Neighborhood Matching Grant

The 2026 Neighborhood Matching Grant (NMG) Program, administered by the City of Olympia, Washington, is a long-standing initiative designed to empower local communities through grassroots project support. In operation for over 25 years, the program offers small-scale, reimbursement-based funding to Recognized Neighborhood Associations (RNAs) and, for the first time in 2026, to emerging informal neighborhood groups. The City of Olympia emphasizes collaborative, resident-led initiatives that promote neighborhood improvement, community cohesion, and civic participation. The 2026 program includes updates to expand access and flexibility, reflecting Olympia’s continued commitment to inclusive community development. The NMG program is structured around a 50/50 matching model, meaning awarded funds must be matched by the applicant in the form of cash, in-kind donations, or volunteer labor. Volunteer contributions are valued at a standardized rate of $41.70 per hour, as recommended by Independent Sector research. Funding is available for a range of neighborhood improvement activities including signage, garden improvements, walking maps, event materials, and administrative expenses that contribute to the strength and sustainability of the neighborhood association. Allowable expenses also include supplies for safety and preparedness, outreach materials, training, and collaboration with community partners. Ineligible costs include gifts of public funds, alcohol, donations to other entities, and expenditures outside the grant timeline or contract scope. For 2026, the total program budget is $33,000. Recognized Neighborhood Associations may apply for grants between $500 and $5,000. Informal neighborhood groups, newly eligible this year, may request up to $600 when sponsored by an RNA. Each RNA may sponsor one informal group. Importantly, informal group applications are counted separately from their sponsoring RNA’s award ceiling. Projects must serve a public benefit and be completed within defined timeframes under one of two tracks: Track A (with a final report deadline of December 15, 2026) or Track B (with a final report due April 30, 2027). Projects open during the RFP phase of 2027 will not be eligible for that year’s grant cycle. Applications must be submitted online via Submittable from February 2 through March 9, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. Applicants are encouraged to submit one comprehensive application per organization that can include multiple project components. Informal neighborhood groups are only eligible for Track A and must demonstrate that they are geographically based within Olympia’s city limits or Urban Growth Area and not overlap with existing RNAs. Each informal group must comprise at least four residents and be able to show readiness and basic organizational capacity. Applications will be reviewed and scored by a panel consisting of City staff and one Councilmember, with final approval granted by the Olympia City Council. The evaluation rubric includes factors such as alignment with program goals, clarity of project purpose, equity and accessibility, expected neighborhood impact, and organizational readiness. For RNAs, additional consideration is given to projects that build operational capacity and community engagement. Informal neighborhood groups are evaluated on alignment with program goals and their potential to formalize into a full RNA. The application review and contract process will take place from March through May 2026. Awarded applicants must submit expense documentation for reimbursement. Projects requiring work on public lands or in City rights-of-way must coordinate with City staff prior to submission. Insurance may be required, and grantees are expected to submit final reports with documentation, photos, participant counts, and observations. The program is coordinated by Brittany Gillia, Associate Planner for the City of Olympia. Questions may be directed to [email protected] or 360-753-8427. A virtual informational session was held on February 2, 2026, and applicants may access program materials and apply through the official city Submittable portal.

Projects should align with stated goals, demonstrate public benefit, and show readiness to implement within Track A or B timelines. Scoring favors inclusivity, clarity, and collaboration.