Neighbor to Neighbor Program

The Seattle Foundation’s Neighbor to Neighbor (N2N) program provides funding to grassroots organizations working to increase engagement, power, and influence among communities most affected by poverty and racial disparities. The program prioritizes efforts led by individuals from under-invested communities, including communities of color, Black, Indigenous, immigrant and refugee populations, and low-income neighborhoods. N2N grants aim to build leadership, strengthen advocacy, and enhance community connections through projects that empower residents to drive positive change. The Seattle Foundation is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to foster greater equity and opportunity across the region. Through N2N, it invests in community-led initiatives that mobilize residents, strengthen relationships, and amplify voices in policy and systems change. Grants of up to $7,500 are awarded to support work such as leadership development, policy advocacy, coalition building, and community dialogues. Direct social services, ongoing programming, cultural festival sponsorships, and one-time events are generally not funded. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or a fiscal sponsor, be based in South Seattle, White Center, Kent, or SeaTac/Tukwila, and have a mission centered on addressing economic and racial disparities. Organizations must operate with an annual budget under $200,000 and have limited access to traditional funding sources. Past grantees are welcome to reapply once per year after submitting a final report for previous funding. The application process involves several steps. First, potential applicants are encouraged to contact the N2N Program Consultant, Aileen Balahadia, at 206-250-4299 or a.balahadia@seattlefoundation.org, to confirm alignment with current funding strategies. Eligible organizations then create an account in the online application system and complete the application. Staff may provide technical assistance, help identify fiscal sponsors or partners, and review drafts before submission. Applicants are encouraged to request a draft review before the quarterly deadline. Funding decisions are based on rating criteria including demonstrated community engagement, a clear and achievable project plan, sufficient organizational capacity, and alignment with N2N’s goals of increasing engagement, connections, and influence. Applications should outline measurable goals, reasonable budgets, and strategies for achieving lasting community impact. Site visits with the advisory committee may be scheduled to learn more about the applicant’s work. N2N accepts applications on a quarterly schedule, with deadlines on January 30, April 30, July 30, and October 30. Grants are recurring, allowing organizations to apply in future years if they meet eligibility requirements. All inquiries and applications are coordinated through the Seattle Foundation’s office at 1601 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1900, Seattle, WA 98101-3615, with mail donations sent to Seattle Foundation, LB#1069, PO Box 35146, Seattle, WA 98124-5146.

Contact the program consultant before applying to confirm alignment with funding strategies; utilize available technical assistance; request a draft review prior to deadline.