The Neighborhood Mini-Grant Program provides matching grants up to $5,000 for projects sponsored by neighborhood associations formally recognized by the City of Shoreline. The Neighborhood Mini-Grant Program supports neighborhood improvements, promotes neighborhood associations and funds activities and events that bring neighbors together. Neighborhood associations can use a combination volunteer hours, in-kind donations or money for their portion of the matching grant.
A few examples of past Mini-Grant projects include:
- Community carnival, dance or other event
- Information kiosk
- Decorative street
banners and flower baskets
- Benches and garbage receptacles in neighborhood parks
- Play equipment at local parks and schools
- Neighborhood identification signs
- Public art including wall murals, mosaics, and sculpture
- Historical markers
- Tree plantings and replacement of tree frogs in neighborhood park
- Interior painting of recreation center
- Park restoration projects
The goal of the Neighborhood Mini-Grant Program is to help neighborhoods increase their sense of community by working together on improvement projects, neighborhood planning and organizing, and partnerships with other groups. These projects help increase the entire neighborhood's awareness of the goals and mission of the neighborhood association.
City staff review Neighborhood Mini-Grant applications prior to submitting them for City Manager approval. All projects must benefit the community - no project shall be for the benefit of any individual or private entity. Projects that require ongoing funding or staffing will not be considered for funding. Projects must be completed within the calendar year they are approved.
Steps for Neighborhood Mini-Grants Applications
- Read the Neighborhood Mini-Grant Information thoroughly.
- Choose a project(s) through group discussion with either the entire neighborhood or a subcommittee with oversight from the entire neighborhood.
- Designate a volunteer Project Coordinator who will be the neighborhood contact person.
- Call the City of Shoreline Neighborhood Coordinator to discuss the idea (206) 801-2253.
- Read the Application Steps and submit an "idea letter" (in Information packet) to the Neighborhoods Coordinator.
- Within two weeks of receipt of the “Idea Letter” by the City, you will be notified (a) whether the project is feasible, and (b) if more information is required for review.
- If your project is determined to be feasible, begin tracking volunteer hours dedicated to preparing the application. Up to 25 percent of your volunteer match can be accrued during this phase of the project.
- Once you are notified your project is feasible, complete Mini-Grant Application and return it to:
Neighborhood Coordinator
City of Shoreline
17500 Midvale Avenue N
Shoreline, WA 98133
The application must contain a complete explanation of the project including scope of work, timeline for completion and demonstration of neighborhood match for project.
If you have any questions, contact Nora Smith at (206) 801-2253.
Also refer to: