Everett Using Unclaimed Neighborhood Funds To Create Community Sparks

Every year the City of Everett budgets money for its neighborhood groups to use on activities or projects. Some use it for National Night Out, others for community garage sales and a few for neighborhood improvements.

There are a few neighborhood groups who aren’t active and never use their allotted funds. The city’s Office of Neighborhoods has come up with a way to put those funds to good use. It’s called the Community Sparks program.

The Community Sparks program helps Everett residents foster a sense of community through small projects that will benefit the community and build connections. Community Sparks funding is available to community groups for projects that build stronger connections within Everett city limits. Up to $500 of eligible expenses for your project or event are reimbursable with Community Sparks funds and must be matched with volunteer labor and/or monetary or in-kind donations. People of all ages and abilities are encouraged to apply.

Who should apply?
Everett residents
Neighbors
Community groups

Who is not eligible?
Individuals
Organizations
Non-Everett residents

What are the project requirements?
Open to all members of the public
Foster community connections
Occur within Everett city limits
Demonstrate community match

Reimbursable expenses:
Eligible project expenses will be reimbursed with Community Sparks funds up to the amount awarded (maximum of $500). If your project is approved, City staff will work with you to determine which project expenses are eligible for reimbursement.
Some reimbursable expenses include:
 Project materials like lumber, event décor, refreshments, etc.
 Professional services such as printed promotional materials or an entertainer at an event
 Event fees such as permits or rentals

Here are all of the guidelines.

Here is the link to apply online.

Funds are limited, and applications that meet the project criteria will be considered on a first-come basis and prioritized by level of community engagement. Projects are reviewed bi-weekly and selected by City of Everett staff between now and Oct. 2, 2017. View the 2017 guidelines or contact Jaimee Hudson, community engagement specialist at the Office of Neighborhoods, at jhudson@everettwa.gov or 425-257-7195 to learn more about eligible projects, about the reimbursement process or discuss your idea or questions.

Please turn in your application no later than Oct. 2. National Night Out project requests
must be submitted by July 14. All projects must be complete by Dec. 9.