What Is the Neighborhood Matching Fund?

Seattle’s uniqueness and quality of life is tied to strong neighborhoods and active residents. The Neighborhood Matching Fund (NMF) program was created in 1988 to provide neighborhood groups with City resources for community-driven projects that enhance and strengthen their own neighborhoods. All projects are initiated, planned and implemented by community members in partnership with the City. Every award is matched by neighborhoods’ or communities’ resources of volunteer labor, donated materials, donated professional services or cash. This community match is at the heart of the NMF Program.

A part of the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, NMF promotes collaboration between the City and the community. Community building is core to project success: the process of bringing people together and building relationships is as important as project results.

Since 1988, the Fund has awarded more than $49 million to more than 4,000 projects throughout Seattle, generated an additional $72 million of community match, and engaged more than 86,000 volunteers who have donated over 574,000 hours.

There are three funds within the Neighborhood Matching Fund Program:
Small Sparks Fund
Small and Simple Projects Fund
Large Projects Fund

The Neighborhood Matching Fund is open to diverse community groups from throughout Seattle. For information about eligibility for each fund, click here.