Project Criteria
We fund an array of projects that create community improvements such as:
- Tree planting – installation of trees and understory plants in public space (download planting guidance PDF file for reference)
- Tree maintenance – watering, mulching, removal of noxious plant species around existing trees in public space
- Physical improvements – minor park improvements, trailhead enhancement
- Environmental or sustainability project – composting program, community garden
- Public amenity—historical marker, bench
- Community-based public events—such as education events or celebrations to bring the community together
- Projects that are similar to the examples provided above may also be considered
We encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to apply. To be eligible, projects must:
- Be in the city of Burien
- Provide a specific and direct benefit to the Burien community
- Have demonstrated neighborhood support
- Have approval from all adjacent property owners
- Include participation from two or more Burien community members from separate households. Nonprofit partners may also be considered towards this requirement.
- Involve neighborhood residents directly in the planning and implementation of the project
- Have goals that can be accomplished by the end of 2024
- Be designed for low maintenance or neighborhood volunteers
- Be located on publicly accessed property (such as community organizations, public rights-of-way, or parks)
- Be free, open and inclusive to all members of the public
All projects will be required to designate a Neighborhood Project Coordinator to be the liaison between the City and the neighborhood during project development and implementation. The Neighborhood Project Coordinator may be an individual community member or point of contact from a nonprofit organization.
How are projects evaluated?
- Benefits the project will provide
- Who will benefit from the project
- Community participation
- Direct connection between the grant money and the community benefit
- Project feasibility, ease of maintenance, and ability to complete the project by end of 2024
- Overall impact of the project, with an emphasis on providing equitable opportunity and access to the funding in this grant (for example, tools that show areas where projects could have a large impact include the Social Vulnerability Index and Environmental Health Disparities tool)
- Community match and support already received (documentation of the community match is required, volunteer match hours will be logged during project implementation and submitted to the City)
How can you show your project benefits the Burien community?
Strong proposals will include the following:
- Show the specific public benefits of the proposed improvement project. Examples of project benefits might include improving public parks, greening public spaces, reducing CO2 emissions, and providing community gathering opportunities. Offering education and workforce development, opportunities may also qualify as public benefits, provided these opportunities are free, open, and inclusive to all.
- Identify the direct link between the requested grant funds and the public benefits. For example, an application for an improvement project that involves removing ivy or blackberry in a public park and replanting with native or climate resilient plantings might state the following: The grant funding will enable the purchase of new plantings, seeds, and soil for the park that will ensure long term soil health and support the health of the park ecosystem for the continued enjoyment of all Burien community members. Additionally, this will create a more resilient forest that helps clean the air we breathe and water we drink, making Burien a healthier place for all.
- Provide details regarding access to the community improvement project. All projects must be free, open, and accessible to the public.
- Discuss how the proposed improvement project provides benefits that extend beyond the immediate neighborhood. For example, planting trees cools and cleans the air, improves water quality, and sequesters CO2.
- If proposing a community event, provide details regarding your advertising plan to get the word out to the public. Community events must be free, open, and accessible to the public.
How do you apply?
Applications for Neighborhood Grants will open February 20, 2024 and must be submitted by May 1, 2024. Following conclusion of the application period, City of Burien staff will spend 1-2 hours with applicants to discuss details and finalize the scope of work. Grant awards will be announced and contracted in June 2024. All projects must be completed by December 31, 2024.
The first round of applications for Neighborhood Grants will be reviewed starting May 1, 2024 and will be accepted on a rolling basis after May 1st until all funds are allocated.
Interested applicants must fill out an application and submit a proposal by email to [email protected] or mailing a printed copy to the City of Burien (Attention: Planning), 400 SW 152nd Street, Suite 300, Burien, WA 98166.
Application Requirements
The Neighborhood Grant Program application is designed to be flexible to allow applicants to express their community project vision in a variety of formats. If desired, applicants may substitute any of the following for the narrative portion (section 6) of the application:
- Video submission
- Website
- Drawings of the proposed project
- In person presentation (the City may request to record an in-person presentation or to receive a copy of the presentation materials)
- Recorded presentation
- Other formats may also be accepted, subject to City approval
It is anticipated that the application will take 2-8 hours to complete, depending on the level of detail provided.
Need the application or other information in another language? Please send a request for assistance to [email protected].
Questions?
Translation services may be provided upon request. Contact [email protected] with questions or to set up a meeting for more information.
Updated February 21, 2024