Deadline: 30-Oct-20
The Seattle Foundation is seeking applications for its Neighbor to Neighbor (N2N) Grants Program to support grassroots efforts that increase engagement, power and influence of community members affected by poverty and racial disparities.
Priority is on efforts led by people from diverse and under-invested communities. Begun in 1991, the grant and technical assistance program is a key strategy of Seattle Foundation’s Center for Community Partnerships. Serving community-based organizations in South Seattle, White Center and Kent and focused on organizations with small budget sizes, N2N plays a crucial role in supporting the Foundation’s mission: to ignite powerful and rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.
N2N Goals: Increased Engagement, Power and Influence to Achieve Greater Equity
- Increased Engagement
- Grassroots organizations increase resident engagement and mobilization
- N2N advisory members effectively support community priorities
- Communities and funders develop and sustain strong networks and relationships
- Increased Power
- Community-initiated efforts are strengthened through funding
- Effective strategies leading to systemic change are demonstrated
- Increased Influence
- Community influence to improve practices, programs, initiatives and policies is strengthened
- N2N advisory members amplify community voices
Funding Information
- N2N grants are up to a maximum of $6,000. N2N does not typically fund direct social services, ongoing programming, or sponsorship of cultural festivals or one-time events.
N2N Funding At Work
- Work that builds leadership among community members to organize and lead positive change in their communities. Examples include training, or projects planned and led by community members.
- Work that mobilizes community members to work with others to take action or advocate for policy change. Examples include direct organizing, advocating for identified priorities, focus groups or surveys to identify community priorities and prompt dialogue, and advocacy training.
- Programs that build trust and relationships within and among community members with a goal of increasing equity and improving the community. Examples include convenings or gatherings to bring community members together, community conversations, and cross cultural/ intergenerational exchanges and trainings.
- Programs that build partnerships and coalitions among groups and institutions to work together for more equitable neighborhoods. Examples include co-designed projects that address shared community priorities, coalition building, and building capacity for diverse groups to effectively participate in larger coalitions and partnerships.
Eligibility Criteria
- Charitable status: Applicant organization must have 501 (c) (3) tax exempt status or be fiscally sponsored by another tax exempt organization.
- Based in the following geographic areas: Applicant organization must be led by residents of South Seattle, White Center or Kent. South Seattle is defined as areas south of Interstate 90, west of Lake Washington, east of Puget Sound and north of Seattle’s southern border. White Center is defined as the unincorporated area between the cities of Burien and Seattle. Kent is defined as areas south of SE 192nd St., West of Soos Creek, North of SE 272 St and East of and along SR 99.
- Equity focus: Applicant’s mission and work must demonstrate a clear purpose to address economic and racial disparities.
- Small budget: Applicant must have a small budget, generally under $200K, and not have received significant grants or contracts. N2N is particularly interested in supporting organizations that have limited access to traditional sources of funding.
- Repeat funding: Prior N2N grantees are welcome to reapply. Grantees may only apply once a year and must have submitted a final report for past funding before applying again.
For more information, visit https://www.seattlefoundation.org/nonprofits/nonprofitgrantopportunities