From block parties to public art, park upgrades to cultural celebrations, some of Seattle’s most beloved spaces start the same way: with neighbors who care and an idea worth building together. Seattle Department of Neighborhoods (DON) is accepting applications for the Neighborhood Matching Fund (NMF), one of the City’s longest-running investments in grassroots, community-led projects.
The Neighborhood Matching Fund helps neighbors turn ideas into action through two funding opportunities: the Community Partnership Fund (CPF) and the Small Sparks Fund (SSF). Together, these funds support projects that bring people together, strengthen connections, and make neighborhoods more vibrant and welcoming.
CPF offers awards of up to $50,000 for projects with big potential and lasting impact. Applications are now open and must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on March 10, 2026. This fund supports a wide range of efforts, including community organizing, public art, park improvements, cultural events, and the design and construction of community facilities.
For smaller, quick-turn ideas, the Small Sparks Fund (SSF) provides funding up to $5,000 per project. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through October 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. or until funding is fully allocated. SSF is designed for neighborhood clean-ups, block parties, May 2 Neighbor Day parties, community art projects, workshops, and other small but powerful ways neighbors come together.
To help applicants feel confident and ready, DON is hosting three free virtual workshops. Each workshop will walk through the basics of the fund, what makes a strong application, and how projects are reviewed. All neighborhood and community groups interested in applying are encouraged to attend.
Community members are also invited to help shape which projects receive funding. The CPF relies on community reviewers to bring lived experience, local knowledge, and a commitment to equity into the selection process. The 2026 Community Partnership Fund Reviewer Application is open until February 10, 2026. More information can be found here.
Workshop dates and times are as follows:
NMF Workshop #1: Thursday, January 15, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- Join by phone: (206) 207-1700
- Access Code: 2487 064 7365; Password: 2026
NMF Workshop #2: Saturday, January 24, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- Join by phone: (206) 207-1700
- Access Code: 2492 218 4235; Password: 2026
NMF Workshop #3: Wednesday, February 11, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Join by phone: (206) 207-1700
- Access Code: 2493 175 4643; Password: 2026
Get more information and start your application at seattle.gov/neighborhoods/community-grants/neighborhood-matching-fund.
Questions? Contact NMF staff at 206-233-0093 or NMFund@seattle.gov.
Since 1988, the Neighborhood Matching Fund has helped bring more than 5,000 community-driven projects to life across Seattle. From small sparks to city-shaping ideas, the program continues to prove that when neighbors lead, neighborhoods thrive. Learn more at seattle.gov/neighborhoods/community-grants/neighborhood-matching-fund.
