2026 Neighborhood Matching Grant application period opens in Olympia

The City of Olympia is accepting applications for its 2026 Neighborhood Matching Grant Program (NMGP), and is also expanding eligibility to include informal neighborhood groups.

Applications will be accepted through March 9 at 11:59 p.m.

For this year, informal neighborhood groups may apply for funding under the program. To qualify, a group must include at least four residents representing a defined geographic area.

Informal groups may apply for up to $6,000 for a small project and are eligible under Track A only, with a project completion deadline of Dec. 15.

Each informal group must have a recognized neighborhood association (RNA) sponsor. Each RNA may sponsor only one informal group per funding cycle.

The expansion is intended to help emerging neighborhood groups complete small quick-win projects or take steps toward forming a recognized neighborhood association.

For RNAs, grant awards range from $500 to $5,000 and operate on a 50-50 matching basis. The city funds up to 50% of project costs, and the RNA applying must match the remaining amount through financial contributions, donated materials and volunteer time.

The city is offering two-funding tracks for 2026 to accommodate winter and spring projects:

• Track A – Projects must be completed and final reports submitted by Dec. 15.
• Track B – Projects must be completed and final reports submitted by April 30, 2027.

Program goals, projects

The matching grant program goals have been expanded and organized into three categories:

• Neighborhood improvements: beautification projects and shared neighborhood resources.
• Community well-being: social projects that strengthen neighborhood connections and relationships.
• RNA organization: improvements to organizational structure and long-term stability of recognized neighborhood associations.

In recent years, the program supported projects, such as walking maps, signage, murals, park and garden improvements, neighborhood events, and other efforts for improving shared spaces. RNAs have used matching grant program funding for various projects, including the following:

• A bench installation at Bigelow Springs Park by Bigelow RNA (2021)
• Kaiser Place Sign Project (2024)
• Bigelow Highlands Neighborhood Association block party (2024)
• Central Street Mural by Eastside RNA (2021)
• Joy Avenue Trail & Edible Forest Garden irrigation system and maintenance project by Northeast RNA (2022)

For more information, contact City of Olympia Associate Planner Brittany Gillia at bgillia@ci.olympia.wa.us or at 360.753.8427.