What if understanding how city government works felt less like decoding a maze and more like unlocking a door? 

The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods is opening that door with funding to support community-led projects that help people learn how to engage with local government and use their voice to shape Seattle’s future. 

Through the Neighborhood Matching Small Sparks Fund, neighborhood groups, community organizations, informal groups, and business groups can apply for grants of up to $5,000. These funds can be used to support creative, accessible projects that make it easier to participate in and understand local government. 

What Could Your Project Look Like? 

This is your invitation to be creative. Projects should reflect the unique needs, culture, and energy of your community while helping more people connect with how local government works. 

Imagine projects like: 

• A hands-on series breaking down how city budgets are built and where decisions really happen 

• Eye-catching, multilingual guides that make city services and processes easier to navigate 

• Community forums or town halls that bring neighbors face-to-face with decision-makers 

• Interactive workshops that build civic skills, from understanding your rights to giving public comment 

Big or small, the goal is the same: help more people see where they fit in and how they can take part. 

How To Apply 

The Small Sparks Fund provides matching dollars for community-driven projects that strengthen civic engagement. 

• Grant size: Up to $5,000 

• Deadline: Rolling applications through October 30, 2026 (or until funds are awarded) 

• Timing: Apply at least six weeks before your project start date 

• Eligibility: Groups may have only one active Neighborhood Matching Fund project at a time 

Ready to get started? Visit the Neighborhood Matching Fund page on seattle.gov/neighborhoods or call 206-283-0093 to learn more about guidelines and the application process. 

Want More Tools and Inspiration? 

The Department of Neighborhoods’ People’s Academy for Community Engagement (PACE) offers additional resources, sample curricula, and ideas to help bring your project to life. 

Whether you’re sparking a first conversation or building a deeper understanding, this is about more than education it’s about connection, confidence, and community power.