If your neighborhood/group/organization has a great idea but is short on money to turn it into reality, the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Neighborhood Matching Fund might be able to help. It’s accepting applications for this year’s grants, explained in this announcement:

This granting program consists of two funds – the Community Partnership Fund and the Small Sparks Fund – which support grassroots projects that build stronger communities. 

-The Community Partnership Fund provides funding up to $50,000. Applications are currently open and must be submitted by 11:59 pm on September 8, 2025. 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. 

-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 designed to support small community activities such as neighborhood clean-ups, block parties, community art projects, workshops, and more. 

The NMF team is hosting three virtual workshops for those interested in applying to the fund. Each workshop will provide an overview of the grant, the qualities of a strong application, and the review process.

The first workshop is a little over a week away, on Tuesday, July 15. The dates, times, and links are all listed here.