The Seattle Department of Neighborhoods will host three more workshops this year for community groups interested in learning more about the Neighborhood Matching Fund (NMF). The next workshop near Ballard is August 30, at the Northgate Community Center, Multi-Purpose Room (10510 5th Ave NE, 98125).
The grant is designed to help groups with volunteer-led, community-focused projects such as cultural festivals, community space improvements, public art, and grassroots organizing.
Examples of Ballard projects that were funded by the NMF in 2016 are the Mighty-O Parklet (pictured above) which received $25,000 (with $32,443 pledged from the community); the Bergen Place Activation Committee’s summer midday music concerts which received $20,400 (with $11,876 pledged from the community); and a Seattle Night Out planning committee, which received $895 for a NW 56th Street block party ($480 matched by the community). Click here for more examples of NMF-funded projects.
The NMF will award $3.2 million for projects in 2017. The Department of Neighborhoods has streamlined the application process, with a simpler application, added flexibility, and faster review and award processing.
The final workshops are as follows:
Tuesday, July 11: West Seattle Library (2306 42nd Ave SW, 98116)
Tuesday, August 15: El Centro de la Raza, Room 307 (2524 16th Ave S, 98144)
Wednesday, August 30: Northgate Community Center, Multi-Purpose Room (10510 5th Ave NE, 98125)
The workshops will provide an overview of the program requirements and application process, and run from 6 – 7:30pm. RSVP online or call 206-733-9916.
It’s not mandatory to attend a meeting to apply; if you already have a project in mind, click here to start your application for either the Small Sparks Fund (awards up to $5,000 and which is due six weeks before the start of the project) or the Community Partnership Fund (awards up to $100,000 and which is due by September 25). Learn more about the different funding here.
Photo courtesy Friends of Mighty-O Parklet
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