The City of Kent announces the return of its Neighborhood Matching Grant Program for 2010.

Designated to stimulate community projects that build strong neighborhoods, grants are available to groups of residents who have formed Neighborhood Councils.

“The Neighborhood Matching Grant Fund is a component of Kent’s Neighborhood Program, where residents are encouraged to work together to make improvements to their neighborhoods,” said Toni Azzola, Kent’s neighborhood program coordinator. “The Matching Grant Fund gives residents a little extra incentive to do that.”

Azzola encourages residents to use their imaginations but says projects eligible for grant funding can include such things as signage for neighborhood entrances, landscaping for traffic circles and retention ponds, planting of trees, shrubs, or bulbs, clean-up events, and neighborhood newsletters.

Neighborhood Grant Matching Funds are awarded on a competitive basis. Community contribution of volunteer labor, professional services or cash is “matched” at 50 percent of the total project value.

Grant projects are evaluated by a grant review team and selected based on criteria including neighborhood participation, benefit to the public, planning, scope of work and maintenance of the project after it is completed.

“Last year, some great projects were funded. I’m looking forward to seeing this year’s applications and helping neighborhood councils achieve their goals,” Azzola said.

Matching grant applications will be accepted in two separate rounds, with due dates being April 1 and Sept. 1 for funding in 2010. Only recognized Neighborhood Councils are eligible to apply.

For information about forming a neighborhood council or to obtain a matching grant application, visit www.KentNeighborhoodProgram.com or call Toni Azzola at 253-856-5708.