Build with Us

At 1DROP, we are committed to supporting underrepresented developers in addressing systemic inequities in the real estate development industry.

Ways to Support 1DROP

For Everyone

  • Champion: Help bring us in, elevate our voices, and challenge precedent in rooms we don't yet have access

  • Introductions: Identify key relationships and connect us with potential allies and partners

  • Subscribe & Promote: Share awareness of our work through your website, newsletters, social media, and events

For Non-profits and Community Stakeholders

  • Invite: Reach out for advisory boards and development RFPs and to include developers of color for your projects

  • Partner: Incorporate down payment assistance, rental assistance, and financial literacy with our tenants and home buyers

  • Refer: Connect projects of all sizes to 1DROP developers

For Cities & Counties

  • Land: Explore surplussing of available land to be developed by underrepresented developers

  • Policy: Make more possible through density bonuses and expedited permitting

  • Tax Incentives: Prioritize POC projects for tax abatements via MFTE, NMTC, and Property Tax Abatements

For Funders - Seeking patient recyclable capital

  • Support Operations: Support rotational developers and hire staff and tools (2-year runway)

  • Acquisition Funds: Help developers of color acquire future property.

  • Soft Cost Funds: Fund design, permits, and entitlement for upcoming homes in our region.

  • Construction Gap Funding: Support shovel-ready homes this year, with hundreds of units in 2-3 years.

Why Your Support Matters

The housing challenge in Washington State is critical—we need an additional 200,000 housing units per year. Currently, less than 0.4% of real estate developers are Black and less than 0.1% are Hispanic, limiting their influence on community design and development.

Your support will enable us to:

  1. Expand our operational capacity by hiring critical staff to oversee programming and outreach

  2. Deliver training and mentorship to at least 50 developers annually

  3. Advocate for inclusive land use policies that unlock more housing development opportunities

  4. Amplify our reach through targeted marketing and partnerships

Learn more why your support matters here.

Impact of Your Support

Your contribution will help fund our foundational programs and operations in these key areas:

Operational Funding

  • Staffing: Salaries for essential roles including Program Director, Executive Director, Services Manager, and more

  • Program Administration: Mentorship programs, apprenticeship support, events, and co-development matchmaking

  • Marketing & Outreach: Expand our reach to developers, community partners, and funders

  • Operational Overhead: Office space, insurance, technology, and infrastructure

Program-Specific Funding

  • Apprenticeship Program: Support salary for apprentices and host developers stipends

  • Shared Services and Resources: Discounted access to technical assistance, tools, and resources

  • Co-Development Support: Initial project funding, feasibility studies, and loan guarantees

Our Vision for the Future

Over the next 2 years, your support will enable 1DROP to:

  • Train, mentor, and support 30+ underrepresented developers

  • Develop and break ground on 100+ housing units in underrepresented neighborhoods

  • Build sustainable, scalable systems that ensure long-term success

Learn more about our vision here.

Join Us

Together, we can create lasting impact and empower a new generation of developers to build communities where everyone can thrive.

Contact us to discuss partnership opportunities:

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