The application period for city-funded neighborhood projects is open until February 1. The Small and Simple Projects Fund is a $25,000 grant that goes to community-building projects and that are matched by community contributions.
There is a workshop on Thursday, January 14, at Phinney Neighborhood Center (6532 Phinney Ave N in Room 6) from 6 to 8 p.m. to help applicants understand the Neighborhood Matching Fund, the qualities of a good project, and the application process and requirements.
An example of a project already funded last year is for improvements at a Ballard P-Patch. The funds will help to realign the plots at the garden at 8527 25th Ave NW to ensure equitable square footage for each gardener. They’ll also install wider footpaths, an additional water spigot, and an underground conduit to provide power to their patio. The city grant was for $8,400, bringing the total to over $16,000 after being matched by the community.
According to the city, all projects must demonstrate its capacity to build a stronger and healthier community, and must:
- Provide a public benefit and be free and open to all members of the public.
- Emphasize self-help, with project ideas initiated, planned and implemented by the neighbors and community members who will themselves be impacted by the project.
- Demonstrate community match.
- Occur within the Seattle city limits.
To RSVP for next week’s workshop, call (206) 733-9916 or go online at surveymonkey.com/r/ZHM36BJ. The workshop is open to all.
File photo of Greg’s P-Patch, which received a past Small and Simple Projects award.
