King County Executive Dow Constantine announced the fourth year of grant opportunities for unincorporated Community Service Areas, and congratulated residents for their work to build strong local communities.
“The people of King County have the spirit of creativity, partnership, and resourcefulness that can forge strong bonds between neighbors,” Constantine said. “Over the past three years we’ve supported some outstanding community-building projects, and with these grants I look forward to helping unincorporated neighborhoods advance their local initiatives in 2015.”
A total of $60,000 in King County Community Service Area Program grant funding is available for projects costing less than $5,000. Project examples include: newsletters that inform residents about important issues affecting the community; events such as concerts, festivals, and educational and safety projects; neighborhood improvement projects such as tree planting, graffiti removal and clean-up; community-led planning or training; and signs for a neighborhood or community.
Proposals should demonstrate how activities would be accessible to all unincorporated King County residents regardless of race, income, or language spoken.
A minimum match of 25 percent in the form of volunteer time, cash or in-kind services of the total project cost is required. Applications are due by Dec. 8.
Priority for funding will be given to locally based, community-led organizations in unincorporated King County that encourage collaborations and partnerships.
“The demand to create new projects by unincorporated area residents is increasing every year, and it is gratifying to support the creative energy of these community groups,” said Alan Painter, manager of King County’s unincorporated Community Service Area program.
During the last three years, 76 projects were funded throughout unincorporated King County, including: music in local parks; National Night Out events; support for local senior centers; volunteer cleanup along the Snoqualmie River; neighborhood cleanup initiatives; community signage; and youth projects.
Information about the 2015 application process, grant application workshop dates, and a list of the 2014 and previous year awardees is available online, or by contacting Marissa Alegria, (206) 477-4523. Final funding availability is contingent on approval of the 2015-16 King County Budget.
