The Neighbor to Neighbor Funding, offered by the Seattle Foundation, is designed to support grassroots initiatives that enhance the engagement, power, and influence of community members who are affected by poverty and racial disparities. This funding opportunity is particularly focused on efforts led by individuals from under-invested communities, including communities of color, Black, Indigenous, immigrant and refugee populations, as well as low-income communities. The grant amounts range from one thousand to ten thousand dollars, with a maximum of seven thousand five hundred dollars for specific projects. The application deadline for this funding is October 30, 2024.

The primary purpose of the Neighbor to Neighbor Funding is to foster increased engagement, power, and influence within communities to achieve greater equity. The initiative aims to empower grassroots organizations to mobilize residents, support community priorities, and build strong networks among community members and funders. The funding is intended to strengthen community-initiated efforts and demonstrate effective strategies that lead to systemic change. Additionally, it seeks to amplify community voices to improve practices, programs, initiatives, and policies.

Eligible applicants for this funding must meet several criteria. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or be fiscally sponsored by a tax-exempt organization. They should be based in specific geographic areas, including South Seattle, White Center, Kent, or SeaTac/Tukwila. The mission and work of the applicant must clearly address economic and racial disparities, and the organization should generally have a small budget of under two hundred thousand dollars. Organizations that have previously received funding from Neighbor to Neighbor are welcome to reapply, provided they have submitted a final report for past funding.

The funding can be utilized for various purposes, including building leadership among community members, mobilizing residents for advocacy and policy change, fostering trust and relationships within communities, and creating partnerships among groups and institutions. Examples of funded activities include training programs, community organizing, advocacy efforts, and coalition-building initiatives. The goal is to support projects that lead to increased engagement, connections, and influence within the community.

When evaluating applications, the Seattle Foundation will consider several criteria. These include the applicant's community engagement, the soundness of the proposed plan, and the financial and human capacity to carry out the work. The foundation seeks to understand how well the organization is connected to the community it serves and whether the proposed work demonstrates clear goals and measurable outcomes. Additionally, the presence of adequate staff or volunteers and a strong board or steering committee will be assessed.

The timeline for this funding opportunity includes a submission deadline of October 30, 2024. Organizations interested in applying should ensure they meet all eligibility requirements and prepare their applications accordingly. For further information, applicants can reach out to Aileen Balahadia at the Seattle Foundation via email or phone. This funding opportunity represents a significant chance for grassroots organizations to secure financial support for initiatives aimed at fostering equity and community empowerment.