Mayor Mike McGinn announced today that 34 community organizations will receive more than $500,000 in matching funds to support neighborhood projects across the city. 2 projects in Magnolia and one in Interbay are the lucky recipients of the The Neighborhood Matching Fund Program money, (which supports projects as diverse as community fruit harvests to neighborhood festivals). The city says
The Small and Simple Projects Fund, one of three funds managed by Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, provides cash awards of up to $20,000 in matching funds to neighborhood organizations committed to fostering and building a better community. The 2012 awards ranged from $4,200 to $20,000, and the organizations have pledged to match the City?s $534,666 contribution with resources valued at nearly $760,123. Recipients of the Neighborhood Matching Fund match their awards through a combination of locally raised money, donated materials and volunteer labor.
“These awards recognize the dedication and hard work of community members working together to improve their neighborhood,? says Mayor Mike McGinn. ?Whether the projects are for physical improvements or a community celebration, the benefit of this program is the connection and engagement of neighbors and the broader community.?
The City figures on average, volunteers give $1.45 of donations and sweat equity for every $1 of taxpayer support: ?There?s a reason why the Neighborhood Matching Fund is being replicated by other cities the country. This fund provides another reason for neighbors to get together and it allows them to create a vision to improve their neighborhood and it helps implement that vision. It?s the building block for community projects,? says Seattle City Councilmember Sally Bagshaw.? Bernie Matsuno, director of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, says ?The Neighborhood Matching Fund has been emulated by cities all over the world. And what makes it so successful is the
connection and engagement that happens when neighbors work together to make improvements in their community.?
The Neighborhood Matching Fund has awarded more than $49 million with a community match of more than $71 million, since its inception 24 years ago. During that time, more than 85,600 volunteers have donated over 573,000 work hours.
Magnolia Projects to receive matching funds:
Magnolia?s First P-Patch
Construct the first 30 plots of the new P-Patch community garden at Magnolia Manor ?Park. With more than 100 Magnolians on the waiting list for a garden, the P-Patch meets a community need and will serve as a focal point for community interaction.
Organization: Friends of Magnolia Manor Park
Amount Awarded: $20,000
Match Amount: $22,900
Heron Viewing Improvements in Kiwanis Ravine
Improve heron viewing in the Kiwanis Ravine from public access points. Using a consultant, identify potential public access points and selective tree pruning, while maintaining neighbor privacy and without disturbance to the heron. Enhanced viewing by increased webcam broadcasts will also be studied, including viewing stations with webcam monitors placed at the visitor centers at the Ballard Locks and Discovery Park.
Organization: Heron Habitat Helpers
Amount Awarded: $16,500
Match Amount: $8,580
Interbay:
Interbay Path Link to Ship Canal Trail
Construct a spur trail off 16th Ave. W to go north on a city right -of-way to the Ship Canal Trail. The project will reduce bike and pedestrian congestion on Dravus and create a safe access point for residents and workers needing to go north and east out of Interbay.
Organization: Interbay Neighborhood Association
Amount Awarded: $19,700
Match Amount: $21,700
For a complete?listing of the 2012 Spring Small and Simple award recipients, click here
These sound like great projects – I take issue with the phrase “lucky recipients,” though. ?Successful applications are awarded funds because they have a clear, achievable plan to complete a project with real neighborhood benefit. ?These recipients are hard-working and thoughtful, but not lucky.