Seattle Department of Neighborhoods’ popular Neighborhood Matching Fund (NMF) announces its funding opportunities for 2016. All three of its funds – Small Sparks, Small and Simple Projects Fund, and the Large Projects Fund – support the efforts of community members as they work on projects to build stronger neighborhoods and communities. More than 5000 projects have occurred across the city since this program began 28 years ago.
The Small Sparks Fund which provides awards of up to $1,000 per project accepts applications year-round. This is great funding opportunity for implementing small community projects as well as supporting activities such as Neighbor Appreciation Day, Night Out, Earth Day, and others.
The Small and Simple Projects Fund, which provides awards of up to $25,000, has three opportunities to apply in 2016. Deadlines for applications are February 1, June 6, and September 12 by 5 p.m. For those interested in applying in February, NMF staff is hosting workshops about the guidelines and application process. The dates are as follows:
- Monday, January 11; 6 – 8 p.m. at El Centro de la Raza, 2524 16th Ave S in Room 310
- Thursday, January 14; 6 – 8 p.m. at Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave N in Room 6
To RSVP call 206-733-9916 or go online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NMFWorkshop2016. Additional workshops will be offered prior to each Small and Simple Projects Fund application deadline.
The Large Projects Fund (LPF), which awards up to $100,000 per project, is open to applications once a year. The 2016 deadline is May 2 by 5:00 p.m. For those interested in applying, mandatory workshops will be offered beginning early next year.
The NMF program has staff to advise community groups on ways to develop successful applications and projects. Community members are strongly encouraged to contact a Neighborhood Matching Fund Project Manager before applying at 206-233-0093 or NMFund@seattle.gov.
To learn more about the Neighborhood Matching Fund and its support to community-initiated projects, visit seattle.gov/neighborhoods/neighborhood-matching-fund. The website provides details on the criteria and requirements for each fund, along with instructions for the online application process.
