For 35 years, the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods (DON) has helped neighbors turn connection into action by supporting community-led projects, building local leadership, and bringing people together across the city. In 2026, DON celebrates this milestone with a year-long 35th Anniversary celebration, launching on Neighbor Day Saturday, May 2, 2026, through Neighbor Day on May 8, 2027. Apply for a DON Small Sparks grant, up to $5,000, by March 13 to fund a Neighbor Day event in your neighborhood.
The anniversary year will feature community events, storytelling, awards, and gatherings across Seattle rooted in the simple idea that has guided DON since it was established: when neighbors come together, neighborhoods thrive.
Mayor Katie B. Wilson emphasized the vital role of connection in Seattle’s civic participation.
“Our neighborhoods are where we grow together, learn together, express our cultures, and live our lives. For 35 years, the Department of Neighborhoods has supported community-led power. I’m proud to celebrate this milestone, and to see neighbors across Seattle show up for one another – on Neighbor Day and every day.”
Mayor Katie B. Wilson
To kick off the celebration, DON invites community members to start planning now for Neighbor Day on May 2, by encouraging residents to apply for Small Sparks Fund grants of up to $5,000 to support Neighbor Day events. These grants are perfect for community breakfasts, potlucks, dance parties, bingo nights, block parties, cultural celebrations, and other creative ways for neighbors to connect.
“This department was created to make sure Seattle residents had a real voice in shaping their communities and local government. At a time when so many people feel disconnected or divided, this anniversary is about coming back to what works: neighbors showing up for one another. We’re excited to celebrate Seattle’s neighborhoods and invite people to be part of this moment on the kickoff on Neighbor Day 2026.”
Sam Read, Interim Director, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods
Throughout its anniversary year, DON will weave the 35th Anniversary into its core areas of service, including community grants, P-Patch gardening programs, leadership, historic preservation and storytelling – and so much more. Residents can expect a mix of neighborhood-scale events and citywide moments, including Neighbor Awards, Neighborhoods Summit, special storytelling projects, and celebrations featuring both longtime and new community leaders.
Jim Diers, DON’s first director, will join at events throughout the year to reflect on the department’s roots and the power of community-led change.
“When DON started in 1991, we believed the best ideas came from the people who live here. Thirty-five years later, that belief is still true. This anniversary is a chance to honor the thousands of neighbors who have made Seattle stronger by caring about where they live and about each other.”
Jim Diers, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods first Director
While more details about anniversary events will be shared as the May 2 launch event approaches, DON encourages residents to start planning now by applying for a Small Sparks Fund grant to support a Neighbor Day event in their community. To be considered for a Neighbor Day event, applications for Small Sparks Fund grants should be received by March 13, 2026.
To learn more about the Small Sparks Fund and apply, visit: Neighborhood Matching Fund – Neighborhoods | seattle.gov
For questions about Neighbor Day or Small Sparks Fund grants, contact NMF staff at 206-233-0093 or NMFund@seattle.gov.
Since its founding in 1991, the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods has supported community-led projects and programs that strengthen connections, build trust, and help neighbors shape the future of Seattle together.
