2009 Neighborhood Matching Fund Mid-year Changes

The Department of Neighborhoods is proud of our service to the Seattle community and our support of the neighborhood members as they work together to improve their quality of life.  For twenty years our Neighborhood Matching Fund (NMF) has made a significant impact on shaping the face of Seattle by supporting self-help projects and volunteerism in the community.

The reality of the current national economic downturn has impacted the City’s revenues and forced mid-year reductions to the 2009 budgets. Despite these economic challenges, the city has preserved project funding for communities under the Neighborhood Matching Fund program.  So as to maintain this commitment to the community, the Department of Neighborhoods is making a reduction in its administration, staffing and operations.  To manage these reductions, we have made changes to the program which is outlined below.

Key program changes effective immediately:

Small & Simple including Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative Projects
We are reducing the number of application cycles, but keeping the same amount of funding available.  The July and October Small and Simple Projects application cycles will be combined under one new deadline.  The final application cycle for 2009 will be in August with applications due Monday, August, 31, at 5 pm.  

Small and Simple project proposals under Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative (SYVPI) will also be due Monday, August 31, at 5 p.m.  Click here for the SYVPI filter. 

Remember – to make things easier, you can now submit your applications via email OR in hard copy!

We will be holding two technical workshops for community groups interested in applying to NMF.  Please join us at one of these workshops learn more about the Fund, ask questions, and have a project manager review draft proposals.   

Saturday, July 25
10-11:45 a.m.
Youngstown Cultural Center
4408 Delridge Way SW

Monday, August 3
6-7:45 p.m.
Ballard Branch – Seattle Public Library
5614 22nd Ave. N.W.

Large Projects
There will be no changes to the 2009 Large Projects process.  The City-wide Review Team has made their recommendations and the applicants have been notified.  As directed by City ordinance, the City-wide Review Team presents their recommendations to the City Neighborhood Council, followed by approval of the Mayor and Seattle City Council.  Please mark your calendars for Saturday morning, August 29 to recognize the successful projects.  More details to come!

Tree Fund
We are currently looking at ways to expand the NMF Tree Fund program to offer more choices for community members, to increase Seattle’s tree canopy under the Mayor’s Urban Forestry Management Plan, and to strengthen this important grass-roots action.   We will be announcing the 2009 NMF Tree Fund changes in the next few weeks.  

Outreach Fund and Small Sparks Fund
There is no change to either the Outreach Fund or Small Sparks Fund at this time. 

Volunteer Opportunities
During this difficult economic time, we are noting increased interest in the NMF program and more neighbors reaching out and supporting each other.  If you’d like to get more involved in your neighborhood/community as a volunteer, please consider volunteering through the City of Seattle and United Way of King County partnership at http://www.seattle.gov/mayor/issues/volunteers/. 

NMF Listserv
We are excited to announce the launch of the Neighborhood Matching Fund listserv. This moderated forum will be a place where we all can share information about NMF, other possible funding opportunities, tips, advice, and event announcements.

To subscribe, follow this link to get started.

As we continue to simplify and make the NMF program more accessible, we thank you for your support, feedback and suggestions. If you have additional questions about the NMF program changes, please contact SuJ’n Chon, Program Manager at 206-615-1600.