Rooted in Roosevelt community celebration

As any non-profit, community organization, or motivated group of neighbors know, a little bit can go a long way. That is certainly the case when it comes to the Small Sparks Fund grants. Part of the Neighborhood Matching Fund, Small Sparks provides grants to $5,000 for quick-turn projects focused on building stronger community connections – the type of threads between neighbors that help sustain relationships beyond difference.

From cultural celebrations to candid forums, habitat revitalization to harvest festivals, the fund awarded $311,064 to 65 community projects in 2025. Applications for the Small Sparks Fund are open now and accepted on a rolling basis through October 30, 2026. These grants are a great opportunity for groups to plan that long-desired block party, organize a community event to celebrate Neighbor Day on May 2, 2026, or coordinate a celebration for the World Cup matches this summer. Have an idea for a fun festivity? We can’t wait to hear it! Apply for a Small Sparks Grant today!

Get more information and start your application at seattle.gov/neighborhoods/community-grants/neighborhood-matching-fund. 

2025 Project Highlights

Rooted in Roosevelt
The Roosevelt Neighborhood Association used a Small Sparks grant to host Rooted in Roosevelt. The inaugural celebration was the largest community event in the neighborhood in decades and drew more than 1,000 attendees – more than tripling their expectations. It really was the spark the event needed! The gathering featured food trucks, a clothing swap, booths from more than two dozen local businesses, a jiu jitsu demonstration, group dances and lessons, and live music performances from artists connected to the neighborhood, including the Roosevelt High School Drumline and Orchestra Ensemble.

Emergency Hub Activation at El Centro de la Raza
The Seattle Emergency Hubs Network hosted an Emergency Hub community gathering at El Centro de la Raza for the Beacon Hill community to learn how emergency hubs work and participate in scenario exercises such to increase preparedness for major disasters like earthquakes or extreme weather. The event helped build hands-on preparedness skills while inspiring new leadership. Interpreters were on site to ensure all were able to participate and a photographer and video booth helped capture the spirit and inclusiveness of the day’s gathering for use in outreach materials. Following the event, two neighbors went on to launch a new Emergency Hub in Beacon Hill, contributing to increased drills and readiness citywide.