Matching grants available for Kent's neighborhood improvement projects

The City of Kent announced the return of its Neighborhood Matching Grant Program for 2012.

Designed to stimulate community projects that build strong neighborhoods, grants are available to groups of residents who have formed Neighborhood Councils.

“The Neighborhood Matching Grant Fund is a component of Kent’s Neighborhood Program, where residents are encouraged to work together to make improvements to their neighborhoods, develop a sense of community, and build relationships with each other,” said Toni Azzola, Kent’s Neighborhood program coordinator.“The Matching Grant Fund gives residents a little extra incentive to do that.”

Azzola encourages residents to use their imaginations and says projects eligible for grant funding can include such things as signage for neighborhood entrances, landscaping for traffic circles and retention ponds, planting of trees, shrubs, or bulbs, clean-up events, and neighborhood newsletters.

“Residents often tell me they’d like to do a project but have lacked the resources to get it accomplished. These grant funds provide some financial assistance and help them to make a difference in their neighborhoods,” Azzola said.

Neighborhood Grant Matching Funds are awarded on a competitive basis. Community contribution of volunteer labor, professional services or cash is matched by a 50 percent grant.

Grant projects are evaluated by a Grant Review Team and selected based on criteria including neighborhood participation, benefit to the public, planning, scope of work and maintenance of the project after it is completed.

“Over the past few years, some great projects were funded," Azzola said. "I look forward to seeing this year’s applications and I’m excited about helping Neighborhood Councils achieve their goals."

Matching grant applications are due Monday, April 2 for funding in 2012. Only recognized Neighborhood Council’s are eligible to apply.

For information on forming a Neighborhood Council or to obtain a Matching Grant application, visit www.KentNeighborhoodProgram.com or call Toni Azzola at 253-856-5708.

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