Neighbor to Neighbor (N2N) Small Grants Program
Grant deadline: Quarterly (Jan. 15, Apr. 15, Jul. 15 & Oct. 15)
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2012 Priority Funding Strategies for the N2N Small Grants Program
Neighbor to Neighbor, The Seattle Foundation's Small Grants Program, will prioritize organizations or programs that are aligned with one or both of the following funding strategies:
- Increase Civic Engagement and Community Action:
We support organizations or programs that increase civic engagement, develop local leadership, or encourage community organizing and advocacy.
Potential Examples:
- Programs that engage diverse, low-income community members to participate in efforts to address disparities in their communities. This might include forums, community education or participation on committees.
- Programs that build leadership among diverse, low-income community members to organize and lead positive change in their communities. This might include training, coaching or matching leaders with projects.
- Programs that mobilize diverse, low-income community members to work with others to take action or advocate for policy change. This might include surveys or focus groups to identify issues, advocacy training or direct organizing.
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Build Community Connections:
We support organizations or programs that build relationships and trust within and across communities (geographic and non-geographic).
Potential Examples:
- Programs that build trust and relationships among diverse community members with a goal of increasing equity and improving the community. This might include planned gatherings, community conversations or cross cultural exchanges and trainings.
- Programs that build opportunities for community members to share resources and information. This might include information-sharing sessions or fairs, or web-based information.
- Programs that build partnerships and coalitions among diverse groups and institutions to work together for more equitable neighborhoods. This can include strengthening existing partnerships as well as building new ones.
Eligibility
To qualify for the N2N Small Grants Program, an applicant must:
- be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization, or be fiscally sponsored by one;
- have a small budget (generally under $100,000);
- have a presence in South Seattle, White Center or Kent, and engage diverse, low-income community members to address disparities in these neighborhoods. South Seattle is defined as areas south of Interstate 90, west of Lake Washington, and north of Seattle's southern border. White Center is defined as the unincorporated area between the cities of Burien and Seattle.
Funding Decision Criteria
We select grantees for the N2N Small Grants Program based on the following criteria:
- Applicant is community based, governed by members of the community it represents and has a purpose to improve the community.
- Applicant partners with other related organizations where appropriate.
- Proposal must align with one or both of the 2012 funding strategies.
- Proposal shows how community members are involved in planning, leading and implementing the project.
- Proposal has identified clear outcomes or results and a specific work plan to achieve them.
- Proposal is realistic and achievable with budgeted funding.
- Proposal is aligned with the organization's mission.
Other Things to Consider
- N2N offers technical assistance in preparing the applications. It is strongly recommended that you call for assistance prior to writing and submitting your proposal or to ask any questions that you may have.
- N2N typically funds organizations that have not received significant grants or contracts.
- Organizations that have an annual operating budget greater than $100,000 are considered a lower priority for the N2N Small Grants Program, but may be eligible for the Annual Grants Program.
Deadline
N2N awards grants on a quarterly basis. The quarterly deadlines for submitting applications are January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15.
Organizations are eligible for funding once per calendar year.
Application Instructions
The following steps outline the application process and information we are requesting. Please use this information to help you get started so that you are ready to submit your application.
Step One
The first step of the process is to contact N2N’s Program Consultant, Judy de Barros, to ensure that you are a strong fit for our current funding strategies. Please contact judydebarros@comcast.net or call (206) 234-2456.
Step Two
If eligible, the second step is to download and complete the N2N application. Technical assistance is available. If appropriate, staff may assist you on a longer term basis in helping you plan your project, identify a fiscal sponsor, write your proposal, or connect you to other available resources in the community.
Step Three
Once your application is completed, the third step is to submit it, by the quarterly deadlines to The Seattle Foundation. Please send completed applications electronically to a.robertson@seattlefoundation.org or mail a copy to:
Neighbor to Neighbor
The Seattle Foundation
1200 5th Ave, Ste 1300
Seattle, WA 98101
Download Guidelines and Application Form
Once your proposal has been received, we may meet with members of your organization to discuss your request.
If you have any questions about the N2N application process, please contact Judy de Barros, judydebarros@comcast.net.