You must provide a $1 to $1 match for your project. For example, if you request a $5,000 grant, you must prove that your organization can come up with a matching contribution valued at $5,000 or more.

Your match can include items from any combination of the following categories:

In-kind Match:

• Materials or supplies such as computers, furniture, software, or paper.
• Additional cost of utilities for the space for your project.
• Staff time dedicated to the project, but not paid for by TMF funds.

Volunteer Match:

• Volunteer labor valued at $20 per hour.
• Professional services valued at the “reasonable and customary rate.”
• Application preparation expenses up to $200 (10 hour x $20 per hour).

Cash Match:

• Money that you have collected and approved for use on your project.
• Money that you will raise during the course of your project by fundraising.
• Grants received from other foundations for your project.

Match Restrictions

• Your match must be appropriate to the goals of your project.
• You must obtain your match during the life of the project>
• Your entire match cannot come from a single institution, e.g., the school district or governmental agency. We recommend that a minimum of 25% of your match come from the community you are serving.

Ineligible Match:

• Grant funding from other City of Seattle programs.
• Staff time paid by other City departments.
• Assistance from City staff to prepare your proposal.
• Your time spent preparing your proposal in excess of 10 hours ($200 maximum).

Documenting your Match

We encourage you to consider including additional materials in your application package, to prove that your cash match, in-kind materials, and/or volunteer time is secured. These may include:

• Pledge letters or emails from individuals and organizations promising to donate time, materials or money to the project.
• A written fundraising plan to secure additional project funds.
• Copies of bank statements or checks.
• Grant award letters.
• Invoices for items secured for the project.