Today the City announced $544,761 in matching funds to support neighborhood-initiated projects across the city of Seattle. Twenty-nine community groups received awards from the Neighborhood Matching Fund (NMF) for projects as diverse as youth fitness programs to pop-up parks.
“These projects are the result of community members collaborating on ways to improve the quality of life in their neighborhood,” said Mayor Murray. “Over its 27-year history, the Neighborhood Matching Fund has been a vital resource for neighborhoods across this city. I’m looking forward to seeing these projects come to life.”
The Small and Simple Projects Fund, one of three funds provided by Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, provides cash awards of up to $25,000 in matching funds to community organizations committed to fostering and building a better community. The 2015 March awards range from $6,860 to $25,000, and the organizations pledged to match the city’s $544,761 investment with resources valued at $728,878. Recipients of the fund match their awards through a combination of locally raised money, donated materials, and volunteer labor.
In addition to the Small and Simple Projects Fund, the Neighborhood Matching Fund has two other programs: the Large Projects Fund which provides matching funds of up to $100,000 and Small Sparks Fund which provides funds of up to $1,000. More than 5,000 projects have been completed by neighborhoods and communities with the help of NMF since 1988, and its investment in neighborhoods can be seen across the city – from the Fremont Troll to Georgetown’s Hat n’ Boots. For more information about all the funds visit seattle.gov/neighborhoods/nmf/.
The Small and Simple Projects Fund opens again for applications in May and September. To learn more visit seattle.gov/neighborhoods/nmf/smallandsimple.htm.
2015 March Small and Simple Projects Fund Awards
South Region Projects
$25,000 to the Somali Family Safety Task Force for expansion of technical sewing classes and a support group for women in the NewHolly neighborhood. (Community match: $15,600)
$21,000 to Somali Community Services of Seattle for workshops and community forums with the Seattle Police Department focused on building trust and community safety among Somali youth and parents. (Community match: $16,300)
$6,860 to Rainier Beach Merchants Association for movable pop-up park to activate Mapes Creek. (Community match: $9,900)
$24,924 to Environmental Coalition of South Seattle to produce three cultural events celebrating Duwamish River traditions of First Nations, Latino, and Southeast Asian groups. (Community match: $57,322)
$20,200 to Beacon Arts for involving the neighborhood in the design of outdoor mural near Beacon Hill Light Rail Station and completing production (Community match: $21,305)
$10,430 to HomeSight for light pole banner project along MLK displaying “hello” in 40+ languages in Othello’s business district. (Community match: $12,700)
$10,130 to Healthy Bodies, Bright Futures to improve family health through a community kitchen, healthy eating and fitness challenge. (Community match: $38,110)
Central Region Projects
$16,000 to First Hill Improvement Association to activate open spaces and program events to increase community building, public safety and neighborhood wellness. (Community Match: $13,000)
$24,960 to Cal Anderson Park Alliance to activate the park through a series of events to engage the community and enhance feelings of safety and comfort. (Community match: $13,100)
$25,000 to Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce to involve community members and consultants in an evolution of the Chamber and a proposed Capitol Hill Business Improvement Area. (Community Match: $26,080)
$13,050 to Fitness is Fun Steering Committee to hold 3-day health and fitness clinic for youth ages 6-14 at Judkins Park. (Community match: $20,175)
$20,000 to Friends of Jackson Street Workers’ Mural to engage the community in the design of an outdoor mural depicting significant historical labor events in the multicultural context of the International and Central Districts. (Community match: $14,210)
$25,000 to Friends of Art on Pier 86 to conduct a feasibility study and community engagement process to examine possibilities for public art on the Pier 86 silos and grain elevator. (Community match: $31,290)
$23,435 to the Queen Anne Neighborhood Alliance to enhance and promote the annual Queen Anne Days celebration. (Community match: $19,800)
$23,000 to Magnolia Chamber of Commerce to engage the neighborhood to define a collective vision for Magnolia Village and steps to help shape future development and growth. (Community match: $16,000).
$25,000 to World Kulturz dba Native Kulturz Group to produce a Native cultural celebration of Powwow and Coastal dances, art, teachings, and more to increase Seattle’s Native presence and strengthen cultural understanding and collaboration. (Community match: $13,500)
$15,000 to CityClub to produce a multicultural festival to promote citizenship and civic engagement to new and current citizens with a naturalization ceremony, resource fair and activities. (Community match: $33,975)
$24,470 to Lake Union Neighbors for partial construction documents to create a new plaza near the foot of East Howe Street right-of-way. (Community match: $13,600)
North Region Projects
$25,000 to Roosevelt Neighborhood Association to convert a cut-through street into a pedestrian- and bike-friendly gateway between 1-5 and the Sound Transit Light Rail station. (Community match: $15,300)
$21,970 to U-District Public Restroom Planning for the planning and design for public restrooms to include a public input process and site selection. (Community match: $13,620).
$17,000 to Lake City Greenways Project to develop partial construction drawings for a new Olympic Hills pocket park. (Community match: $12,724)
$25,000 to North End Health & Human Service Providers Co-op to create the Lake City Summer of Fun, a way to engage low-income youth in creative and physical activities. (Community match: $135,215)
$10,515 to Friends of Jackson Park Trail to remove invasive species and restore native plants in riparian area and on slopes above Thornton Creek along Jackson Park Trail. (Community match: $10,320)
$25,000 to Broadview Community Playground Improvement Project to complete construction and permitting documents to renovate play areas adjacent to Broadview-Thomsom K-8 School. (Community match: $13,300)
$15,452 to Ballard Chamber of Commerce to help alleviate the parking conditions in Ballard through enhanced signage, way-finding, education tools, and strategic marketing. (Community match: $15,452)
$8400 to Ballard P-Patch Community Garden to increase ADA accessibility for its paths and other garden improvements. (Community match: $16,020)
$15,400 to Green Lake Chamber of Commerce for a youth fishing event at Green Lake to include a free fishing pole and educational sessions on water safety and life jackets. (Community match: $8,760).
Citywide Projects
$12,350 to Families of Color-Seattle to produce free two-day workshops on multicultural family planning and raising multicultural and multiracial children. (Community match: $7,500)
$15,215 to Aktionsart for Black Box 2.0, a new media works project with local and international artists. (Community Match: $94,700)
The Neighborhood Matching Fund, a program of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, is hosting its last workshop for those interested in applying to the Large Projects Fund this May. The Large Projects Fund provides matching funds of up to $100,000 to neighborhood groups for community-building projects. Attendance at a workshop is required to submit a Large Projects Fund application. 
