Celebrating 35 years of early, flexible funding for emerging organizations with an increase to $10,000 in grant awards
SEATTLE, WASH. [June 23, 2026] — Today, Seattle Foundation celebrates its longstanding Neighbor to Neighbor (N2N) program that has mobilized $6 million in support of Greater Seattle-based grassroot, community-led organizations since its inception 35 years ago. As part of this programmatic milestone, Seattle Foundation increased its small grants funding to $10,000 per N2N grantee organization, beginning this spring, marking a significant expansion in support of organizations across South Seattle, White Center, Kent, and SeaTac/Tukwila.
This growth responds to increasing need, with Seattle Foundation distributing more than $2.7 million in N2N grants since 2022, marking a 60 percent increase in the program’s grantmaking capacity and direct support to organizations.
To grow its reach and impact, Seattle Foundation has increased investments since 2022, distributing more than $2.7 million in N2N grants, marking a 60 percent increase in the program’s grantmaking capacity and direct support to organizations.
“2026 presents a dual milestone for Seattle Foundation: the organization will mark its 80th anniversary as Neighbor to Neighbor celebrates its 35th — both honor our shared history with grassroots leaders who have shaped this region from the ground up,” said Tiffany Patterson, Chief Marketing Officer at Seattle Foundation. “As we look toward to the next 35 years, Seattle Foundation remains committed to being a partner that listens first and acts with urgency.”
N2N’s model is built on the premise of flexibility, allowing funds to flow quickly to local leaders and organizations to support both projects and operational costs on a quarterly basis. This approach is particularly relevant amid today’s increased need caused by government funding cuts. N2N typically funds more than 60 grassroots organizations per year, and recent expansion has increased support to up to 70 grassroots organizations per year.
“As a former N2N grantee, I know firsthand how transformative early and flexible funding can be for emerging organizations,” said Lindsay Goes Behind, Chief Impact Officer at Seattle Foundation. “By increasing our grants, we are acknowledging that the cost of doing their vital work has risen, and our support must rise to meet it.”
As Neighbor to Neighbor increases its individual grants to organizations from $7,500 to $10,000, a $10,000 grant could support a range of community-driven efforts, such as facilitating a year of peer support circles for parents and caregivers, hosting ongoing youth leadership and cultural programming, or convening community members to address issues including food access, housing stability, and collective healing.
Selected grantees and the projects they will lead for the Spring 2026 cohort include:
- A Father 4 Fathers will facilitate peer-led support circles for fathers in Kent and South King County to build connections, promote healing, and strengthen community leadership.
- Mongolian Cultural Center will identify shared education barriers and cultivate community leadership to advocate for culturally inclusive schools and libraries.
- Young & Elevated Wayfinders (Pacific Islander Community Association) will increase mental health awareness and expand support for underserved Pacific Islander youth and young adults in Kent.
- Mothers Impacting Lives Everyday (MILE) will support Clock It, a youth-led leadership cohort that empowers BIPOC girls ages 13–18 to design and implement a collective community project.
- Somali Bantu Rising will provide peer mentoring through The HUB and foster community-based sports and cultural organizing opportunities for youth in SeaTac and Tukwila.
- Fostering Cuts 4 Confidence will implement Cutting Change, a leadership cohort that uses barbering culture to build confidence, civic engagement, and job readiness among youth in foster care.
- Still Waters Services for Families in Transition will convene biweekly community roundtables to identify food system barriers and co-create community-driven solutions.
- Villa Comunitaria will expand Salsa de la Vida, a community-led urban farming cooperative that advances food justice and cultural connection.
- All Things M.O.M.S. / Life Development and Training Center will provide trauma-informed programming that supports Black single mothers in healing and family reconnection.
- Concord International Elementary Native Indigenous Students will host weekly student club sessions, cultural field trips, cooking and medicine-making classes, and family dinners centered on Native and Indigenous traditions.
- Hillman City Neighborhood Association will strengthen year-round neighborhood organizing efforts that connect residents, immigrant- and BIPOC-owned businesses, youth, and artists.
- Interagency @ King County Jails Student Union will publish a magazine featuring student art and writing, host a public awareness event, and engage restorative justice practitioners to support incarcerated youth.
- Marvin Thomas Memorial Fund will lead a Black youth leadership initiative that helps Black girls build confidence, storytelling skills, and collective power through culturally responsive gardening and creative expression.
- Olu Productions will operate the N2E Global Culture Lab, a youth-led creative entrepreneurship and leadership program for Black youth building economic and cultural power.
- One Vibe Africa will launch the Madaraka Residency at Kezira Café to create leadership and economic opportunities for BIPOC artists and immigrant chefs through stipends, mentorship, and training.
- The Alain Locke Initiative will deliver the Jegnaship Program, a culturally responsive mentorship, workforce development, and leadership initiative for young Black gay and bisexual men in Seattle.
- The Souk Gallery will support a community-rooted creative and retail space, including programming such as an Eid Festival that centers culture, commerce, and connection.
- Through the Wire will expand its programming into a weekly KVRU radio show led by incarcerated journalists to amplify voices to advance narrative change.
N2N follows a community centered process guided by a multisector advisory committee of community leaders, funders, and partners. The program also works closely with Community Advocates based in N2N neighborhoods, who support outreach, convenings, and relationship building with emerging grassroots groups.
“N2N’s support gave Mother Africa the significant visibility allowing us to launch and grow our programs while deepening our impact within immigrant and refugee communities,” said Risho Sapano, Founder, Co-Director of Mother Africa. “Expanding these grants will ensure that more grassroots groups access the resources necessary to respond to community needs, build power and create lasting change.”
This September, Seattle Foundation will continue the celebration of N2N with an annual grantee convening that brings together current and alumni grantees, partners, and funders.
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ABOUT SEATTLE FOUNDATION:
Seattle Foundation is a community foundation that works to advance equity, shared prosperity, and belonging throughout the region while strengthening the impact of the philanthropists it serves. Founded in 1946, we continue to evolve to be the organization our community needs. With more than $1.2 billion in assets, we work with partners to provide effective advising, education, and experiential learning for our philanthropists interested in making a difference both at home here in Seattle and around the world. For those interested in learning more, please visit: https://www.seattlefoundation.org/about-us/.
N2N’s growth has been supported by a collaboration of community philanthropists, foundations, and corporate partners over the years, including City of Kent, Medina Foundation, United Way of King County, Kirkpatrick Family Foundation, Gates Foundation, Seattle Foundation and others.
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