2024 Small and Simple Grant Program

The Small and Simple Grant Program provides funding for neighborhood-led projects that make positive neighborhood improvements, encourage community engagement, and demonstrate City-wide benefit.

Grant agreements for projects initiated in 2024 that were not completed may be considered for extension. Contact the Mayor’s Office for details. Plans for Small and Simple Grants for 2025 have not been announced.

 All 2024 Small and Simple Grants were focused in three categories that support City and community priorities.  

  • Communications and Connections 
  • Neighborhood Signs 
  • Tree Planting 

 

  • All City-recognized neighborhood associations are eligible to apply. Multiple neighborhoods may submit a joint application. 
  • Projects must be led and completed by the neighborhood associations. 
  • Grants will be awarded based on a competitive review process. 
  • There are three defined project categories to choose from in 2024. We will only consider projects in these areas:  
    • Communications and Connections 
    • Neighborhood Signs 
    • Tree Planting  
  • Up to $10,000 in reimbursement funds are available per neighborhood in 2024 across two separate grants. Each neighborhood may submit up to two grant applications: 
    • One application for up to $5,000 for the Communications and Connections and/or Neighborhood Signs project categories 
    • One application for up to $5,000 for the Tree Planting project category  
  • Applications are accepted between May 1-May 31, 2024. Grant announcements are expected in June 2024. 
  • Projects must begin in 2024 and be completed by end of year.   
  • Funds are provided on a reimbursable basis. Neighborhood representatives must be willing and able to pay costs upfront then submit receipts for reimbursement. 
  • Matching funds are not required. 
  • Funds are available for one-time projects only. 
  • Neighborhood representatives are responsible for obtaining any applicable permissions and permits to proceed with projects awarded Small and Simple Grants. 
  • Applications must include written permission from necessary landowners or City departments, where applicable. 

There are three project categories to choose from in 2024:  

  • Communications and Connections 
  • Neighborhood Signs 
  • Tree Planting 

Neighborhoods may choose to submit one combined application for a grant of up to $5,000 for Communications and Connections and/or Neighborhood Signs. Neighborhoods can also choose to submit a separate application for a grant of up to $5,000 for Tree Planting projects.  

Communications and Connections 

Projects that fall under this category include any projects or activities with the purpose of improving communications or cultivating connections within a neighborhood. This could include:  

  • Creating materials to improve communications within neighborhoods, such as: 
    • Websites 
    • Flyers, newsletters surveys  
    • One-time subscriptions to support outreach, such as an online survey or to launch an e-newsletter
  • Hosting a neighborhood event, such as: 
    • Meetings  
    • Educational events 
    • Social gatherings
    • Facility rentals to support events

Neighborhood Signs 

Projects that fall under this category would include the design, creation and installation of signs that welcome people to and delineate a neighborhood. Neighborhood leaders are encouraged to reach out to neighborhoods that have completed recent sign projects for ideas on how to lead successful neighborhood sign efforts.  

Tree Planting  

Neighborhoods may apply for up to $5,000 for a Tree Planting project in addition to Communications and Connections and/or Neighborhood Sign project(s).  

Why trees? Trees beautify our City and also provide shade, reduce levels of noise and dust, increase property values, reduce polluted runoff, absorb carbon dioxide, produce oxygen, improve wellbeing, provide wildlife habitat, and more.  

To increase tree canopy cover across Bellingham and meet the goals set in our first-ever Urban Forest Plan, we are piloting a Tree Planting grant. It is part of our 2024 Community Tree Programs initiated to support growing our urban forest. We will follow up with participating neighborhoods for feedback on this pilot to learn how we can improve this category in the future.  

Requirements for this category:  

  • Projects in this category must result in trees planted on private property.  
    • Why private property? The City and our partners plant thousands of trees each year in parks, restoration sites, and other public property and we have existing programs for our community to get involved in these efforts. If we are to effectively grow our tree canopy cover citywide, more trees will need to be planted on private property as well.  
  • Trees chosen for projects in this category must be selected from the Eligible Tree List. These trees are adapted to this area and are tall enough at maturity to maximize tree canopy benefits.  

Projects that fall under this category could include:  

  • Community tree planting event in people’s yards  
  • Tree distribution event where neighbors can pick up free trees  
  • Hiring landscaping services or partnering with nonprofits to provide tree planting support 

Find more information about planting trees in Bellingham.  

More Information

Mayor’s Office  

Photo above: The Cordata Neighborhood Association was awarded a 2019 Small and Simple Grant to support its community garden.

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