Last month Mayor McGinn and Seattle City Council announced $465,000 in awards from the Neighborhood Matching Fund for six community-initiated projects. With awards ranging from $41,250 to $100,000, the matching funds go to neighborhood groups for projects as diverse as building play spaces to creating an agriculture demonstration project for youth.
“The Neighborhood Matching Fund reflects the city’s commitment to providing concrete ways to help community members make Seattle a better place to live,” said Mayor Mike McGinn. “The fund serves as a resource and catalyst for community members to turn their creative ideas and energy into reality.”
Recipients of the Neighborhood Matching Fund match their awards through a combination of cash, donated materials and expertise, and volunteer labor. This round of Large Projects Fund projects is matching the city’s $465,000 contribution with resources valued at $936,000.
“Community volunteers make these projects happen. They raise the money, donate their time, and reach out to neighbors over the span of several years all in an effort to make improvements to their neighborhood and community,” said Councilmember Sally Bagshaw, chair of the Parks and Neighborhoods Committee. “They truly are committed to fostering and building a better Seattle, and we are richer for it.”
The Neighborhood Matching Fund Large Projects Fund applications are reviewed by the Citywide Review Team (CRT) which recommends the projects to the Mayor and City Council. Made up of volunteers from each of the 13 neighborhood districts, plus four at-large community members, the CRT reviews applications, interviews applicants, and makes funding recommendations. The applications are also reviewed by members from District Councils.
Here are the 2013 Large Projects Fund Organizations and Projects:
Central Area Urban Gardeners for the Central Area Urban Gardeners Project
Awarded $67,330; Community match $71,138: Equipment purchase and installation to support a new agricultural demonstration project designed to grow healthy, safe, affordable, organic vegetables indoors. It will involve year-round training and education in food production for youth in the community.
Madison Valley Community Council for the Madison Valley Neighborhood Landmark Construction: Awarded $41,250; Community match $100,000
Construction of a neighborhood landmark sign located at East Madison St and 28th Ave East, the heart of the district. Plans include landscaping, a means to advertise seasonal events, and possible redesign of the intersection crosswalks.
View Ridge Elementary PTA for the View Ridge Playground Project: Awarded $100,000; Community match $130,455
Design and installation of a play/sport court and related amenities, such as seating, natural elements, and drainage improvements to increase the availability of useable and safe play and gathering spaces.
Historic Seattle for the Get Lifted: an Elevator for Washington Hall: Awarded $100,000; Community match $504,900
Outreach, fund raising, and construction of an elevator and tower for this historic landmark to make Washington Hall accessible to the community.
Friends of Lower Kinnear Park for the North Trail Pre-design Work: Awarded $57,500; Community match $29,500
As the second phase of the North Trail project, completion of a Slope Stabilization Study that includes a survey, geotechnical evaluation, and a stormwater and drainage report.
Montlake Family Fitness for the Montlake Family Fitness Project: Awarded $99,290; Community match $100,348
Construction of a 65’ x 80’ (approximate) sport court next to the Montlake Community Center playground and placement of four to five pieces of adult fitness equipment.
