The City of Seattle recently awarded $467,562 in matching funds to support neighborhood-initiated projects across Seattle, including three local projects:
•$25,000 to Leschi Community Council, to install Fitness Zone equipment in Powell Barnett Park to increase the neighborhood’s access to health and fitness (community match: $39,500);
•$11,500 to 23rd Avenue ACT (Action Core Team), to produce the Central Area Block Party in September to highlight the history and culture of the community (community match: $10,712); and
•$12,000 to the MLK Family Arts Mentoring Enrichment Community Center, to conduct a planning study and prepare a master plan to renovate the facility’s kitchen (community match: $23,400).
The awards are part of the Small and Simple Projects Fund, one of three funds offered by Seattle Department of Neighborhoods. It provides cash awards of up to $25,000 in matching funds to community organizations.
The June 2015 awards range from $4,000 to $25,000, and the organizations have pledged to match the city’s $467,562 investment with $600,132 of locally raised money, donated materials and volunteer labor.
In addition to the Small and Simple Projects Fund, the Neighborhood Matching Fund (NMF) has two other programs: the Large Projects Fund, which provides matching funds of up to $100,000, and the Small Sparks Fund, which provides funds of up to $1,000.
Since 1988, neighborhoods and communities have completed more than 5,000 projects with the help of NMF, and its investment in neighborhoods can be seen across the city.
For more information about all of the funds visit seattle.gov/neighborhoods/nmf.
The Small and Simple Projects Fund opens again for applications in September, with a deadline of Oct. 5. To learn more, visit seattle.gov/neighborhoods/nmf/smallandsimple.htm.