Get Greenbacks to Build Community and Advance Climate Solutions
When we make everyday choices to be part of the solution to climate change, we make a big difference. And when we pool our resources, and work together, we achieve things we could never have achieved alone. The City of Seattle’s Neighborhood Matching Fund has designated a specific source of funding to support YOU and your neighbors in making your local climate protection dream a reality—and to have fun and build community while doing it!
Since cars and trucks are the single biggest contributor to climate disruption in Seattle, creative strategies that help us go car-free or make driving more efficient and cleaner are winning climate protection actions. Likewise, there are many innovative money-saving, life-enhancing and climate-protecting ways to save energy – electricity and natural gas. Imagine…
- What could you do with a hundred tire pressure gauges, dozens of volunteer students, and a few Sunday afternoons? (pssst! Well-maintained cars get better gas mileage!)
- How might you organize a commuter carpool cooperative in your neighborhood to save money on gas and spend more time with your neighbors and family?
- Homecoming, the prom, pep rallies, student concerts, class field trips, soccer tournaments… These events don’t have anything to do with climate protection. Or do they?!
- Who could help you organize a neighbor-to-neighbor home weatherization assistance program on your block? A little weather stripping and insulation can go a long way!
- What’s all this buzz about biodiesel and how could you get the word out on your block?
- How could you reduce the amount of time and money you—and your neighbors—spend driving your children to school or child care each week?
Case Study: "I got it! An Audit!"
Buildings account for about half of all energy use—and global warming pollution. This doesn’t have to be! Europeans use an average of 2.4 times less energy than people in the United States and Canada. In fact, using less energy can be as simple as figuring out where it’s wasted.
An Energy Audit targets wasted energy—and wasted dollars. One idea is to organize a four-part audit workshop/certification seminar for your neighbors. One session could be a training from Seattle City Light and Puget Sound Energy to identify energy "leaks" and showcase incentive programs. Other sessions could rotate from house to house and, before or after a potluck or shared meal, start hunting for ways to save. A final session could compare energy bills before and after the training. And, of course, once your neighbors are trained, you can start making connections with other neighborhoods to share the expertise and savings!
Who is eligible to apply for funding?
- Neighborhood-based organizations of residents or of businesses
- Local, community -based organizations that advocate for the interests of people of color
- Ad-hoc groups of neighbors who form a committee solely for the purpose of designing and carrying out a specific project
All applicant groups must have an open-membership policy and must actively seek involvement from area residents and/or businesses. Applicant organizations do NOT have to hold non-profit status with the IRS. Individuals, for-profit ventures, religious organizations, government agencies, political groups, district councils, universities, hospitals, newspapers, and non-local groups are not eligible.
When is the deadline?
The Neighborhood Matching Fund accepts funding applications in four rounds each calendar year.
The submission deadlines for the Small and Simple fund for 2007 are:
January 16th April 2nd July 9th October 1st
Deadlines are firm. Applications must be submitted by 5:00pm on the date of the deadline.
How much funding may be requested?
Projects seeking funding under the Small and Simple grant program may request up to $15,000.
These projects should be able to be completed in six months or less.
What is the application process?
The first step in the application process is to speak with a Neighborhood Matching Fund project manager to discuss your idea and learn more about the process! Call 206-684-0464 to set up an appointment or find out where and when the next technical assistance workshop is offered.
For general information about this or other community-building opportunities, or to download application guidelines and forms, please visit the Neighborhood Matching Fund web site: www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/nmf
Department of Neighborhoods Phone: (206)684-0464
700 5th Avenue, Suite 1700 Fax: (206)233-5142
PO Box 94649 TDD (206)684-0464
Seattle, WA 98124-4649
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