Seattle’s Neighborhood Matching Fund (NMF) announced this week that it is now taking applications for 2023 projects. NMF staff will be hosting three virtual workshops in January and February for those interested in applying. The NMF’s awards projects in two ways – through the Small Sparks Fund and through the Community Partnership Fund. Both support grassroots projects that build stronger communities, with an emphasis on projects led by or impacting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. Neighborhood groups, community organizations, informal groups, and business groups who want to do a project to build stronger community connections are encouraged to apply.
More than 5,000 projects have occurred across the city since the Neighborhood Matching Fund was launched in 1988.
The Small Sparks Fund
The Small Sparks Fund provides funding up to $5,000 per project, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis through October 31. This fund is perfect for small community activities such as neighborhood clean-ups, block parties, community art projects, workshops, and more. For a list of projects funded by Small Sparks, go to the 4culture.org.
The Community Partnership Fund
The Community Partnership Fund provides funding up to $50,000 with two opportunities to apply this year. Applications for the first round of funding are currently open and must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on March 13, 2023. The second round of funding will open in July. This fund provides opportunities to create large and lasting impacts in your community by supporting community organizing, public art projects, park improvements, cultural events, design, and construction of community facilities, and more.
Among other programs funded in 2022, the Na’ah Illahee Fund was awarded $50,000 to continue restoration of Daybreak Star Center in Discovery Park. The grant funded a partnership with United Indians of All Tribes Foundation, Seattle Parks & Recreation, and community members, to restore land, waters, and gathering areas of surrounding the Daybreak Star Center, a space for cultural preservation, learning, and activities for Native and Indigenous communities.
Neighborhood Matching Fund staff are hosting three workshops for those interested in applying to the fund. Each workshop will provide an overview of the Neighborhood Matching Fund, the qualities of a strong application, and the review process. Neighborhood and community groups interested in the fund are invited to attend.
Virtual workshop dates and times are as follows:
January 11, 2023, 6-7:30pm
Register to join online: bit.ly/NMF_1-11-23. Or join by phone: +1-206-207-1700 United States Toll (Seattle); +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll; Access code: 2481 398 7442
January 28, 2023, 10-11:30am
Register to join Online: bit.ly/NMF_1-28-23. Or join by phone: +1-206-207-1700 United States Toll (Seattle); +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll; Access code: 2496 992 1889
February 8, 2023, 10-11:30am
Register to join online: bit.ly/NMF_2-8-23. Or join by phone: +1-206-207-1700 United States Toll (Seattle); +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll; Access code: 2493 906 9839
To attend one of these virtual workshops, RSVP at forms.office.com/g/79anbhBWXk.
Get more information and begin your application at the Neighborhood Matching Fund website. Or, contact the program at 206-233-0093 or NMFund@seattle.gov.
