What could you do with $10,000 in your neighborhood? The city of Bellevue Neighborhood Match Program is getting a mini “make-over” this summer with changes such as the grant amount doubled from $5,000 to $10,000 per project, construction management process streamlined and another deadline being added. The program is expected to accomplish more neighborhood improvement projects through partnerships in the years to come.

The Neighborhood Match Program is also the only neighborhood program that builds projects that are initiated by residents, and where matching funds are directly accessible by residents.

City staff will provide assistance and guidance for permitting and construction management for neighborhoods. In addition to the March deadline, another deadline will be added in June to give neighborhoods another chance to submit applications. Neighborhoods also will be encouraged to partner with local business, schools and other organizations for their projects.

The Neighborhood Match Program was created in the 1990s as a response to residents who requested small local projects to improve their neighborhood.

The program provided matching grants up to $5,000 per project for small-scale neighborhood improvements. For every dollar awarded by the city, the applying neighborhood is required to provide an equal or greater match consisting of cash, professional services, building materials, and/or volunteer labor.

Last year the program funded more than 30 small improvement projects. For more details about the program and its criteria, contact Program Manager Ying Carlson at 425-452-4342 or ycarlson@bellevuewa.gov to discuss a project.