We connected with Karen Ko, a Lions Club member and coordinator for the Seattle Sensory Garden, a project supported by the Neighborhood Matching Fund to learn about the origins of the garden, how Small Sparks grants aided the process, and why community-led projects are so important right now. Can you… [ Keep reading ]
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… [ Keep reading ]
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,… [ Keep reading ]
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… [ Keep reading ]
Three City grant programs open door for community-led arts, culture, and recreation events across every neighborhood. When the world comes to Seattle for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the biggest moments will not only happen inside the stadium. They will happen on neighborhood streets, in community centers, at pop-up performances,… [ Keep reading ]
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… [ Keep reading ]
The Neighborhood Matching Fund (NMF) is currently seeking 7-9 dedicated individuals to join our Community Review Panel for the 2026 grant cycle. As a community reviewer, you will play a crucial role in making funding recommendations that directly impact community-led initiatives in Seattle. The Community Review Panel assists in the… [ Keep reading ]
The City of Seattle has awarded $935,448 to support 23 community-initiated projects through the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods’ Neighborhood Matching Fund Community Partnership Fund. These community groups received awards averaging $40,672 and have pledged a total of $1,238,766 to match their award through local cash donations, volunteer hours, donated materials,… [ Keep reading ]
The annual election for the International Special Review District (ISRD) Board was held by mail, with ballots tabulated on the evening of Tuesday, December 2. Seattle Department of Neighborhoods received a total of 89 ballots. Three positions were up for election. Barring any challenges, the election results are as follows:… [ Keep reading ]
The City of Seattle has awarded $1,051,317 to support 24 community-initiated projects through the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods’ Neighborhood Matching Fund (NMF) Community Partnership Fund. 24 community groups received awards averaging $43,805 and have pledged $921,077 to match their award through local cash donations, volunteer hours, donated materials, and in-kind professional… [ Keep reading ]
