Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Olympia City Council approved the 2026 Neighborhood Matching Grant allocations, along with a series of updates aimed at improving transparency, equity and neighborhood participation in the long-running program.
Brittany Gillia, an Associate Planner with Community Plan and Economic Development, presented the recommended grant allocations and program changes to the city council at a meeting on Tuesday, April 14.
She described the updates as a “refresh” informed by feedback from neighborhoods and staff.
“For over 25 years, neighborhood matching grants have supported local projects ranging from block parties to community gardens,” Gillia told the council.
The grants are reimbursement-based and require a 50 percent match in volunteer time, donated cash or materials. Typical awards have been up to $5,000 per recognized neighborhood association (RNA).
For 2026, the city set aside a $33,000 budget to fund 11 projects — nine at full funding and two at partial funding — with an estimated total value of $176,946.50 when combined with volunteer contributions.
The city expanded eligibility to informal neighborhood groups, allowing smaller grants up to $600 for geographically defined groups not covered by RNA. The goal is to support small, quick-win projects and help emerging groups build toward formal organization.
According to Gillia, two informal groups applied in this year’s cycle.
The city also updated the program’s goals and scoring rubric to improve transparency, and to prioritize projects that expand access to resources, remove barriers and foster belonging.
The scoring system was refined using models from other city grant programs, such as Inspire Olympia and lodging tax funding. Additional improvements are underway, including plans to fully digitize the application process.
Another update involves financial requirements. Gillia said the scoring standards now encourage RNA fiscal independence, and the program requires applicants to provide an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
She said staff provided guidance materials through the Council of Neighborhood Associations and hosted a workshop to help groups understand how to obtain an EIN.
“The scoring criteria does include a small nudge toward our RNA financial health by offering bonus points for groups that have shown that they have a bank account,” Gillia said.
To better meet neighborhood needs, the city introduced two timeline options: a standard Track A and a new Track B, which allows projects to run from contract signing through the following April, providing up to a full year to complete work.
Gillia said the city also expanded outreach and coordination with neighborhood representatives through surveys, discussions, and interdepartmental collaboration to align the program with community priorities.
The council approved the 2026 funding recommendations without opposition.
Mayor Dontae Payne praised the updates and the role the neighborhoods play in shaping the city.
“Our neighborhoods are the heartbeat of the city,” said Payne, adding he appreciated seeing how communities use grant funds for projects that matter to them.
4 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
olyhiker
I see quite a few things that look more pricey than needed. Taxes!
Wednesday, April 15 Report this
Mugwump
All this while I can’t get one stupid speed bump installed.
Thursday, April 16 Report this
ClimateTeam
Yay for these neighborhood groups. They are creating communities in a time when too often people feel left out.
Thursday, April 16 Report this
Olywelcomesall
Good to see these neighborhood projects get help from the city. Good return on investment too, for every dollar the city invests it gets more than $3 of project activities in return. The neighborhood based projects bring neighbors together to build durable solutions block by block. Thank you City of Olympia!
Thursday, April 16 Report this