Residents with ideas for improving the appearance of their neighborhoods can ask for up to $5,000 from the city through the Neighborhood Match program. Residents must match city money with their own cash, labor and/or materials.

The Neighborhood Match program for 2010 kicks off Jan. 1, with grant applications accepted until March 1.

Successful projects could include beautification of a median, installation of a neighborhood entry sign with landscaping, replacement of deteriorating mailbox stands or even public art. Criteria for proposed projects and a simple application form can be found at www.bellevuewa.gov/neighborhood_match_program.htm.

There is a total of $50,000 allocated to the Neighborhood Match program, so applicants are advised to seek funding as early as possible.

For more information, to discuss your project ideas or to get help with the application process, contact Patricia Knight at 425-452-7917 or pknight@bellevuewa.gov.