region’s resilience and demand that we look beyond short-term crisis response to address the long-standing, systemic conditions that allow violence to take root. True public safety cannot be achieved through rhetoric alone.
Seattle Foundation is putting commitment into practice by deploying $75,000 in rapid-response grants across seven community-rooted organizations. These trusted partners are leading critical on-the-ground work to interrupt cycles of violence, nurture youth development, build neighborhood safety, and foster long-term healing.
- Brothers United in Leadership Development (BUILD): BUILD works with young people to develop leadership skills, foster belonging and create pathways that reduce violence and increase opportunity.
- Highly Hated Foundation: Engages young people through mentorship, creative expression and community-based violence prevention efforts, helping youth build positive pathways and leadership opportunities.
- Horn of Africa Services: Offers multi-lingual and multicultural services to help low-income East African immigrants and refugees attain immediate and long-term adjustment through social work, community capacity building education, and advocacy.
- Interagency Academy at the King County Jail– Organizes and supports incarcerated youth and young adults through education, leadership development, and advocacy, centering the voices of students at the King County Jail
- Look2Justice: Led by currently and formerly incarcerated people and their loved ones, Look2Justice works to transform the criminal legal system through education, advocacy and narrative change.
- Rainier Beach Action Coalition (RBAC): RBAC leads community-driven strategies to reduce gun violence through youth engagement, place-based organizing and neighborhood leadership.
- The Mentor Group: Uses mentorship and initiatives like the Youth Barbershop to create trusted spaces where young people build relationships, leadership skills and connections that help prevent violence before it occurs.
While rapid-response funding offers immediate support, building a safer region requires a sustained, collective effort. We invite civic leaders, philanthropic institutions, local businesses, and neighbors across Greater Seattle to stand alongside these organizations.
By listening to and resourcing those already doing the work, we can transform public safety and ensure every young person and neighborhood in our region has the opportunity to thrive.
Pictured: Rainier Beach Action Coalition (RBAC), one of seven grassroots organizations receiving rapid-response funding to expand youth opportunities, advance neighborhood-led safety strategies, and address the underlying conditions that contribute to violence.
