Neighbor to Neighbor (N2N) Grants

Neighbor to Neighbor (N2N), a program of Seattle Foundation, supports grassroots efforts led by under-invested communities to promote equity by increasing community engagement, power, and influence. The initiative is designed to fund community-driven projects that respond to economic and racial disparities, focusing on the empowerment of Black, Indigenous, people of color, immigrant and refugee populations, and low-income communities. N2N provides quarterly grants of up to $7,500, prioritizing emerging organizations with limited access to traditional funding. The program places emphasis on fostering relationships, mobilizing residents for policy change, and supporting collaborative coalitions to build stronger and more equitable neighborhoods. N2N aims to achieve systemic change by supporting grassroots projects that build leadership capacity, community mobilization, and influence over programs and policies. The program funds work that enables residents to lead efforts that create positive community transformation, such as organizing trainings, planning community-led projects, facilitating policy advocacy efforts, and initiating coalition-building activities. Activities such as convenings and intergenerational exchanges are also eligible, provided they advance the goals of increased community connection and equitable engagement. The funding does not typically cover direct social services, cultural event sponsorships, or ongoing program support. Instead, it supports new or evolving initiatives led by residents. Examples of supported work include training programs that strengthen local leadership, focus groups and community surveys that inform advocacy priorities, and partnerships that enhance community voice in broader coalitions. Projects should demonstrate alignment with N2N’s core goals: increased engagement, deeper relationships, and greater community influence on institutional decisions. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria to be considered. Organizations must either have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or be fiscally sponsored by a tax-exempt entity. They must also be based in one of the defined geographic priority areas: South Seattle (south of I-90), White Center, Kent, SeaTac, or Tukwila. Additionally, applicants must have an explicit mission to address racial and economic disparities and operate with a small budget generally under $200,000. Organizations that have received previous N2N grants are welcome to reapply, provided they have submitted a final report and are applying only once within the calendar year. The application process involves four steps: initial contact with N2N’s Senior Program Officer, creation of a login to access the online application system, optional request for a draft review, and final submission by the quarterly deadlines of January 30, April 30, July 30, or October 30. Technical assistance is available throughout the process. N2N staff may also help applicants identify fiscal sponsors, plan their projects, or connect with community resources. Site visits are typically scheduled to facilitate dialogue between applicants and the advisory committee. Applications are evaluated based on several key criteria: the strength of community engagement and leadership demonstrated, clarity and feasibility of the project plan and budget, organizational capacity, and alignment with N2N’s outcomes. Preference is given to proposals that are likely to achieve multiple results related to engagement, connectivity, and influence. For questions or assistance, applicants are encouraged to contact Nimco Bulale, Senior Program Officer, by phone at 206.957.7707 ext. 187.

Contact the program officer before applying; request draft review prior to deadline.