Mayor Awards $281,000 to 24 Seattle Neighborhood Projects
Community groups will match city awards with nearly $420,000 in donated goods, labor

SEATTLE – Mayor Greg Nickels tonight will announce 24 neighborhood projects that will receive more than $281,000 in matching funds from the Department of Neighborhoods. The money will support projects across the city, covering subjects as diverse as public art, race and social justice, youth development, and climate protection.

“These awards recognize our neighborhoods’ commitment and creativity in tackling a wide range of challenges, from protecting our climate to opening the doors of opportunity for all people in Seattle,” Nickels said. “These projects will truly make a difference in people’s lives.”

Four times a year, Small and Simple Project Fund Awards are given to groups committed to building a better community. The funding is matched by locally raised money, donated materials, and volunteer labor. The awards range from $2,100 to $15,000. Communities will match the city’s $281,000 contribution with resources valued at $419,663.

“Seattle is a city of great neighborhoods because our citizens choose to make a difference in the places where they live,” said Sally Clark, City Council chair of the Planning Land Use and Neighborhoods Committee. “It is both the city’s responsibility and honor to support the work of these civic leaders who are investing in their communities.”

“This funding cycle has so many exciting and inspirational projects that highlight the energy that community members have, and how much they care for their neighborhoods,” said Stella Chao, director of the Department of Neighborhoods.  “In its 20th year, the Neighborhood Matching Fund continues to prove that we are a city of neighborhoods!”

The award ceremony takes place at Ravenna Eckstein Community Center, located at 6535 Ravenna Ave. N.E., and runs from 5:30 to 7 p.m.  It is a wonderful opportunity to find out more about the Neighborhood Matching Fund program, and find out how you and your community can get involved in community building projects.

The Department of Neighborhoods’ Matching Fund is in its 20th year of providing community building excellence throughout Seattle.  Since its inception in 1988, thousands of community projects have strengthened communities and neighborhoods.  Please contact Patricia Lopez, Neighborhood Matching Fund Program Manager, at 206-684-0713 for more information.

View a list of award recipients -- Acrobat PDF

Visit the mayor’s Web site at www.seattle.gov/mayor. Get the mayor’s inside view on efforts to promote transportation, public safety, economic opportunity and healthy communities by signing up for The Nickels Newsletter at www.seattle.gov/mayor/newsletter_signup.htm

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Office of the Mayor