Lacey Neighborhood Matching Grant Program

The Lacey Neighborhood Matching Grant Program (LNGP) is a community-focused initiative established by the Lacey City Council to promote civic engagement, neighborhood beautification, and community development within the city limits of Lacey, Washington. The program aims to strengthen local neighborhoods by providing funding support for projects that improve quality of life, increase neighborhood pride, and foster inclusive participation in community life. With a dedicated fund of $60,000, this grant opportunity is open to both formally recognized homeowners associations (HOAs) and informal neighborhood groups residing within the city's jurisdiction. The LNGP supports a wide array of project categories, encouraging applicants to be creative and responsive to their neighborhood’s specific needs. Eligible project types include safety and emergency preparedness efforts, such as improved lighting and disaster planning; environmental initiatives like tree planting and rain garden installations; and beautification efforts such as public art or community picnic spaces. Additionally, the grant supports organizational capacity-building efforts through board education and community outreach, as well as compassionate community-building programs like food drives and neighborhood events. All proposed projects must be nonprofit in nature and deliver a lasting or direct public benefit to the neighborhood. Eligibility is restricted to neighborhoods and HOAs within the Lacey city limits. Each group may submit only one application per year. For informal neighborhoods, a minimum five-member project team is required, and any award over $600 necessitates securing a fiscal sponsor to manage grant funds. Fiscal sponsors must be non-profit entities or businesses willing to take on fiduciary responsibility for the project. All applicants must adhere to Lacey city ordinances and non-discrimination policies, and projects must not serve to promote religious, political, or commercial interests. Projects conducted on private property or for routine maintenance are not eligible. Grant awards are designed as matching funds, with a maximum grant ceiling of $2,500, and require a dollar-for-dollar contribution from the neighborhood. Acceptable match components include adult volunteer time, donated materials, and professional services essential to the project. For the 2026 cycle, the value of volunteer hours is set at $34.79 per hour. Administrative activities like planning and fundraising are not considered eligible for match valuation. The city requires documented evidence of match contributions and will use the Independent Sector’s valuation for verification. The application process is straightforward but adheres to a strict timeline. Applications opened on January 6, 2026, and will close on March 31, 2026. Funding decisions will be communicated during the week of April 20–24, 2026. Selected projects must be completed by December 31, 2026. A written program agreement including scope of work and reimbursement procedures must be signed upon approval. Proof of insurance is required, and failure to complete a project within the calendar year may result in a one-year disqualification from future funding cycles, unless extenuating circumstances are approved by the city. Applications are reviewed by a panel of city staff from the Communications, Community and Economic Development, and Parks Maintenance departments. Evaluation criteria include public benefit, feasibility, and alignment with city goals. For assistance or inquiries, applicants may contact Jenny Bauersfeld, Communications Specialist, at 360-438-2621 or via email at [email protected]. This grant program represents a valuable opportunity for Lacey residents to play an active role in shaping and enriching their shared spaces.

Ensure projects are not recurring maintenance and meet public benefit criteria; prepare complete documentation for volunteer hours and match contributions.