On March 23, Mayor Ed Murray announced an investment of $617,102 in matching funds to support 31 neighborhood projects across the city, many of which are in District 2. The awards, given by the Neighborhood Matching Fund, are intended to be for a variety of arts events, physical neighborhood improvements, and youth projects.
These awards are part of the Small and Simple Projects Fund, one of three funds offered by Seattle Department of Neighborhoods. The organization provides cash awards of up to $25,000 in matching funds to community organizations committed to fostering and building a better community.
The 2016 February awards range from $4,249 to $25,000, and the organizations pledge to match the City of Seattle’s $617,102 investment with $722,931 of locally raised money, donated materials, and volunteer labor.
“These investments fund the work of the many community members who roll up their sleeves to create a more vibrant and inclusive city,” Mayor Murray said in a statement. “These projects include creative ways for people of all ages and walks of life to be involved. From hearing the personal histories of Yesler Terrace residents to helping to design a community crosswalk, we are partnering to improve neighborhoods across the city.”
The funds given for District 2 projects are as follows:
District 2
$22,436 to Friends of Detective Cookie Chess Park to plan and design an outdoor chess park and multi-functional community space. (Community match: $17,640)
$6,000 to Maple Elementary PTSA for playground improvements to include surface painting, art, and color enhancements. (Community match: $6,600)
$8,475 to Jefferson Mock-Trial Steering Committee to host outreach events to youth and provide the community with information about the judicial system, legal rights and issues. Youth will produce a video, attend competitions, and host informative community events. (Community match: $30,880)
$19,000 to Columbia City Business Association to involve 60 youth performers, provide mentoring, and offer the youth venues for live performances at the Columbia City BeatWalk (Community match: $11,600)
$25,000 to Hillman City Restorative Justice Committee to organize 12 free monthly workshops about restorative justice to help neighbors resolve conflict and strengthen community relationships. (Community match: $20,900)
$25,000 to Friends of Little Saigon to lead a community process to design and install decorative crosswalks at the intersection of S. Jackson Street and 12th Avenue S. (Community match: $25,000)
$19,445 to Southeast Seattle Senior Foundation to lead residents, community and staff through a process to imagine, design and select a long-term capital improvement plan for the exterior community spaces of Brighton Apartments. (Community match: $9,800)
$23,785 to The Passian Center for the Walk Away Day, a three-part event to bring youth together to make a decision to let go of something negative in their life. (Community match: $15,835)
$7,100 to Big-Brained Superheroes Club to expand and improve ongoing activities and include a series of STE(A)M concepts and activities. (Community match: $5,200)
$12,623 to North Beacon Hill Council to develop and conduct an inclusive online survey to residents regarding the impact of the 2035 Comprehensive plan, commitment to the 2010 Neighborhood Plan goals, and other topics. (Community match: $14, 112)
$25,000 to Friends of Japantown to revitalize and beautify its Nihonmachi Alley with public art, lighting, and programming opportunities. (Community match: $115,060)
For more information about all of the funds visit seattle.gov/neighborhoods/nmf/.